Coronavirus: County Cathaoirleach asks people to “double down” in order to avoid Level 3 restrictions

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council James Charity is asking people to “double down” on the efforts they have made to suppress the coronavirus in order to avoid Galway having to go to Level 3 restrictions.

Galway is currently at Level 2 of restrictions to control the coronavirus pandemic, but concerns have been raised that this could escalate due to rising case numbers.

Currently, Dublin and Donegal are at Level 3 restrictions, but both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn have said that greater restrictions could be imposed on other counties, including Galway.

“The significant additional restrictions that this would bring to our county is a cause of great concern to all of us,” Cllr James Charity has said.

“But we are of the shared view that first and foremost must be the health, safety, and wellbeing of all our citizens across this county, and indeed, beyond.”

“Great sacrifices have been made by all of you over the last months as we have collectively tried to curb this virus.”

“But, as Galway stands on the precipice of a move towards level 3 and the additional restrictions that would entail, I’m joining with my colleagues across the county council to ask you to take fresh steps over the coming days to limit your social contacts where possible.”

“I’m also restating at this point the importance of social distancing, keeping two metres apart where possible, observing good hand hygiene and etiquette, and indeed wearing face masks in public places.”

“Many of you are doing this, and indeed doing more in your collective efforts to avoid COVID-19.”

“For this we thank you, and we ask you to double down on those efforts, and make sure that we avoid this potential move to Level 3.”