Health Minister Stephen Donnelly Issues Very Positive Update on COVID Situation in Dublin

Mr Donnelly said Level 3 restrictions \’appear to be working\’ in the capital

The reproductive rate of coronavirus in Dublin is dropping, the Health Minister confirmed this afternoon.

There was a huge spike in new cases of the virus yesterday with 1,012 infections announced by health chiefs.

More than 200 of these cases were in the capital but speaking on RTE\’s This Week Stephen Donnelly confirmed the \”positive news in Dublin\” that the R number is now down to 1.

Minister Donnelly said that the drop in the reproductive rate showed that Level 3 restrictions introduced in the county last month \”appear to be working\”.

Those restrictions were extended to the rest of the country last Tuesday and Taoiseach Micheal Martin today urged the nation to \”change our behaviours\” and work together to make Level 3 work.

He said: \”The reopening of our schools has shown what can be done with collective effort and compliance with safety guidance and sensible measures.

\”As a result, the mental, educational and physical well-being of our nation’s children has been protected and enhanced.

\”Keeping our schools open remains a key priority of government – to ensure that the life chances of our young people will not be impaired.

\”An unprecedented level of resources have been allocated to

\”the health services, both in the Winter Plan and throughout the entirety of 2021. This will enable them to cope with Covid-19, and will ensure a reformed and better health service for the future.\”

Mr Martin said the pandemic was challenging \”countries across Europe and throughout the world\”.

He added: \”The coming weeks will be challenging but working with NPHET, we will respond firmly and appropriately.

\”We have the capacity and resources to come through this and we will.

\”The essential steps remain the same. Reduce our social contacts, wash our hands, mask up and behave as if you have the virus. Stay safe.\”