As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to escalate, a number of restrictive measures have been imposed following a meeting of the NPHET and the Government on Monday.
These measures, imposed with immediate effect, will remain in place until September 13.
As the nation strives to suppress the persistent presence of a virus which has impacted daily life for six months, the need to impose such restrictive measures will be of vast concern for communities who have united in their cause in an attempt to return to a semblance of normality.
Imposed Measures
Employees to work from home where possible.
Visits to residences to be restricted to six persons from outside the home from no more than three households.
All outdoor events and gatherings now limited to 15 persons, reduced from 200.
All sporting events will now take place without any spectators present.
Those over the age of 70 are advised to limit their interactions, avoid public transport and shop during assigned hours.
Indoor events reduced from 50 persons to six, except for businesses such as shops and restaurants.
Indoor weddings and mass are exempt from the new restrictions, they can still take place with 50 persons present.
Restaurants and cafes can stay open but must close their respective premises at 11.30pm.
Public transport must be avoided where an alternative option is available.
Updated localised COVID-19 figures
Updated information pertaining to the confirmed number of localised COVID-19 cases has been released into the public domain.
The figures, which are noted on the COVID-19 public health advice forum (and correct as of August 12 ) detail the number of confirmed cases by electoral division and highlight the impact of the virus on the respective towns and villages within.
The urban area of Athlone (west and east ) accounts for a mere 17 confirmed COVID-19 cases (an increase of two confirmed cases when compared with relevant information released to the public on June 12 ).
There has been an increase of four confirmed COVID-19 cases (32 ) in the Athlone East Rural electoral division when compared with the relevant information noted on June 12, while there is no change in the confirmed numbers of the virus within the Athlone West Rural electoral division, the current figure remaining static at 15 persons.
Moate, the second largest town in the county, accounts for 27 confirmed COVID-19 cases, noting no change in persons contracting the virus this past two months.
The figures, analysed on a per population basis, are published by the Department of Health and are a collaboration also including Ordnance Survey Ireland, the All-Ireland Research Observatory, HPSC, HSE and the CSO.