The scenes of large crowds gathering over the weekend have been compared to V Day celebrations.
A senior HSE official says covid hasn’t surrendered and the war against the virus isn’t over.
Drove into Dublin City Centre to collect someone from work at 815 PM. Absolutely shocked at scenes in South Great George’s St, Exchequer St, South William St area. Enormous crowds- like a major open air party. This is what we do not need when we have made so much progress.
— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) May 29, 2021
CMO "Shocked" At Crowds On The Streets
The Chief Medical Officer was the first to criticise large crowds socialising after he personally spotted them in Dublin over the weekend.
Now the HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry has also weighed in and he isn’t holding back.
"It was as if the virus surrendered, but this virus doesn't surrender."
"But it exploits complacency."
While public health officials have been strong with their words, the Government is being a lot more cautious.
The Green’s Neasa Hourigan says people were socialising outdoors, like they’ve been told to.
"Many of them, including myself, who don't have outdoor space."
"We don't have a lawn to sit out and drink our glass of wine on."
She says, "we don't have a front garden to sit out and do that."
Sunday morning on Dublin’s South William Street… no words 😔 pic.twitter.com/HvTklScgjx
— Karl Purdy (@KarlPurdy) May 30, 2021
Fianna Fail’s Niall Collins is also being careful with his words.
"It shouldn't have happened, I agree with the CMO."
"But we have to understand where people are coming from."
And can we now get back to discussing the best and most effective harm reduction strategies in a pandemic.
Spoiler alert: finger wagging isn't one and there is copious and rigorous research to prove it— Dr Panti Bliss-Cabrera (@PantiBliss) May 31, 2021
While Gardaí say no significant public order issues were reported over the weekend.
Adding that the local authorities are responsible for managing public spaces.
