40,000 Cork and Limerick fans are expected to attend the All Ireland Hurling Final on Sunday. Hundreds of thousands more will watch the game in social settings, either at home or in pubs and GAA clubs.
With high COVID numbers still being reported on a daily basis, public health officials and the gardaí are calling on fans to show their support in a safe and responsible manner this weekend.
"The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final is one of the most special sporting fixtures, bringing communities together and a welcome boost to the local economy," said Dr Marie Casey, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, in a statement. "Unfortunately, if not controlled, this can turn into events which rapidly increase the number of cases in the community, as we had experienced last year."
"We are best protected when we are fully vaccinated and adhering to guidelines, so if you are socialising with friends and family this weekend, do so safely to limit the spread of Covid-19 in your community," Dr Casey's statement continued. "We are urging everyone attending household events, hospitality settings, and any indoor gathering to maintain social distancing, wear a face mask, and limit social contact in well-ventilated spaces."
Along with fans, Dr Casey reminded those in hospitality of their responsibilities.
"We are also urging the hospitality sector to protect their staff and customers by confirming valid certificates of their patrons, and to avoid crowding both indoors and outdoors," she said. "Social settings and close contact within those facilitate infection, and continues to be a factor in community outbreaks in Limerick.
"We also ask that people limit their post-match social activity Sunday evening."
On Tuesday night Dr. Tony Holohan announced that Ireland's COVID-19 incidence rate was at its highest level in six months.
