Fresh appeal over social distancing as Glendalough's upper car park closed

The Minister made his warning as a further 102 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic last night bringing the total to 785.

Minister for Health Simon Harris has reminded the public not to gather in large groups and keep observing social distancing guidelines.

Though today is Mothers Day, Simon Harris said there are other ways to show affection rather than physical contact.

It comes as a further 102 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic last night bringing the total to 785.

Minister Harris said the Health authorities are "overwhelmed" at the recruitment response. He said they are trying to hire as many medical staff as possible to help deal with the crisis.

"We are overwhelmed by the amount of people who have now signed up to HSE.ie/oncall," he said.

He described the profile of a usual recruit as a recently retired doctor or nurse or else a health worker who had moved abroad.

"So we were talking about the fact now that so many people have applied and the HSE will start this week the interview processes over the telephone to try and hire as many people as possible," he said

UPDATE 10.15am: Wicklow County Council has closed the upper car park at Glendalough, as are the food franchises at the location, until further notice.

The Council said it took the decision due to concerns regarding social distancing requirements. The move follows pictures shared on social media which showed the car park packed with cars.

"We regret the inconvenience caused and would ask members of the public to observe HSE guidelines as regards social distancing," the Council said in a statement.