I pay tribute to the people of this country for the huge efforts and sacrifices they have made in the last six months in attempting to tackle this coronavirus. I know many people are getting tired and frustrated with the restrictions, but one thing we have learned about Covid-19 is that this is not a sprint, but a marathon.

I ask other Senators to please stop talking. The Chamber was designed for good acoustics, so we can hear their conversations. I call Senator Gallagher, without interruption.

I have seen the major efforts being put in around the country, including my local area of Monaghan, Cavan and north Meath. Sporting and voluntary organisations have been doing all they can to keep this virus suppressed. Unfortunately, however, this is a marathon and not a sprint. The news yesterday that Donegal, as from midnight, will join Dublin in going to level 3 is greatly disappointing and very worrying for the people of both counties.

In County Monaghan, we had 13 new cases in the last 24 hours. If we look at the situation across the country, this virus seems to be spreading despite our best efforts. The time has come for us to redouble our efforts. The one thing we have learned from all the experts is that there is no silver bullet to ensure this virus disappears. The one important thing we have, however, is that the power to control this virus is in our own hands.

I appeal to people to let us all put our heads down again and redouble our efforts, because we can suppress this virus. The simplest and most important message we can give to people is for them to imagine that every person they come into contact with outside their families may be carrying Covid-19. If we adopt that idea and we keep wearing our masks, maintaining social distancing and using our cough and sneeze etiquette, we will control this virus. I ask people to make that effort again on behalf of everyone in the country.