Strict adherence to Level 5 restrictions is needed by everyone – Seery-Kearney

Action is needed to deter large crowds of people from gathering and flouting public health guidelines in city centre locations which has sadly become a regular occurrence, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Mary Seery-Kearney said she was dismayed by footage showing revelers socialising on Dublin’s South William Street on Saturday night with little regard for social distancing requirements or mask-wearing.

Senator Seery-Kearney said, “The scenes witnessed on South William Street over the weekend were deeply disturbing and concerning, especially at such a critical time during Level 5 restrictions where we are trying to halt transmission of Covid-19 and reduce the rate of infection across all communities.

“Sadly, these gatherings are becoming a regular occurrence and action is needed to ensure they do not happen again.

“I believe that known areas of congregation in the city like South William Street must be strictly policed. Where patterns of gatherings are established, we need a permanent Garda presence to deter these social gatherings, which is putting our collective progress at risk.

“Everyone is tired of the restrictions and anxious to meet their loved ones as Christmas approaches; businesses operating under strict guidelines are anxious to open their doors but if that is to happen we all need to ensure that we pull together, we cannot fall at the final hurdle.

“It is very worrying that the trend in numbers of Covid cases per 100,000 has reversed in recent days. Just last night, the Chief Medical Officer has expressed concern about examples of small numbers of people congregating for social purposes and simply ignoring the important public health messages.

“Just when optimism was rising for the pre-Christmas period, doubts have been cast on an end to the Level 5 restrictions because scenes like those witnessed at the weekend are a likely contributory cause in the community transmission of the virus.

“I would be loath to see any further restrictions introduced, but restricting businesses in areas known for gatherings to home delivery only and banning take away would have to be given serious consideration if such patterns were to continue.

“As the season of goodwill approaches, we need that goodwill and adherence now,” Senator Seery-Kearney concluded.