CMO Dr Tony Holohan says socialising indoors could put progress “at risk”

He said that mixing indoors is still too risky and adherence to public health advice will be "key" over the coming months.

Doctor Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health has said that mixing indoors could put Ireland's restriction easing progress "at risk".

Speaking at a press conference today the CMO said that although Ireland has now given a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to 25% of eligible adults, "doing things like mixing indoors" could still jeopardise Ireland's progress.

“As a country, we have now given the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to 25% of eligible adults. In order to protect the vital work of the vaccination programme is offering us all protection from Covid-19, it is important we continue to remain vigilant and careful. Right now, we need to protect the progress we have made together," he said.

“While we should remain cautious, we can also be cautiously optimistic. Our vaccination programme, alongside the continued commendable adherence of the vast majority of people in Ireland to public health advice, is the key to exiting this pandemic in the coming months.

"However, doing things like mixing indoors when the disease is still circulating at a high level puts our progress at risk. Please continue to act in the best interests of one another and be safe when socialising.”