Children's Halloween activities should be reduced over the midterm due to rising infection rates, according to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
The 5 to 12 age group now has the highest incidence of Covid-19. 4,393 cases were reported in kids in this age group in the two weeks to last Monday, compared to 2,930 over a similar period earlier this month.
Dr. Ronan Glynn says parents should take precautions, and while trick or treating can continue, frequency should be reduced. He says it needs to be done in a safe way.
1,631 cases were reported yesterday, with 503 virus patients in hospital.
The chief medical officer said yesterday that vaccines are not as effective as had been hoped at stopping the spread of Covid.
Dr Tony Holohan says while the vaccines are very good at preventing severe disease, he says people need to stick with measures such as mask wearing and social distancing to drive down cases.
Nightclubs
It comes as new regulations for ticketing at nightclubs and live venues will be signed by the Health Minister today.
The guidelines will be published online this afternoon, and the rules will take effect tomorrow.
They will require ticketing for entry, booking at least an hour before arrival, and no congregation outside venues.
