Simon Harris hopes enhanced Level 3 measures will have impact on transmissions

It it is likely but not inevitable that the State will have to go heightened Level 4 restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus, a senior Government minister has said.
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said he hoped that the enhanced Level 3 measures would have an impact on the rising levels of transmissions.
The Government announced on Wednesday night a nationwide ban on visits to homes or gardens in almost all circumstances, except for providing care to children or elderly and vulnerable people.
It has also announced that Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal will move to Level 4 of the Governments Living with Covid plan from midnight on Thursday until November 10th.
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris. Photograph: Julien Behal
Under Level 4, people should not have any visitors to their homes, the maximum number of attendees at a wedding is six, non-essential retail will close, and all non-essential workers are to work from home, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said as he announced the move. He said construction and manufacturing will remain under the right conditions.
Under the new restrictions for the 23 Level 3 counties, people will be allowed to meet in groups of up to six people from up to two households in outdoor settings away from home and garden while maintaining social distancing – including for exercise and dining. The existing exemption which allows for Club Championship games to be played behind closed doors has been removed and sports teams will be told they cannot train unless social distancing can be observed.
Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal will move to Level 4 of the Governments Living with Covid plan from midnight on Thursday until November 10th.
There were 1,095 new cases and five further deaths reported in the State by the National Public Health Emergency (Nphet) team on Wednesday.
People must now make choices. Stop meeting up in groups, stop socialising, stop organising play dates, parties and other social activities.
People must recognise that #COVID19 is a direct threat to themselves and their families. Now is the time for each of us to act. https://t.co/82FHhhY99o
Dr Ronan Glynn (@ronan_glynn)
October 14, 2020
Today, we again report a new confirmed case figure over 1,000. This situation is extremely concerning.
We each need to reduce contact with other people, so that means staying at home, working from home where possible, physical distancing & stopping discretionary socialising. https://t.co/JIs4OXFw7n
Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland)
October 14, 2020