The Foreign Affairs Minister's admitting unpopular decisions may have to be made next week regarding Covid restrictions.
Simon Coveney says the Government wants to press ahead with easing most restrictions on October 22nd but says "they can’t ignore science!.
“The government wants to move ahead as planned but we will of course listen to NPHET” Minister @simoncoveney tells @NTBreakfast on easing restrictions next week
“We can’t just ignore something because it’s not popular”
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) October 14, 2021
More than 2,000 cases were reported yesterday, while there are 390 patients in hospital with the virus.
Minister Coveney says these figures are "essentially a warning shot".
"The government will be slow to move away from the plan."
"But, like at every point sometimes the Government has to make the right decision even if they're unpopular."
NPHET Say Hospitals Are Overstretched
It comes as a member of NPHET said a number of hospitals are "maxed out".
Dr Mary Favier says it’s a case of déjà vu for many healthcare workers.
The @hpscireland has today been notified of 2,066* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
As of 8am today, 408 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 69 are in ICU.
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) October 13, 2021
"Our hospitality capacity is already overstretched, it's already turning away non-covid work".
She used University Hospital Kerry as an example.
"It's maxed out, there are no ICU, no hospital beds and patients being turned away."
NPHET is to meet on Monday to decide whether to give the go-ahead for measures to ease on Fri
