Responses to possible Level 5

Restaurants Association of Ireland

Government must say no to NPHET Level 5

The Restaurants Association of Ireland have described the recommendation by NPHET to move Ireland to level 5 as surprising, inexplicable and economically unreasonable considering so many counties are doing extremely well in the fight against Covid-19.

Adrian Cummins, CEO of the association, said: “Government must decide if Ireland can live with Covid as outlined in the plan to tackle the virus or will they plunge the country into an economic lockdown as requested by NPHET.”

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Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland

ASTI calls for review of school openings at Level Five

The president of the ASTI, Ann Piggott, has said teachers are concerned by the implications of the recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team to place the country on Level 5 restrictions - the highest level in the ‘Living with Covid-19 Plan’.

If a decision is taken to implement the recommendation, ASTI is demanding that a comprehensive review of the medical and related guidance being implemented in schools be immediately undertaken to ascertain if it is safe for second-level schools to stay open.

“We are writing to the minister for education and skills this morning to request that she initiate a review immediately. We will also be requesting that the second-level stakeholders meet to discuss all associated issues,” said Ms Piggott.

“The health, safety and welfare of all members of our school communities is of paramount importance.”