With Covid-19 cases rising in communities and hospitals, Irish people have been clashing over what should be done about the projected "summer wave" of the virus.
Despite growing concerns from the public, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said on Monday that Ireland could get through such a projected wave of the virus without having to introduce restrictions.
This comes after HSE chief Paul Reid warned that face masks could be made mandatory once again in the face of rising case and hospital numbers.
Read More : Covid Ireland: Under 65s may have to get another booster vaccine
One Twitter user seemed hopeful about the situation tweeting: “It might be a short wave and might not be too bad, is my interpretation of it. Make sure you are vaccinated and up-to-date with the booster, when eligible. I think it will be a good, safe summer in Ireland.”
Others didn’t share such a positive outlook. “So Covid is in a massive trajectory of increase but one of the few preventions, masks, are ruled out,” tweeted another, “that’s real cognitive dissonance.”
Another user questioned why the mask rule was ever dropped writing: “Wouldn't want to ruin someone's shopping experience due to a face mask (sarcasm in case not clear). I'll never understand why they dropped the mask mandate. Living with Covid means a face mask mandate at a minimum. I hate taking transit knowing I am the only one with a mask.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said that the mandatory reintroduction of masks is unlikely at this point but told people to do what makes them feel safe. He said: “The public advice at the moment is not to go down that particular route, but we have to take on board that cases are rising, so people have to be vigilant.
“People should wear masks if they feel that it protects them and if they're of a view that that's in their best interests, but it's personal responsibility at this particular point in time.”
As of Monday 606 people were in hospital being treated for Covid-19, a rapid rise from previous weeks. While these numbers are concerning, Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry pointed to an emerging trend in hospitals. Many of those hospitalised are yet to receive their booster shots while others have never had any vaccination.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne yesterday, Dr. Henry said: “The harsh reality is that if you look at hospitalisations, 606 this morning, unfortunately over half have not received their booster and over a third haven't even got vaccinated in the first place.”
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