LATEST: Kilkenny among 431 new cases of virus, expert calls for Christmas gatherings to be put off until next summer
A further six people have died after contracting the coronavirus as 431 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.
It brings the overall death toll as a result of the virus to 2,140. There has now been 77,197 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The breakdown of the latest cases is as follow: 134 are in Dublin, 53 in Donegal, 25 in Cavan, 24 in Louth, 22 in Mayo, and the remaining 173 cases are spread across all other remaining counties, including 15 more infections in Kilkenny.
The latest cases were confirmed as a public health expert called on the Government to ask families to postpone family gatherings this Chritsmas until the summer solstice next June.
Dr Gabriel Scally said two extra bank holidays should be offered in June 2021 as an incentive for people to keep their distance from families over the festive period. He argued this would allow for the rollout of the vaccine.
Dr Scally also warned you cannot “play catch up” with a virus when the number of cases rise. He said it is no good implementing restrictions when numbers have increased and said that sensible restrictions should be in place at all times.
He said Ireland is currently in good position compared to Europe in terms of case numbers and deaths. Dr Scally said this is why restrictions should not be relaxed over the Christmas period.
From Friday three households will be allowed to mix and people will be allowed to travel around the country for a three week period until January 6.
PHOTO: Stock image
