Black Lives Matter.. But So Do Irish Lives

Top doc Holohan says mass gathering is too dangerous

- Ailbhe Daly And Neil Leslie

Medical chiefs have issued stark warnings on social distancing ahead of the next Black Lives Matter march.

Thousands of people came out in Dublin on Monday in solidarity with US protesters who have taken to the streets since the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minnesota last week.

But Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said events like that one and another planned for the capital on Saturday can put lives at risk by spreading transmission of Covid-19.

He added: “The matter is now under investigation by gardai.

“We are still clear the advice now is not for mass gatherings to take place indoors or outdoors.

“We would advise anybody who is contemplating organising a mass gathering for whatever reason, now is not the time.