Covid crisis: 5,419 new cases, Taoiseach announces restrictions

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 5,419 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

As of 8 a.m. today, 528 patients were hospitalised, 110 in ICU.

Day to day variation in the reported number of cases of Covid-19 does not impact on key trend analysis.

In an address to the nation this evening, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced the following restrictions from December 7 to January 9 next.

Nightclubs will close.

Strict social distancing will be required in all bars and restaurants, including hotels and they must all revert to the situation that was in place before October 22.

That means:

Table service only.

1 metre between tables.

A maximum of six adults per table.

There can be no multiple table bookings.

Masks must be worn when not at the table.

Closing time remains at midnight.

He stated: "There will be a maximum of 50% capacity at entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events, which must all be fully seated. Face masks must be worn at all times unless eating or drinking.

"Requirement for the Covid Pass will be required for gyms and leisure centres and hotel bars and restaurants.

"In addition, NPHET have advised that visits to private homes over the coming weeks should be kept to a maximum of three other households (that’s four households in total) at any one time.

"However, they do acknowledge the need for flexibility.

"Across the country, very many people in the hospitality and entertainment industries will be bitterly disappointed by this news.

"Many of them will be fearing for their livelihoods.

"I want to reassure them that just as we have done since the beginning of the pandemic, the government will stand by them and ensure that they have the financial supports necessary to weather this latest storm and to stay intact until we are out of it.

"We have demonstrated, through interventions and supports unprecedented in their scale and scope, that we will do whatever we need to do to safely steer our society and economy through this.

"And that has worked, in sectors all across the economy, with many hundreds of thousands of people back in work in industries that relied on Government support during the pandemic.

"We will continue this approach for those employers and workers affected by tonight’s developments.

"I am also conscious that over the last week we have talked a lot about our children and young people and I know that they carry a lot of worry on their shoulders."