The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has urged people to exercise restraint and care over the coming days to minimise the spread of Covid 19 over the holiday period.  Dr. McGarry was speaking following the announcement of new restrictions by the Government in order to reduce the spread of the virus.  The restrictions come into force tomorrow (Christmas Eve).

Dr. Padraig McGarry, President of the IMO, said the new restrictions were vital to help slow the spread of the virus.   He also called on people to respect the spirit as well as the letter of the new restrictions; “we are asking people to exercise restraint, to respect the spirit of the new guidelines and to minimise their socializing over the coming days to help reduce the spread of Covid in the community.  Covid 19 is a devastating virus and we simply have to redouble our efforts to reverse the current trend of rising infections.  The vaccines will help deal with this crisis in the New Year but for now it is up to each of us as individuals to do everything we can to reduce the chances the virus has to spread and do harm.”

Dr. McGarry said that health professionals appreciate how difficult these restrictions are for people: “The fact that these restrictions are being introduced now, when so many people were hoping to meet with family and friends over the Christmas, makes them particularly hard but they are being introduced now to reduce the spread of the virus, reduce the opportunity for further infection and to protect our loved ones from illness and worse.  They are tough but they are necessary.”

Dr. McGarry also  paid tribute to doctors and healthcare workers across the country for their sacrifice and hard work this year; “I am unbelievably proud of the exceptional work which our colleagues across the health services have done this year.  So many doctors, nurses and support staff  have sacrificed so much – including their own health – in the service of the community.”