theirishtimes--2020-04-03--We need to cancel the Leaving Cert and give students predicted grades

Along with thousands of other Leaving Cert students , I find myself in an extraordinary position .
Schools are closed and look set to remain shut until the summer .
Many of us do not have quiet spaces in our homes or have unreliable wifi and sub-standard laptops .
Significant numbers face being unable to complete the school curriculum .
What impact will all this have on students studying for exams which are supposed to be fair and equitable ?
Lots of potential solutions have been floated assuming the exams do not go ahead in June .
The prospect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place a huge burden on students ’ shoulders and harm their mental health .
Running a slimmed down version - such as English and maths - would be unfair to students whose strengths lie elsewhere .
Online exams are not a viable option for students in areas where broadband is poor or non-existent .
But there is a pathway to a solution - and it ’ s one which other countries have adopted when faced with the prospect of holding national exams in the midst of an unprecedented crisis : cancel them and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SATs , the UK ’ s A-levels and the International Baccalaureate are just of the education systems which have gone down this route .
Ireland , uniquely , seems intent on pressing ahead with our exams in some shape or form .
On Thursday , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the exams will go ahead “ by hook or by crook ” - despite the fact that students will have missed up to a quarter of the school year .
I am fully aware that the Leaving Certificate is different to exams elsewhere in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same way that Mr Varadkar is looking to countries such as South Korea for best pratice in the State 's approach to tackling the virus , this is a time to look abroad and borrow the best solutions if we are to protect students ’ best interests .
Predicted grades make sense .
Teachers have been testing us on topics for two years and are aware of our abilities in each subject .
They are professionals and are in a position to judge our performance .
It happens in many other countries - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past two years should be used to calculate average CAO points for candidates , as is happening elsewhere .
Teachers ' assessments of their students could be validated against students ' past performance in the Junior Cert or school-wide performance .
Those who may be disgruntled with their predicted grades could , perhaps , sit exams in the autumn when re-checks usually would have occurred , giving time for them to be corrected in time for the start of college .
It 's not ideal , of course , but neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their cancelled oral and practical exam components .
Some argue that there is no culture or precedent for teachers assessing their own students for exams in Ireland .
Maybe it was once the case , but not any more .
Teachers nowadays assess Junior Cycle students ’ classroom-based assessments .
In Leaving Cert subjects such as agricultural science , teachers grade their students ’ project work which , in turn , is validated by the State Examinations Commission .
In fact , every year hundreds of students who can not complete exams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ assessed grades ” by exam authorities .
These are calculated using a combination of methods , including teachers ’ estimates of how students would have performed .
The SEC says it takes this approach when some or all of a student ’ s work in not available for marking due to “ unique , unforeseen and exceptional ” circumstances .
It 's hard to think of a more apt description of the circumstances we find ourselves in .
Finally , there is a large chasm emerging between schools due to a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most disadvantaged schools are the least likely to have access to broadband or a computer to communicate with their teachers .
The opposite is true of the most privileged schools .
This will hinder students ’ ability to do their best in the exams in very unequal ways .
Deferring the exams should not be an option .
The prospect of exams being held later in summer will only add to the stress and uncertainty we are facing .
It is extremely unlikely that we will return to school any time soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and , according to the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan , Ireland is only “ at an early stage ” of infection .
The head of the HSE has also said it is “ impossible ” to predict when Ireland will reach the peak of the virus .
How can we ask our students to wait until the crisis abates - with no guarantee of when this will happen ?
Since we began our senior cycle , we have been building up to the Leaving Cert exams .
Even in normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this set of exams ; it has multiplied many times over against the backdrop of the current crisis .
Wellbeing is now a subject which forms a key part of the school curriculum - but it is hypocritical to teach something that can not be practiced in reality .
The uncertainty over these exams risks obliterating our own mental health .
In the words of Greta Thunberg : “ I should be in school ” .
The State Examinations Commission must now consider predicted results as a means of grading students .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty , it is only right that students should be given this option on a once-off basis .
Predicted grades for 2020 would , at the very least , allay the fears of students across Ireland in these troubled times .

