NPHET recommendation for full nationwide lockdown to be discussed today

The Government is considering whether the country should go back into lockdown after over 900 Covid-19 cases were recorded over the weekend.

The National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended the entire country moves to Level 5 restrictions.

If adopted it would mean all social visits would be banned, travel would be restricted and only essential retail shops would remain open.

Dublin is currently on Level Three restrictions.

Up to now the Government has almost entirely adopted their health chiefs’ advice throughout the pandemic, but a return to lockdown would have a serious economic and societal impact.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the leaders of his two coalition partners will meet the country’s chief medical officer later today ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss the recommendations.

Under Level 5, people are asked to stay at home, except to exercise within 5km, with only essential retailers allowed to stay open.

Unlike the first lockdown, schools and creches would not have to close.