Tough decisions 'inevitable' due to rapid spread of virus

Tough decisions are set to be taken by the Cabinet later today due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 in recent days.

That's according to Mayo TD Dara Calleary, who stated new restrictions are inevitable.

Speaking to Midwest Radio, he said a combination of factors has led to the swift rise in confirmed cases in Mayo which has recorded 229 new cases in the past two weeks while 30 confirmed cases are currently in care at Mayo University Hospital.

The factors, he said, include social gatherings due to Christmas and the recent All-Ireland SFC final while a new outbreak at Mayo University Hospital is another issue.

The Ballina-based representative said there is a need to return to the approach taken in March, April and May after the pandemic first hit.

Deputy Calleary said he has spoken to local GPs who revealed a rise in people presenting to them with Covid symptoms.

In regard to the reopening of schools after Christmas, he stated the statistic that nearly 700 pupils had contracted the virus during the 14-days leading up to the holidays was very worrying indeed.