Along with thousands of other Leaving Cert students, I find myself in an extraordinary position. Schools are closed and look set to remain shut until the summer. Many of us do not have quiet spaces in our homes or have unreliable wifi and sub-standard laptops. Significant numbers face being unable to complete the school curriculum. What impact will all this have on students studying for exams which are supposed to be fair and equitable?
Lots of potential solutions have been floated assuming the exams do not go ahead in June. The prospect of delaying them until late summer threatens to place a huge burden on students’ shoulders and harm their mental health. Running a slimmed down version - such as English and maths - would be unfair to students whose strengths lie elsewhere. Online exams are not a viable option for students in areas where broadband is poor or non-existent.
But there is a pathway to a solution - and it’s one which other countries have adopted when faced with the prospect of holding national exams in the midst of an unprecedented crisis: cancel them and give students predicted grades.
The American SATs, the UK’s A-levels and the International Baccalaureate are just of the education systems which have gone down this route. Ireland, uniquely, seems intent on pressing ahead with our exams in some shape or form. On Thursday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the exams will go ahead “by hook or by crook” - despite the fact that students will have missed up to a quarter of the school year.
READ MORE
I am fully aware that the Leaving Certificate is different to exams elsewhere in many ways. However, in the same way that Mr Varadkar is looking to countries such as South Korea for best pratice in the State's approach to tackling the virus, this is a time to look abroad and borrow the best solutions if we are to protect students’ best interests.
Abilities
Predicted grades make sense. Teachers have been testing us on topics for two years and are aware of our abilities in each subject. They are professionals and are in a position to judge our performance. It happens in many other countries - why not in Ireland?
Student performance over the past two years should be used to calculate average CAO points for candidates, as is happening elsewhere. Teachers' assessments of their students could be validated against students' past performance in the Junior Cert or school-wide performance. Those who may be disgruntled with their predicted grades could, perhaps, sit exams in the autumn when re-checks usually would have occurred, giving time for them to be corrected in time for the start of college. It's not ideal, of course, but neither is giving all students 100 per cent for their cancelled oral and practical exam components.
Some argue that there is no culture or precedent for teachers assessing their own students for exams in Ireland. Maybe it was once the case, but not any more. Teachers nowadays assess Junior Cycle students’ classroom-based assessments. In Leaving Cert subjects such as agricultural science, teachers grade their students’ project work which, in turn, is validated by the State Examinations Commission. In fact, every year hundreds of students who cannot complete exams for reasons outside their control are given “assessed grades” by exam authorities. These are calculated using a combination of methods, including teachers’ estimates of how students would have performed. The SEC says it takes this approach when some or all of a student’s work is not available for marking due to “unique, unforeseen and exceptional” circumstances. It's hard to think of a more apt description of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Finally, there is a large chasm emerging between schools due to a "digital divide". Students in the most disadvantaged schools are the least likely to have access to broadband or a computer to communicate with their teachers. The opposite is true of the most privileged schools. This will hinder students' ability to do their best in the exams in very unequal ways.
Deferring the exams should not be an option. The prospect of exams being held later in summer will only add to the stress and uncertainty we are facing. It is extremely unlikely that we will return to school any time soon as Ireland has only entered into "lockdown" and, according to the chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan, Ireland is only "at an early stage" of infection. The head of the HSE has also said it is "impossible" to predict when Ireland will reach the peak of the virus. How can we ask our students to wait until the crisis abates - with no guarantee of when this will happen?
Hysteria
Since we began our senior cycle, we have been building up to the Leaving Cert exams. Even in normal times there is hysteria and pressure attached to this set of exams; it has multiplied many times over against the backdrop of the current crisis.
Wellbeing is now a subject which forms a key part of the school curriculum - but it is hypocritical to teach something that cannot be practiced in reality. The uncertainty over these exams risks obliterating our own mental health. In the words of Greta Thunberg: “I should be in school”.
The State Examinations Commission must now consider predicted results as a means of grading students. At a time of global anxiety and uncertainty, it is only right that students should be given this option on a once-off basis. Predicted grades for 2020 would, at the very least, allay the fears of students across Ireland in these troubled times.
Lucy Donegan is a sixth year student and Leaving Certificate candidate


theirishtimes--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Surge of cases hits nursing homes as clusters jump to 38

The number of outbreaks of coronavirus in nursing homes in the State has jumped to 38 , according to the latest figures from the HSE .
The vast majority of clusters detected in nursing homes ( 29 ) , are in the east ; three each in the midwest and north-east , two are in the west and one in the midlands , according to the epidemiological report from the executive .
A Covid-19 cluster is defined by the HSE as two laboratory-positive cases in an institution .
• Central Bank warns of €22bn hole in public finances from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 402 new cases • Ireland has a strategy to ‘ break the chains ’ of coronavirus , says WHO • Irish citizens stranded on coronavirus ship off US to be repatriated Concern is growing about the impact of the virus on nursing homes with Fianna Fáil ’ s spokesman for health Stephen Donnelly stating that almost 100 staff members and residents in one nursing home have tested positive .
The situation in nursing homes was “ very , very serious , ” Mr Donnelly said .
“ The nursing homes can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They can ’ t get their hands on personal protective equipment either .
They are getting very , very small amounts and it is not enough , ” he added .
A surge in coronavirus cases has already hit nursing homes and is expected to hit hospitals in the next week or two , the president of the association of emergency medicine has said .
Speaking on RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland Dr Emily O ’ Conor said she expects the surge will arrive in hospitals the next week or two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ in nursing homes now ” .
At the Government ’ s Friday morning briefing , Liz Cavanan of the Department of an Taoiseach said some home help hours have been stood down for those who are relatively well and have adequate family support .
These supports are being moved towards more urgent needs such as long term residential care .
Friday ’ s epidemiological report states there are also 31 clusters that originated in private houses and 29 in hospitals .
Another 21 are travel-related and 11 are in residential institutions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ years who were diagnosed with Covid-19 have died , along with one each in the 35-44 and 45-54 age groups .
There have been six fatalities in the 55-64 age group and 81 among people aged 65 and over .
Of the 3,282 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 , 91 had died up to Tuesday evening , giving a case fatality rate of 2.77 per cent .
While women slightly outnumber men among confirmed cases , the number of male deaths greatly exceeds deaths among women .
Meanwhile , infectious disease specialist Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long the lockdown will last , but so far he thinks the country is doing a good job of stopping the spread of Covid-19 .
Prof McConkey pointed out that in China restrictions were lifted after 64 days , but he questioned if the level of physical distancing in Ireland was as good as that in China .
“ They did a lot of things ( in China ) that we can not , ” he told Newstalk Breakfast .
The rate of spread of the virus in Ireland has slowed down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks ago , but now the country was managing the numbers .
If the numbers are not maintained at this level then more measures will have to be taken to slow interaction .
“ So far we are doing a good job I think.
” At a briefing on Thursday evening , the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) said 13 new fatalities bring the total to 98 .
A further 402 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland as of lunchtime on Thursday bring the total figure to 3,849 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached over one million , and more than 51,000 people have died so far .
The US has the highest number of cases , 236,339 , while Italy remains the worst-affected by the outbreak , with 13,915 deaths .
In Ireland , cases of Covid-19 are growing at a rate of 10 per cent a day – a sharp reduction from earlier growth rates , which were about 33 per cent .
“ We have flattened the curve , ” chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said on Thursday .
“ But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is some optimism in Government that the shutdown of commercial and social life is succeeding in slowing the spread of the virus , Dr Holohan said there needed to be further progress to avoid a situation in which the number of people requiring intensive care outstrips available beds .
On Thursday , the head of the World Health Organisation ’ s ( WHO ) emergencies programme Mike Ryan said Ireland is doing a good job in setting out the kind of strategy required to “ break the chains ” of coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
We may not get rid of it completely but we can reach a point where we can control the virus and with it we can get our economies and social systems back on track , ” he said .
“ In order for that to happen we have to use the time now that lockdowns are providing to put in place those comprehensive strategies and I think Ireland is doing a pretty good job at that right now.
” Meanwhile the HSE has admitted some elements of the first batch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China this week “ are not ideal ” and suppliers are being notified of this – with the view to issues being resolved with subsequent orders .
“ Any issues identified in the first batch received during this week are being fed back to be addressed in subsequent orders .
Some elements of the first batch are not ideal but may be usable if an alternative supply is not available , ” a HSE spokeswoman said .
The Central Bank has warned that the crisis is likely to blow a €22 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and could see half a million people losing their jobs .
In its latest quarterly bulletin , published on Friday , it says lost tax revenue and increased spending on various support schemes will see the exchequer move from a €2.2 billion surplus to a €19.6 billion deficit this year .
It predicts the crisis will lead to the loss of up to 500,000 jobs as the economy shrinks by 8.3 per cent .
Exchequer returns , also published by the Department of Finance on Thursday , showed that tax receipts for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower than expected , primarily due to a collapse in VAT returns .
Speaking on Friday morning , Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said that “ many different scenarios ” are being examined to accelerate the recovery of the economy when the Covid-19 crisis has passed .
Mr Donohoe told Newstalk Breakfast it would be important to reboot and create a new economy after the crisis .
“ It is very clear that we can create a new economy and the country can recover from this , ” he said .

