Dublin, Ireland – The Irish government has announced new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as the country experiences a surge in cases. On Tuesday, September 15th, the government announced that Dublin, the capital city, would be placed under stricter lockdown measures than the rest of the country. The measures include closing indoor dining at restaurants and pubs, limiting outdoor gatherings to 15 people, and restricting travel in and out of the city.
The announcement comes as Ireland reported its highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases since May. The country recorded 357 new cases on Monday, September 14th, bringing the total number of cases to over 31,000. Dublin has been particularly hard hit, accounting for over half of the new cases in the country.
The new measures have been met with mixed reactions from the public and business owners. Some have criticized the government for not doing enough to prevent the spread of the virus earlier, while others have expressed frustration at the impact the measures will have on their livelihoods.
The government has acknowledged the difficulties faced by businesses and has announced a new support package to help those affected by the restrictions. The package includes a wage subsidy scheme and grants for affected businesses.
The announcement of the new measures comes as other European countries, including Spain and France, are also experiencing a surge in cases. The World Health Organization has warned that the situation in Europe is “alarming” and has called for increased efforts to contain the virus.
Ireland had been praised for its handling of the pandemic earlier this year, with the country’s lockdown measures being credited with preventing a larger outbreak. However, the recent surge in cases has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by governments in containing the virus.
The government has urged the public to continue to follow guidelines on social distancing and hygiene in order to prevent the spread of the virus. The wearing of face masks in indoor public spaces has also been made mandatory.
The situation in Dublin and Ireland as a whole will continue to be closely monitored in the coming weeks as the country works to contain the virus. The government has stated that the measures will be reviewed in three weeks’ time, with the hope that they can be lifted if the situation improves.
In the meantime, businesses and individuals affected by the restrictions will be looking to the government for support as they navigate the challenging economic and social landscape created by the pandemic.
