Nphet cites lack of healthcare capacity as reason for lockdown advice 

The level of hospital admissions was noted as a major cause of concern over the weekend by Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, Prof. Philip Nolan and deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn. Photo: Damien Storan.

The recommendation by public health officials to put the entire country at Level 5 restrictions came as a shock to the public, but the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) says Ireland's lack of healthcare capacity was the driving force behind the advice.

On Thursday — just three days before the bombshell recommendation was made — Nphet said: “While current trajectory is very concerning, current epidemiological data does not strongly support move to Level 3 nationally at this time."