Fianna Fáil spokesperson for health Stephen Donnelly TD highlights how a lack of PPE has lead to positive coronavirus cases in nursing homes and the homecare industry. Video: Oireachtas TV
Another 22 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, the highest daily total recorded so far, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) reported on Friday evening.
The patients included 11 women and 11 men.
Eighteen of the deaths occurred in the east of the country, three in the south and one in the west.
The median age of the deaths reported on Friday is 80, and 16 of the patients were reported as having underlying health conditions.
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There have now been a total of 120 coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic; 96 involved patients with underlying conditions and 93 occurred in a “hospital environment”. Fifteen deaths were associated with admission to intensive care.
So far, 156 patients have been admitted to ICU since the outbreak began. Of these, 115 were male and 41 were female. The median age of admission was 63 and 110 remain in ICU. Some 31 patients were discharged and 15 died.
There have now been 4,273 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
Of the 3,655 cases reported up to Wednesday, half were in males and half in females. The median age was 48 years, 28 per cent were hospitalised and just 4 per cent required admission to ICU.
Cases among healthcare workers accounted for 26 per cent of the total and Dublin accounted for 57 per cent of cases.
The NPHET met on Friday to review Ireland’s response to Covid-19 but did not elaborate on any decisions taken at its daily briefing later.
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer said: "We are concerned with the number of clusters identified in nursing homes. We have identified a range of measures, working with the HSE. We need to see continuous actions being taken to reduce the risk of transmission in nursing home and long-term residential facilities."
Dr Holohan said a range of measures were being implemented to strengthen controls and infection prevention in nursing homes, and to support training. Specific risks had also been identified in some homes and were being followed up.
Dr Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer said: “We are now facing into the end of week one of new measures. It has been a tough adjustment but these efforts save lives. We will continue to protect vulnerable groups against this virus, by staying home and following public health advice. These efforts result in lives saved.
“Anyone over 70 years of age should remain cocooned as per public health advice, and for essential food and prescription shopping, call on family, friends or services to help you. Over 70s should not be leaving home.”
Main points in Covid-19 pandemic on Friday
Dr Colm Henry, HSE chief clinical officer said there was now “a clear picture of more severe illness in older people” and this underlined the importance of advice on cocooning.
Dr Henry said most sampling centre were now “back up and running” after secure supplies were procured.
He said demand for testing had fallen considerably since the case definition for the disease was changed to focus on a “tighter group of people”.
The number of people tested has increased significantly on the 30,000 figure at the start of the week, though Dr Holohan said the new figure would not be disclosed until next Tuesday.
Asked how close to the surge of cases the health system was, Dr Holohan said he did not know.
“We don’t know how successful we will be in controlling the rate of growth of this epidemic. If we continue to grow at 10 per cent we will end up with a significant challenge for the healthcare system.”
The daily growth in cases numbers has dropped from 33 per cent to 10 per cent, he said, but the slower the growth the lower the peak in cases would be and the more “into the future” it will be.
“We think the next seven to 10 days will be crucial in terms of understanding that,” he added. The NPHET should be able to make “more certain estimates” towards the end of next week when the impact of the restrictive measures ordered by the Government become apparent.
“It really will be the better we do, the lower the peak will be [and] the further into the future it will be.”
No clusters of the virus related to the Cheltenham racing festival have been identified, Dr Holohan said.
Meanwhile, some of the new supplies of personal protection equipment (PPE) secured last weekend by the HSE for the fight against the coronavirus outbreak is not suitable for use, the health service has confirmed.
Prof Martin Cormican, consultant microbiologist and HSE national clinical lead for healthcare associated infection and antimicrobial resistance, said at lunchtime that items of personal protective equipment received from a new supplier at the weekend had been looked at by health authorities.
“Some of it is suitable for use, some of it has limited use and some of it is not suitable for use,” he told RTÉ’s News at One.
“It is useful for us to have this new supply line. A good deal of the material will be useful for us. That is really important as it is quite hard internationally to secure this.
“The evaluation that we did indicates that some of the items that we received are not suitable and we will have to work with the supplier to make sure that what we are getting . . . that those items that do not meet our standards, we don’t want to receive any more of those items.
“But that the items that are useful to us, that we need to keep that supply line open.”
Meanwhile, nurses have urged the HSE to introduce a requirement for facemasks to be worn by all staff in healthcare settings.
In a letter to the HSE on Friday, general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Phil Ní Sheaghdha said the universal use of surgical masks should be adopted with a view to preventing transmission of infection.
Ms Ní Sheaghdha said: “In the nature of nursing and midwifery care, it is not possible to maintain 2m distances in the course of care provision.”
Alternative PPE
Also on Friday, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the Government will continue to source alternative PPE for health workers following criticisms of the quality of the items available.
The first Aer Lingus flight to China to collect a batch of PPE for the Irish health service arrived in Dublin on Sunday afternoon. On Friday, Prof Cormican did not specify his comments were in relation to the equipment that arrived on this flight.
On Saturday, Minister for Health Simon Harris said the flight would be the first of upwards of 10 flights carrying PPE, including surgical masks, gowns and eye shields for health service workers.
The HSE had previously admitted that some elements of the first batch of PPE imported from China this week "are not ideal" and suppliers are being notified of this – with the view to issues being resolved with subsequent orders.
On Friday, the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals called on members to donate their school’s surplus science laboratory personal protective equipment to frontline services.
Nursing home clusters
Meanwhile, the number of outbreaks of coronavirus in nursing homes in the State has jumped to 38, according to the latest figures from the HSE.
The vast majority of clusters detected in nursing homes (29) are in the east; three each are in the midwest and northeast, two are in the west and one in the midlands, according to the epidemiological report from the executive.
A Covid-19 cluster is defined by the HSE as two laboratory-positive cases in an institution.
Concern is growing about the impact of the virus on nursing homes, with Fianna Fáil's spokesman for health Stephen Donnelly stating that almost 100 staff members and residents in one nursing home have tested positive.
The situation in nursing homes was “very, very serious”, Mr Donnelly said.
“The nursing homes can’t get the staff that they need. They can’t get their hands on personal protective equipment either. They are getting very, very small amounts and it is not enough,” he added.
A surge in coronavirus cases is expected to hit hospitals in the next week or two, the president of the association of emergency medicine has said.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Dr Emily O’Conor said she expects the surge will arrive in hospitals in the next week or two and that the surge is being experienced “in nursing homes now”.
At the Government’s Friday morning briefing, Liz Cavanan of the Department of an Taoiseach said some home help hours have been stood down for those who are relatively well and have adequate family support.
These supports are being moved towards more urgent needs, such as long-term residential care.
Friday’s epidemiological report states there are also 31 clusters that originated in private houses and 29 in hospitals. Another 21 are travel-related and 11 are in residential institutions.
The report shows two people aged 25-34 years who were diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, along with one each in the 35-44 and 45-54 age groups.
There have been six fatalities in the 55-64 age group and 81 among people aged 65 and over.
Of the 3,282 laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19 up until that point, 91 had died up to Tuesday evening, giving a case fatality rate of 2.77 per cent.
While women slightly outnumber men among confirmed cases, the number of male deaths greatly exceeds deaths among women.
Lockdown
Meanwhile, infectious disease specialist Prof Sam McConkey has said nobody knows how long the lockdown will last, but so far he thinks the country is doing a good job of stopping the spread of Covid-19.
Prof McConkey pointed out that in China restrictions were lifted after 64 days, but he questioned if the level of physical distancing in Ireland was as good as that in China.
“They did a lot of things [in China] that we cannot,” he told Newstalk Breakfast.
The rate of spread of the virus in Ireland has slowed down, he said. He had been alarmed three weeks ago, but now the country was managing the numbers. If the numbers are not maintained at this level then more measures will have to be taken to slow interaction.
“So far we are doing a good job I think.”
At a briefing on Thursday evening, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) said there had been 13 new fatalities, bringing the total to 98.
There were a further 402 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the State as of lunchtime on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases to 3,849.
On Friday, Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency reported 12 more deaths there, along with an additional 130 confirmed cases of the virus.
Globally, total cases of Covid-19 reached in excess of 1 million, and more than 51,000 people have died so far. The US has the highest number of cases, at 236,339, while Italy remains the worst affected by the outbreak, with 13,915 deaths.
Flattening the curve
In Ireland, cases of Covid-19 are growing at a rate of 10 per cent a day – a sharp reduction from earlier growth rates, which were about 33 per cent. “We have flattened the curve,” chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said on Thursday. “But we need to flatten it further.”
While there is some optimism in Government that the shutdown of commercial and social life is succeeding in slowing the spread of the virus, Dr Holohan said there needed to be further progress to avoid a situation in which the number of people requiring intensive care outstrips available beds.
On Thursday, the head of the World Health Organisation's emergencies programme Mike Ryan said Ireland is doing a good job in setting out the kind of strategy required to "break the chains" of coronavirus.
Economic outlook
The Central Bank has warned that the crisis is likely to blow a €22 billion hole in the State’s finances and could see half a million people losing their jobs.
In its latest quarterly bulletin, published on Friday, it says lost tax revenue and increased spending on various support schemes will see the exchequer move from a €2.2 billion surplus to a €19.6 billion deficit this year.
It predicts the crisis will lead to the loss of up to 500,000 jobs as the economy shrinks by 8.3 per cent.
Exchequer returns, published by the Department of Finance on Thursday, showed that tax receipts for the first quarter of 2020 were €800 million lower than expected, primarily due to a collapse in VAT returns.
Speaking on Friday morning, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said that “many different scenarios” are being examined to accelerate the recovery of the economy when the Covid-19 crisis has passed.
Mr Donohoe told Newstalk Breakfast it would be important to reboot and create a new economy after the crisis.
“It is very clear that we can create a new economy and the country can recover from this,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-04-03--Irish hospital system ‘far from being overwhelmed’ by Covid-19

