A repeat lockdown is likely if all institutions and citizens don't take the coronavirus situation seriously, an infectious diseases expert has warned.
Dr Jack Lambert, consultant in Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the Mater, is also calling for a review of NPHET's structure to see if the national response to the virus can be improved.
It comes as the number of new cases remains high, with 142 cases confirmed yesterday.
Speaking to Shane Beatty on Newstalk Breakfast, Dr Lambert said it's vital for everyone to continue taking the virus seriously.
On the prospect of a second lockdown, Dr Lambert said: "I think that's a possibility if we don't do things to prevent these upsurges. Many different organisations are not taking this seriously enough.
"We have to chase the clusters - I don't think we're chasing them fast enough... that's a Government responsibility, so we have to brainstorm how we can do a better job of that."
A repeat lockdown is likely if we dont take this seriously. All institutions (pubs, restuarants, shops) must take ownership of enforcing COVID precautions. All citizens of Ireland must take it seriously, and exercise 100% precautions and use masks, even if you are not 'high risk'
— dr jack lambert (@jlamber55605930) August 30, 2020
He said restaurants, pubs and supermarkets which are open also need to enforce COVID-19 precautions.
However, he also stressed there is a personal responsibility element.
He warned: "We all have a responsibility, and I don't think we're taking it seriously - and if we don't start taking it seriously, the only consequence is going to be lockdown again.
"I don't think that's the right solution... I think the right solution is we all need to step up to the plate, take responsibility and do it right."
NPHET review
Dr Jack Lambert has called for a review of the current NPHET and Government structure in dealing with the virus.
We need a new government structure to deal with the COVID crisis. The current public health emergency group is not getting expert advice and is not engaging all relevant communities in making their decisions. How about an external review by Dr Michael Ryan from the WHO?
— dr jack lambert (@jlamber55605930) August 30, 2020
He explained: "My point really simply is NPHET has done a great job in certain things. But... this organisation was set-up before COVID came along.
"The UK recognised that their Public Health England structure was not working for COVID. They scrapped it, and they're putting together a new system.
"I'm just saying maybe we need to think about the same thing: having a multisectoral team on top, working with NPHET, face-to-face."
He pointed to the example of the imminent flu season, which health experts have known will arrive in autumn and winter as usual.
However, he said his own GP friends are not yet aware of plans for them to participate in a widespread vaccination programme of the general population.
He also pointed to the news during the week that the delivery of the vaccine to Ireland has been delayed by two weeks.
Dr Lambert acknowledged there has been a steep learning curve over the past six months, but there's now an opportunity to look at revising the NPHET structure to see if things can be done better.
