Many (not all) including businesses took "personal responsibility" in the March lockdown which gave the government 6 months YES 6 MONTHS to be prepared for a plan that they themselves put together.

People have restricted Movements, Self Isolated, not gone to funerals, said goodbye to loved ones over computer screens, cancelled family events, cancelled weddings, wore masks, washed hands, socially distanced and a reem of other things.

The idea of a social contract is that if the public does their part the government are supposed to do theirs too.

So have the government played their part and prepared our country for the inevitable increase in restrictions?

Increase in ICU capacity to a level that would be capable of dealing with COVID and winter flu season

Begin COVID checks or enforced restrictions at airports

Dealt with overcrowded classrooms or supported the introduction of blended learning models

Unsafe Meat Plants closed or permanent rolling testing

Worked toward closing Direct Provision

Statutory entitlement to sick pay

Introduction of a comprehensive test and trace strategy

Dealt with mass gatherings like anti-mask protests

Following NPHET advice.

Yes absolutely take responsibility for our own actions from not having house parties right the way down to how we shop or even meet for coffees, but the gov has a responsibility to fulfil their end of the agreement to not sit back and put all the responsibility on the individual.

We have businesses that have worked themselves to the bone to ensure their premises are safe and we have businesses that haven't. It's not up to the individual to ensure that those that break the guidelines are close it's up to the government.

Yes, we have people flouting the rules, it's not up to the individual to make sure they follow them it's the governments.

Yes we've a shortage in ICU beds & an overrun health service because of years of neglect & underfunding. While it's up to each of us to keep ourselves healthy enough not to need it if we can. It's up to the gov to ensure it's funded & capable of dealing with the countries needs