Hospitals in Dublin are under pressure because of Covid-19 but the intensive care capacity of the Irish health system is far from being overwhelmed , president of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland Catherine Motherway has said .
There have been discussions about drafting guidelines for helping doctors decide who should get access to intensive care treatment , if the crisis reaches a stage where demand exceeds the resources available .
“ We are nowhere near having to produce it , and I am praying hard that we never do.
” It could be the case that such a document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an aid to the doctors providing treatment , might take into account a patient ’ s age , she said .
A recent document produced by the Department of Health called Ethical Framework for Decision-making in a Pandemic , said that when allocating resources , the “ starting point for any rationing is to consider which patients are most likely to benefit from intervention.
” Among the issues that should be considered , the document said , is the patient ’ s frailty , independently of age .
However , Ms Motherway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that with Covid-19 , age is an indicator of mortality , independently of the person ’ s frailty .
This is unusual , she added .
But if it is the case , then age could influence a doctor ’ s decision about whether a patient should get intensive care .
She said that if a guidance document is produced , she would be strongly of the view that it should be used nationally , and that it should be published .
“ The people have a right to know.
” She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care would still get the best care possible .
Guidance that scores patients is only a support to clinical judgment , and nothing can replace sound clinical judgment , she said .
The most important thing was that people did what they are being asked to do , to help prevent a surge of cases overwhelming the system .
“ We will all end up , I think , having restrictions on our personal movements and our personal freedoms , for quite some time .
I don ’ t think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to be months .
”

