CMO: “Consider changing Christmas plans if you have been socialising in recent weeks”

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan has asked people to consider changing their Christmas plans if they have been socialising in recent weeks.

Speaking as 764 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on Sunday evening, Dr. Holohan called on people who have been socialising recently to carefully consider any plans that might include meeting people over the age of 65 at Christmas.

As news of a 48-hour travel ban from the Britain emerged yesterday evening and the CMO said that “We have particularly strong concerns about the prospect of inter-generational mixing around the festive season.” He added that “if younger people come into contact with their loved ones over the age of 65, we could see a spike in infections in this more vulnerable group. This would lead to very a serious pattern of disease, hospitalisations, ICU admissions and unnecessary deaths.”

In a message to those who may have met with friends recently, Holohan said: “If you have been socialising in the past few weeks or over this weekend, consider your Christmas plans carefully. Is it responsible to meet with your family over 65 later this week, if you have not kept your contacts low? Should you cancel your plans?

“We have the very real prospect of vaccines on the horizon. Ensure that your loved ones stay alive to receive them, by keeping your distance from them if you have not restricted your movements to this point. As difficult as it may seem, staying away from older family this Christmas will protect them and it would be an exceptional sacrifice made for the common good.”