Tonight is the night.
We are just hours away from Halloween night, and up and down the country, thousands and thousands of children are getting excited to put on their costumes and head out tricking or treating for the first time in two years – seeing as last year's Halloween celebrations were cancelled as the country was in Level 5 lockdown again.
However, as Covid-cases are continuing to spike across the country, Tony Holohan has
warned families against trick-or-treating if they have any Covid-like symptoms.
The chief medical officer issued the warning after a further 2,966 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported by the Department of Health yesterday, with 470 people in hospital with the disease, and 92 of these currently in intensive care.
Speaking at yesterday's press briefing, Holohan said:
"Today we are reporting a high number of cases across the entire population, with the highest incidence amongst five to 12-year-olds. While the Covid-19 vaccines give high protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death, the way to break transmission is by following all aspects of the public health advice."
The chief medical officer warns that families can enjoy their favourite Halloween activities tonight, but to do this safely by taking some simple precautions.
"If you are having visitors over, provide hand sanitiser, open windows and try to ensure people can spread out and keep their distance from one another - avoid crowded parties. For trick-or-treaters, give out treats outdoors if possible. Wash or sanitise hands frequently, and before eating or handling treats."
And most importantly, according to Holohan is to stay at home if at all sick or under the weather.
"Neither children nor adults should go trick-or-treating or meet up with others if they have any symptoms of Covid-19, even if symptoms are minor - instead, please isolate and get a test."
