COUNTIES Dublin and Limerick are reportedly being considered for localised lockdowns with both experiencing rising coronavirus case numbers.
Residents of both counties have been warned to take extra precautions to avoid such a reality.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn stressed that the Department of Health was "particularly concerned" about the increase in Covid-19 cases and insisted that the next seven days were "really important" in containing any further spread.
Dr Glynn also tweeted seven tips for people in both counties to adhere to in order to avoid a local lockdown situation.
His tips were as follows:
- Reduce your social contacts
- Take a step back and keep your distance from others
- Do not drop your guard just because you know someone
- Isolate and contact your GP if any concerning symptoms. Do not go to work. Remember a test is free
- Wash your hands regularly through the day
- Wear a face covering
- Download the covidtracker app
4. Isolate and contact your GP if any concerning symptoms. Do not go to work. Remember a test is free.
5. Wash your hands regularly through the day
6. Wear a face covering
7. Download the covidtracker app#holdfirm— Dr Ronan Glynn (@ronan_glynn) September 7, 2020
"The next week is vital," he said at a press briefing, "and people really need to cut down their social contacts.
"They need to take all the precautions over the next week in those counties
"They need to assume now again, unfortunately, that Covid is circulating in the community and act appropriately.
"I can't say it strongly enough that people in Dublin in particular need to adhere to physical distancing."
Last month, Kildare, Offaly and Laois were plunged into localised lockdowns after Covid-19 cases refused to drop significantly enough.
The latter two counties remained under restriction for two weeks while Kildare remained in lockdown for three weeks.