Medical staff put on protective clothing before treating a patient at the intensive care unit of the University Hospital in Essen, Germany. Photograph: Friedemann Vogel/EPA
Hospitals in Dublin are under pressure because of Covid-19 but the intensive care capacity of the Irish health system is far from being overwhelmed, president of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland Catherine Motherway has said.
There have been discussions about drafting guidelines for helping doctors decide who should get access to intensive care treatment, if the crisis reaches a stage where demand exceeds the resources available.
“We are nowhere near having to produce it, and I am praying hard that we never do.”
It could be the case that such a document, which would “score” patients as an aid to the doctors providing treatment, might take into account a patient’s age, she said.
READ MORE
A recent document produced by the Department of Health called Ethical Framework for Decision-making in a Pandemic, said that when allocating resources, the “starting point for any rationing is to consider which patients are most likely to benefit from intervention.”
Among the issues that should be considered, the document said, is the patient’s frailty, independently of age.
Unusual indicator
However, Ms Motherway said that it may be the case that with Covid-19, age is an indicator of mortality, independently of the person’s frailty. This is unusual, she added.
But if it is the case, then age could influence a doctor’s decision about whether a patient should get intensive care.
She said that if a guidance document is produced, she would be strongly of the view that it should be used nationally, and that it should be published. “The people have a right to know.”
She said patients who did not get access to intensive care would still get the best care possible.
Guidance that scores patients is only a support to clinical judgment, and nothing can replace sound clinical judgment, she said.
The most important thing was that people did what they are being asked to do, to help prevent a surge of cases overwhelming the system.
“We will all end up, I think, having restrictions on our personal movements and our personal freedoms, for quite some time. I don’t think it’s going to be weeks, it’s going to be months.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Concerns raised over private practice in public hospitals

Private hospitals have sought clarification from the HSE on whether consultants in public facilities can continue to treat patients privately during the coronavirus crisis .
It is understood that some private hospitals would be concerned if they could no longer provide care to private patients under the terms of a deal reached with the Government earlier this week while public hospitals could continue to do so .
Under the heads of an agreement announced on Monday , the State will effectively take over the facilities in 19 private hospitals for a three-month period .
As part of this deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public use only .
However , the Department of Health said at three separate briefings with medical organisations and health insurers on Wednesday that private patients would still be accommodated in public hospitals for treatment for non-Covid-19 illnesses .
Insurers can be charged up to €813 per day for customers treated in public hospitals who opt to avail of their insurance cover , while doctors providing such care would also be paid .
Patients with Covid-19 will be treated in public hospitals without charge .
It is understood that after details of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported in The Irish Times on Thursday , the association representing private hospitals wrote to the HSE seeking clarification on the issue .
It is understood that some private hospitals would be unhappy at public hospitals being allowed to continue private practice in such circumstances .
Some are understood to believe that such a development could undermine the good faith that has underpinned the process between the Government and the private sector to date on dealing with the coronavirus crisis .
Under the agreement reached on Monday , consultants working full time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracts to treat only public patients on a salary ranging from just over €141,000 to €195,000 per year .
However , many existing public hospital consultants have contracts ( known as categories B and C ) that allow them to treat private patients in public hospitals , and these arrangements are expected to continue .
In an internal circular to its members , the Irish Hospital Consultants Association said the Department of Health had confirmed it was not envisaged that the existing contracts of those working in the public system would be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the association told members that “ clearly flexibility is required in the current circumstances in relation to work location and the nature of work to be undertaken ” .
The Irish Medical Organisation told its members there would be no change to the current contractual arrangements for type B and type C consultants working in the public hospital system .
The Department of Health has not published the full heads of agreement reached with public hospitals nor has it yet answered questions on its operation .

A temporary marquee structure erected on the grounds of the Mater hospital in Dublin. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Private hospitals have sought clarification from the HSE on whether consultants in public facilities can continue to treat patients privately during the coronavirus crisis.
It is understood that some private hospitals would be concerned if they could no longer provide care to private patients under the terms of a deal reached with the Government earlier this week while public hospitals could continue to do so.
Under the heads of an agreement announced on Monday, the State will effectively take over the facilities in 19 private hospitals for a three-month period. As part of this deal, beds and other facilities will be for public use only.
However, the Department of Health said at three separate briefings with medical organisations and health insurers on Wednesday that private patients would still be accommodated in public hospitals for treatment for non-Covid-19 illnesses.
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Insurers can be charged up to €813 per day for customers treated in public hospitals who opt to avail of their insurance cover, while doctors providing such care would also be paid. Patients with Covid-19 will be treated in public hospitals without charge.
It is understood that after details of the continuation of private practice in public hospitals were reported in The Irish Times on Thursday, the association representing private hospitals wrote to the HSE seeking clarification on the issue.
Good faith
It is understood that some private hospitals would be unhappy at public hospitals being allowed to continue private practice in such circumstances.
Some are understood to believe that such a development could undermine the good faith that has underpinned the process between the Government and the private sector to date on dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
Under the agreement reached on Monday, consultants working full time in public hospitals will be offered three-month contracts to treat only public patients on a salary ranging from just over €141,000 to €195,000 per year.
However, many existing public hospital consultants have contracts (known as categories B and C) that allow them to treat private patients in public hospitals, and these arrangements are expected to continue.
In an internal circular to its members, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association said the Department of Health had confirmed it was not envisaged that the existing contracts of those working in the public system would be "unilaterally amended by the employer".
However, the association told members that “clearly flexibility is required in the current circumstances in relation to work location and the nature of work to be undertaken”.
The Irish Medical Organisation told its members there would be no change to the current contractual arrangements for type B and type C consultants working in the public hospital system.
The Department of Health has not published the full heads of agreement reached with public hospitals nor has it yet answered questions on its operation.


