Covid-19: Ireland hardens its containment

Ireland announced Wednesday, December 30 that it would tighten for at least a month the partial confinement introduced last week, in the face of the infection rate which is increasing "

" according to Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

"

" Martin said in a televised address, calling the situation "

."

Read also: Covid-19: Ireland reinstates light containment from Christmas

From midnight Wednesday, the Irish "

", he indicated, explaining that it would henceforth be prohibited to meet. between homes, with a few exceptions, such as small weddings or funerals.

Faced with a 61% increase in cases of contamination in one week, the Prime Minister also decided to close non-essential businesses and sports halls from Thursday evening, which had remained open in the first light version of the containment, announced on December 22.

"

" he said, believing that the new coronavirus "

".

Schools will remain open, however, but the new term will start three days later than planned, on January 11.

Ireland had initially announced that it would reinstate confinement until January 12, but with adjustments: hairdressers had to close from December 24, just like restaurants and pubs that do not take out, but businesses not. essentials had been able to remain open, as were the gyms.

These measures are no longer adequate, according to the Prime Minister, due to an increase in contamination in all age groups and "

".

Micheal Martin has also indicated to extend until January 6 the suspension of air links with Great Britain, decided to avoid the spread of the new strain of coronavirus.

Ireland, which has about five million inhabitants, has recorded 2,226 deaths since the start of the pandemic and more than 90,000 cases of contamination.