Staying the distance

Two-metre gap must remain says top medical officer. Ministers press for a reduction to boost businesses

- FERGHAL BLANEY

DR Tony Holohan has told the Cabinet the two-metre social distancing guidelines have to stay in place for now.

The Chief Medical Officer gave a special briefing to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his ministers yesterday.

The top doctor was pressed by several ministers who want people to be allowed to get closer.

They asked Dr Holohan if he thought it would be safe for them to consider cutting the recommended social distance from two metres to one. Several ministers reasoned that the halving of the required distance would be a massive boost for thousands of businesses trying to get back on their feet as it would increase footfall massively.

It was also put to the Chief Medical Officer it would be of huge benefit to the health service looking to increase hospital capacity and get delayed appointments back on track.