Mayor of Galway pleads with Government for “complete lockdown”

The Mayor of Galway has contacted Government and “pleaded” for a complete lockdown of the country to help combat the spread of Covid-19.

Mayor Mike Cubbard said he had witnessed too many crowds gathering and heard reports about house parties, with social distancing guidelines being breached.

“I have contacted Government and pleaded that they make this brave call now to protect the people of Ireland against a virus that does not wait for decisions to be made.

“I am now publicly calling on Government and Health Officials to enact a complete lockdown of the country.

“Having witnessed far too many crowds gathering, hearing reports of house parties, seeing some restaurants operate without a care in the world and seeing first hand the amount of people ignoring the social distancing guidelines it leaves me with little choice.

“In a time of uncertainty and high risk to public health we need big decisions made and in good time. We cannot delay,” said the Mayor.

He added that the situation is “not a trial run or holiday”.

“We are dealing with the most serious and challenging public health crisis in the history of the State,” he said.