theirishtimes--2020-04-03--Some protection equipment from China ‘not ideal’, HSE says

The Health Service Executive has admitted some elements of the first batch of personal protection equipment ( PPE ) imported from China this week “ are not ideal ” and suppliers are being notified of this – with the view to issues being resolved with subsequent orders .
It said it was satisfied that “ an overarching framework agreement in place with China Resource Pharmaceuticals , which secures the primary line of PPE ” would ensure the required quality of PPE for use by healthcare staff operating on the Covid-19 front line in hospitals .
In any event , HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undertaking product testing on all shipments received to assess quality and suitability for use , a HSE spokeswoman said .
“ Any issues identified in the first batch received during this week are being fed back to be addressed in subsequent orders .
Some elements of the first batch are not ideal but may be usable if an alternative supply is not available.
” Despite the challenges and volatility in the worldwide PPE market , the HSE had managed to secure a significant secondary line of supply “ to ensure alternate product is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
Several European countries have rejected Chinese-made coronavirus testing kits and protective equipment as substandard in recent weeks .
The Netherlands , Spain and Turkey have all claimed there have been problems with products including masks and tests .
While there is evidence of PPE shortages in Irish hospitals , including those working with Covid-19 patients and in other acute healthcare settings , there has been no indication of defective equipment .
Meanwhile , in response to a global shortage of reagents to enable Covid-19 tests to be processed , Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China , HSE chief executive Paul Reid confirmed , but it has to be validated on arrival in Ireland .
Ireland , in common with every country globally , is facing significant challenges in sourcing PPE in an extremely competitive global market , the HSE said .
“ In the midst of this unprecedented demand and supply shortage , Ireland has achieved what some major economies failed to do , which is to establish a number of confirmed supply lines for PPE , both internationally and through a scaling up of production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its spokeswoman added .
The HSE is distributing PPE across the system on a daily basis and has additionally engaged a third-party logistics and distribution company to support this process .
In an average year the HSE spends €15 million on PPE , in contrast with an initial budget of €208 million for PPE to tackle Covid-19 , of which €60 million plus has been spent to date .
The Netherlands withdrew coronavirus equipment bought from Chinese suppliers after finding it to be defective .
The ministry of health issued a recall of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been distributed to hospitals , after finding flaws that made them ineffective barriers against the virus .
It came after Spain returned 58,000 coronavirus test kits made by Shenzhen Bioeasy Biotechnology after finding the tests were unreliable as they had only a 30 per cent accuracy rate .
The Chinese embassy in Spain indicated Shenzhen Bioeasy Biotechnology was unlicensed , and clarified that donations by the Chinese government and tech company Alibaba had not included their kits .
Turkey and the Philippines have also reported faulty coronavirus tests , without specifying the @ @

Workers sort through personal protective equipment received from China at a warehouse in Valencia, Spain. Photograph: Juan Carlos Cardenas/AFP via Getty Images
The Health Service Executive has admitted some elements of the first batch of personal protection equipment (PPE) imported from China this week "are not ideal" and suppliers are being notified of this – with the view to issues being resolved with subsequent orders.
It said it was satisfied that “an overarching framework agreement in place with China Resource Pharmaceuticals, which secures the primary line of PPE” would ensure the required quality of PPE for use by healthcare staff operating on the Covid-19 front line in hospitals.
In any event, HSE infection prevention and control clinical experts are undertaking product testing on all shipments received to assess quality and suitability for use, a HSE spokeswoman said.
“Any issues identified in the first batch received during this week are being fed back to be addressed in subsequent orders. Some elements of the first batch are not ideal but may be usable if an alternative supply is not available.”
READ MORE
Despite the challenges and volatility in the worldwide PPE market, the HSE had managed to secure a significant secondary line of supply “to ensure alternate product is available if and when needed”, she said.
Several European countries have rejected Chinese-made coronavirus testing kits and protective equipment as substandard in recent weeks. The Netherlands, Spain and Turkey have all claimed there have been problems with products including masks and tests.
While there is evidence of PPE shortages in Irish hospitals, including those working with Covid-19 patients and in other acute healthcare settings, there has been no indication of defective equipment.
Meanwhile, in response to a global shortage of reagents to enable Covid-19 tests to be processed, Ireland has sourced some of the chemical needed in China, HSE chief executive Paul Reid confirmed, but it has to be validated on arrival in Ireland.
Ireland, in common with every country globally, is facing significant challenges in sourcing PPE in an extremely competitive global market, the HSE said.
“In the midst of this unprecedented demand and supply shortage, Ireland has achieved what some major economies failed to do, which is to establish a number of confirmed supply lines for PPE, both internationally and through a scaling up of production for certain products in Ireland,” its spokeswoman added.
Logistics company
The HSE is distributing PPE across the system on a daily basis and has additionally engaged a third-party logistics and distribution company to support this process.
In an average year the HSE spends €15 million on PPE, in contrast with an initial budget of €208 million for PPE to tackle Covid-19, of which €60 million plus has been spent to date.
The Netherlands withdrew coronavirus equipment bought from Chinese suppliers after finding it to be defective. The ministry of health issued a recall of hundreds of thousands of face masks that had been distributed to hospitals, after finding flaws that made them ineffective barriers against the virus.
It came after Spain returned 58,000 coronavirus test kits made by Shenzhen Bioeasy Biotechnology after finding the tests were unreliable as they had only a 30 per cent accuracy rate.
The Chinese embassy in Spain indicated Shenzhen Bioeasy Biotechnology was unlicensed, and clarified that donations by the Chinese government and tech company Alibaba had not included their kits.
Turkey and the Philippines have also reported faulty coronavirus tests, without specifying the supplier.


theirishtimes--2020-04-03--Coronavirus: Warning over rate of growth as 13 more die in Republic

