Covid 19 Latest: Taoiseach says country can expect 30% rise in cases every day
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he expects an “exponential rise” in confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country every day for the next couple of weeks.
“The objective is to flatten the curve but the curve has to rise exponentially before it decreases.”
However, he revealed that he thought the Republic of Ireland would see a 30% rise in coronavirus cases every day.
Speaking at a press briefing this evening after a Cabinet sub-committee meeting on the outbreak, Mr Varadkar said it could be expected that there will be 15,000 cases in the country by the end of the month.
Most will not need to be treated in hospital, he said, but some will require ICU critical care.
Meanwhile, residents have been urged not to travel overseas.
There were 79 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the Republic between Saturday and Sunday, which brought the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to 169.
Two people have died from the illness.
Locally, Meath Co Council has updated its services has said that Buvinda House (Council Headquarters) is closed "in order to protect the public and staff."
"We wish to advise that Buvinda House is now closed to avoid unnecessary face-to-face interaction. We would encourage the public to conduct their business by contacting us by phone on 046 9097000 or by email at customerservice@meathcoco.ie. For post, members of the public are asked to use the post box at the main entrance.
Municipal District Offices
These are remaining open but the public is encouraged to conduct business by phone or email rather than call to the Council premises.
Motor Tax Counter (Buvinda House)
This will be open for reduced hours from 10am-1pm. We encourage the public to use on online facility: www.motortax.ie
Libraries
In line with the Government’s recommendations, all Library Branches in the county are closed until March 29. This decision is in line with the national recommendations for all public libraries. We will continue to operate our online services.
Swimming Pools
The Kells Pool will be closed until March 29. The Navan and Trim Pools, operated by Aura, are also closed.
Recycling Facilities
These continue to remain open and operate as normal.
Playgrounds
Please be advised that playgrounds should not be used at this time. We ask parents to heed the advice of the HSE in terms of practicing social distancing, including by children.
Meanwhile Meath/Westmeath Garda Division is to get at least 10 extra vehicles in an initial deployment the Garda Press Office confirmed today.
These ‘contingency’ vehicles will be used to maintain personal interactions and where needed to assist and support people, which may include collecting medical prescriptions, attending hospital appointments and other supports they may need. They are not ‘primary response vehicles’.
An Garda Síochána will also use these opportunities to link identified people into local, national and state services where appropriate.
Meanwhile, following Government restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19, Fairyhouse chiefs have made the decision to cancel the BoyleSports Irish Grand National weights launch in Willie Mullins’ yard this Wednesday March 18th. "We feel this is the best thing to do at this time," a spokesperson said.