Galway is one of a number of counties under consideration for a move to Level 3 status.
Fianna Fáil Senator Ollie Crowe has described scenes of large crowds gathered in Galway on Monday night as “simply unacceptable”.
Crowe shared a video on Twitter of crowds gathered in the city on Monday night, saying: “Have sympathy for those entering college for first time during Covid but these scenes are simply unacceptable, particularly with recent growth in Galway cases.
“Have contacted Millstreet Gardai & written to NUIG President though I fear damage may be done.”
Have sympathy for those entering college for first time during Covid but these scenes are simply unacceptable, particularly with recent growth in Galway cases. Have contacted Millstreet Gardai & written to NUIG President though I fear damage may be done. pic.twitter.com/IASFtk6Eqr
— Ollie Crowe (@olliecrowe_ie) September 28, 2020
Fine Gael Councillor Eddie Hoare was one of a number of people to share images of scenes of large crowds gathered at the famous Spanish Arch landmark at the bottom of Quay Street in the city, while there were also reports of large groups congregated on Shop Street.
Posting on Twitter, Hoare said: “Spanish Arch, Galway tonight. Numbers will inevitability continue to rise. I’d expect Level 3 restriction before the end of the week…”
Spanish Arch, Galway tonight. Numbers will inevitability continue to rise. I’d expect Level 3 restriction before the end of the week…. pic.twitter.com/cBLUoJOfj9
— Mayor of Galway – Cllr. Eddie Hoare (@EddieHoareFG) September 28, 2020
JOE has contacted An Garda Síochána for comment.
The scenes in Galway on Monday night come following news that it is one of a number of counties being monitored ahead of a possible move to Level 3 status when NPHET meet to review the situation later this week.
Speaking to This Week on RTÉ Radio One on Sunday, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said that Galway was one of four counties, along with Cork, Louth and Wicklow, “being looked at very carefully”.
On Monday, 21 of the confirmed 309 cases reported were in Galway, with only Dublin (209) and Donegal (22) – counties which are already at Level 3 – and Cork (27) reporting a greater number of cases.
Speaking on Monday evening, Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn appealed particularly to the people of Cork, Galway, Monaghan and Roscommon to follow public health advice to control the spread of the virus in those counties.
“I am asking everyone, but particularly those living and working in Cork, Galway, Monaghan and Roscommon, to adhere to the public health advice,” Glynn said.
“There is still time to get the virus back under control in these areas, break the chains of transmission and stop the spread of this highly infectious disease in these communities.
“We know the key actions to take to stay safe, by keeping a two-metre distance, reducing your social contacts, wearing a face mask, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home and contacting your GP if you start to feel unwell, you are doing everything you can to take care of yourself and those around you.”
Main image via Twitter/Cllr. Eddie Hoare
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