Intensive care units will be overwhelmed in the coming weeks unless the rate of growth of Covid-19 cases reduces , chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has warned .
While there is some optimism in Government that the shutdown of commercial and social life is succeeding in slowing the spread of the virus , Dr Holohan said there needed to be further progress to avoid a situation in which the number of people requiring intensive care outstrips available beds .
“ If we keep growing at the rate we are growing we won ’ t avoid that scenario so we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The number of people who have died from Covid-19 in the Republic has now almost breached the 100 mark .
At a briefing on Thursday evening , the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) said 13 new fatalities bring the total to 98 .
A further 402 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland as of lunchtime on Thursday bring the total figure to 3,849 .
Of the most recent deaths , nine were located in the east of the country , one in the south and three in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and four women with a median age of 82 ; 10 had underlying conditions .
Globally , total cases of Covid-19 reached over one million , and more than 51,000 people have died so far .
The US has the highest number of cases , 236,339 , while Italy remains the worst-affected by the outbreak , with 13,915 deaths .
In Ireland , cases of Covid-19 are currently growing at a rate of 10 per cent a day – a sharp reduction from earlier growth rates , which were about 33 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down further to enable the health service to deal with the crisis , he said .
“ We have flattened the curve , ” Dr Holohan , who has returned to work following a brief illness , said .
“ But we need to flatten it further.
” Later , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the rate of increase must be lowered to five per cent or less in order for the health service to adequately cope .
However , senior politicians and officials believe that the lockdown measures announced by the Government at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having an effect in further reducing the spread of the virus .
Dr Holohan said , however , that it would be end of next week before it was clear .
Senior officials said that as well as seeking to suppress the growth of the virus , the health service would double the number of ICU beds over the coming weeks , from 312 to more than 600 .
Officials will advise Ministers next week on whether the most stringent coronavirus restrictions – initially imposed until Easter Sunday , April 12th – should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tánaiste Simon Coveney indicated that they may be extended .
Meanwhile , a briefing of party leaders on Thursday was told the restrictions could eventually be eased on a “ national , regional or county level ” .
It is also understood that the meeting heard that a number of Institutes of Technology around the country – such as Limerick , Galway and Sligo – could be used as field hospitals if required .
The Government on Thursday launched a major initiative – the Community Call – which links local and national government @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Another 13 patients diagnosed with coronavirus have died and a further 402 new cases have been confirmed. Video: RTÉ
Intensive care units will be overwhelmed in the coming weeks unless the rate of growth of Covid-19 cases reduces, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan has warned.
While there is some optimism in Government that the shutdown of commercial and social life is succeeding in slowing the spread of the virus, Dr Holohan said there needed to be further progress to avoid a situation in which the number of people requiring intensive care outstrips available beds.
“If we keep growing at the rate we are growing we won’t avoid that scenario so we need to keep improving,” he said.
The number of people who have died from Covid-19 in the Republic has now almost breached the 100 mark.
READ MORE
At a briefing on Thursday evening, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) said 13 new fatalities bring the total to 98.
A further 402 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland as of lunchtime on Thursday bring the total figure to 3,849.
Of the most recent deaths, nine were located in the east of the country, one in the south and three in the west. There were nine men and four women with a median age of 82; 10 had underlying conditions.
Over one million
Globally, total cases of Covid-19 reached over one million, and more than 51,000 people have died so far. The US has the highest number of cases, 236,339, while Italy remains the worst-affected by the outbreak, with 13,915 deaths.
In Ireland, cases of Covid-19 are currently growing at a rate of 10 per cent a day – a sharp reduction from earlier growth rates, which were about 33 per cent. But that growth needs to come down further to enable the health service to deal with the crisis, he said.
“We have flattened the curve,” Dr Holohan, who has returned to work following a brief illness, said. “But we need to flatten it further.”
Later, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the rate of increase must be lowered to five per cent or less in order for the health service to adequately cope.
However, senior politicians and officials believe that the lockdown measures announced by the Government at the end of last week are now having an effect in further reducing the spread of the virus. Dr Holohan said, however, that it would be end of next week before it was clear.
ICU beds
Senior officials said that as well as seeking to suppress the growth of the virus, the health service would double the number of ICU beds over the coming weeks, from 312 to more than 600.
Officials will advise Ministers next week on whether the most stringent coronavirus restrictions – initially imposed until Easter Sunday, April 12th – should continue. However, earlier on Thursday Tánaiste Simon Coveney indicated that they may be extended.
Meanwhile, a briefing of party leaders on Thursday was told the restrictions could eventually be eased on a “national, regional or county level”. It is also understood that the meeting heard that a number of Institutes of Technology around the country – such as Limerick, Galway and Sligo – could be used as field hospitals if required.
The Government on Thursday launched a major initiative – the Community Call – which links local and national government with the community and voluntary sectors.


theirishtimes--2020-04-03--Impact of Covid-19 on Travelling people: ‘Worst that ever came’

