The local lockdown of Co. Kildare is to be lifted.
In a statement, the government says "The Government has decided today (31st August 2020) that the specific public health measures introduced in Kildare on 7th August will be lifted with immediate effect. Public health measures in the county will be aligned with those introduced nationally on 18th August."
Today’s decision to lift the additional Covid restrictions on County Kildare was only possible because of the people of Kildare - their extra effort, their sacrifices and their patience. And it worked. Numbers in Kildare now similar to rest of country. We must all stay vigilant.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 31, 2020
The restrictions have been in place for three and a half weeks.
When the local restrictions were brought in, the rolling 5-day average was 22.2 cases.
Now it's 10.8 cases.
75 cases were confirmed in Kildare over the past week, compared to 238 cases three weeks ago.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “This evening, I want to recognise the very significant impact of the measures on individuals, communities and businesses in Kildare over the past three weeks. The improvement in the epidemiological situation there is a testament to the willingness of everyone to adhere to the public health guidance and measures implemented.
“At a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team today, NPHET thanked people in Kildare – and in Laois and Offaly previously – for their forbearance and noted that their actions are a demonstration, and a further reminder, of what can be achieved through collective action as we continue to strike a balance between living our lives and behaving in a way that protects one another.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin says the decision has come due to the extra effort, sacrifices and patience of Kildare residents and businesses.
He's also warned that "We must all stay vigilant."
