People Before Profit Galway have condemned the government’s decision to reject NPHET’s recommendation to move to Level 5 despite a shortage of ICU beds and an upsurge in Covid-19 cases nationally.
The party says the government’s rejection of NPHET’s advice shows that it is unfit to manage this public health emergency.
“It’s clear that the decision of the Government to reject NPHET’s advice has been made with a disregard for public health and human lives,” said PBP Galway spokesperson Michael Crowley.
“Moving to Level 5 would be a massive disruption to the economy, and our lives. However, in earlier months of this pandemic we were more understanding of the need to move quickly and follow expert advice to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
“We should follow the advice of NPHET and at the same time work to alleviate the detrimental impact of the required restrictions.
“In particular, individuals who have lost their income must be supported and we should restore the PUP to €350.”
PBP Galway warn that the health service is going to face severe challenges in the coming months.
“ICU occupancy rates are one example of this. Of our current permanent capacity of 280 beds, while the HSE’s new Winter Plan will only add another 17 beds.
“In his letter to Minister Donnelly on October 4th, Dr Tony Holohan warned that if current trends continue there could be over 40 people admitted to hospital and up to 2,300 cases per day by November 7th.
“In this case we will be forced to prioritise which patients with Covid-19 are admitted to intensive care.”