Johnny McDonnell ( 84 ) has prostate cancer and bone cancer , and lives in a caravan in Dublin with no running water .
A resident of St Dominic ’ s Park , an unofficial Traveller site in Darndale , McDonnell is worried about the coronavirus pandemic , particularly how it could impact on younger families with vulnerable children .
“ This virus is the worst that ever came in Ireland .
I ’ ve seen the scabies , the flus , the polio , the myxomatosis in the rabbits , and none was as bad as this , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never seen the like of it.
” None of the 23 households on the site has running water , secure electricity or isolation facilities .
There are more than 50 children living in St Dominic ’ s , including four with cystic fibrosis and several with asthma , diabetes and developmental delays .
One young adult recently had a kidney transplant .
The St Dominic ’ s Park families are among hundreds continuing to live in overcrowded , unsafe sites during the coronavirus crisis despite a Government instruction to local authorities to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and practical solutions ” .
Many local authorities have “ really stepped and up and engaged ” with the Department of Housing ’ s circular of March 18th , say advocates , but some have provided “ inadequate or no resources to Travellers in unsafe conditions ” .
The circular states : “ Some members of the Traveller community , particularly those living in sites with limited facilities , may be particularly vulnerable [ to Covid-19 ] and extra measures may need to be put in place.
” These include , it says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; additional mobile accommodation/space where there is overcrowding ; extra refuse collection ; access and egress on sites ; and additional units ( either mobiles on site or houses elsewhere that would allow for self-isolation/quarantine ) .
“ It should be noted that every effort should be made to find prompt and practical solutions on existing sites ...
The Traveller Accommodation Unit has some funding available for essential mitigation works and any such requests will be prioritised within 24 hours , ” council housing managers are told .
Asked if he is worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I am , but there ’ s not much I can do about it .
I am good enough at my age.
” His son , Thomas McDonnell , is concerned that if a coronavirus case was confirmed on the site , “ it would spread very fast ” .
He also worries about funeral arrangements being a problem if a loved one was to die .
“ That would be the saddest thing .
There ’ s no one allowed go , ” he says .
Dublin City Council ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” lines on the site ’ s paths and delivered leaflets on Covid-19 to each household , though some residents have limited literacy .
Children are not allowed to visit friends ’ caravans but , with limited indoor space , they play on the green supervised by parents .
Many residents are wearing masks and gloves , but describe the lack of running water as “ very hard ” .
“ There ’ s two sites nearby has running water , ” says Winnie McDonnell .
“ So you fill cans and bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portaloo and residents pay a company to collect rubbish .
“ There ’ s some here , though , could really do with an extra caravan if anyone gets sick , ” says Winnie .
“ There ’ s some with six sharing a bedroom .
“ There ’ s no one with the signs of the virus so far , though if they do get it I don ’ t know what they ’ re going to do because there ’ s nowhere to self-isolate really.
” The city council ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said , including increased waste collection and additional supports for acquiring mobile homes “ where required ” .
There are also plans to disinfect sites ’ communal areas and distribute hygiene packs to families , he added .
“ Two families [ elsewhere in Dublin ] have been rehoused , two others have refused offers of accommodation .
At no point has any resident in St Dominic ’ s Park made requests for extra services , ” the spokesman added .
In a briefing to Oireachtas members last week , the Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families are living in inadequate , unsafe and impermanent conditions ” .
It says implementation of the circular has been “ mixed ” .
Many councils have provided portaloos to families who have been asking for them for years , and some now have running water for the first time .
Few councils appear to have provided additional mobile homes .
Galway City Council was praised for having established a dedicated unit to monitor the impact of the pandemic on Travellers .
This involves its housing department , Galway Traveller Movement and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , repaired heating where broken and provided alternative off-site to families in overcrowded conditions .
Traveller groups have commended the actions – at least in part – of councils in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown , Wexford , Waterford and Clare in moving swiftly to provide resources to vulnerable Travellers .
Groups welcome the emergency measure , passed by the Oireachtas last week , prohibiting evictions of Travellers during the pandemic .
Ronnie Fay , co-director of advocacy group Pavee Point , said twice-weekly teleconferences between HSE Traveller Health Units and Traveller groups had “ been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups to raise issues as they emerge ” .
However , there are “ still some local authorities which are not compliant ” , according to one national advocate , who said concerned families on unauthorised sites won ’ t seek help as they “ fear being evicted ” .
“ No provision has been put in place for many Traveller families living in unofficial sites with no facilities , ” the movement said .

John McDonnell, 83, who has cancer, at the St Dominic’s Park Traveller site at Belcamp Lane, Darndale, Dublin. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Johnny McDonnell (84) has prostate cancer and bone cancer, and lives in a caravan in Dublin with no running water.
A resident of St Dominic's Park, an unofficial Traveller site in Darndale, McDonnell is worried about the coronavirus pandemic, particularly how it could impact on younger families with vulnerable children.
"This virus is the worst that ever came in Ireland. I've seen the scabies, the flus, the polio, the myxomatosis in the rabbits, and none was as bad as this," he says. "I've never seen the like of it."
None of the 23 households on the site has running water, secure electricity or isolation facilities. There are more than 50 children living in St Dominic’s, including four with cystic fibrosis and several with asthma, diabetes and developmental delays. One young adult recently had a kidney transplant.
READ MORE
The St Dominic’s Park families are among hundreds continuing to live in overcrowded, unsafe sites during the coronavirus crisis despite a Government instruction to local authorities to make “every effort... to find prompt and practical solutions”.
Many local authorities have “really stepped and up and engaged” with the Department of Housing’s circular of March 18th, say advocates, but some have provided “inadequate or no resources to Travellers in unsafe conditions”.
The circular states: “Some members of the Traveller community, particularly those living in sites with limited facilities, may be particularly vulnerable [to Covid-19] and extra measures may need to be put in place.”
Winnie McDonnell: ‘There’s some here could really do with an extra caravan if anyone gets sick. There’s some with six sharing a bedroom.’ Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
These include, it says: “extra toilets; running water; additional mobile accommodation/space where there is overcrowding; extra refuse collection; access and egress on sites; and additional units (either mobiles on site or houses elsewhere that would allow for self-isolation/quarantine).
“It should be noted that every effort should be made to find prompt and practical solutions on existing sites... The Traveller Accommodation Unit has some funding available for essential mitigation works and any such requests will be prioritised within 24 hours,” council housing managers are told.
Asked if he is worried about his own health, McDonnell says: “I am, but there’s not much I can do about it. I am good enough at my age.”
His son, Thomas McDonnell, is concerned that if a coronavirus case was confirmed on the site, “it would spread very fast”. He also worries about funeral arrangements being a problem if a loved one was to die.
“That would be the saddest thing. There’s no one allowed go,” he says.
Leaflets
Dublin City Council (DCC) has painted two-metre "distancing" lines on the site's paths and delivered leaflets on Covid-19 to each household, though some residents have limited literacy.
Children are not allowed to visit friends’ caravans but, with limited indoor space, they play on the green supervised by parents.
Many residents are wearing masks and gloves, but describe the lack of running water as “very hard”.
“There’s two sites nearby has running water,” says Winnie McDonnell. “So you fill cans and bring them down.”
Each bay has a portaloo and residents pay a company to collect rubbish.
“There’s some here, though, could really do with an extra caravan if anyone gets sick,” says Winnie. “There’s some with six sharing a bedroom.
“There’s no one with the signs of the virus so far, though if they do get it I don’t know what they’re going to do because there’s nowhere to self-isolate really.”
The city council’s Traveller unit has implemented measures, a spokesman said, including increased waste collection and additional supports for acquiring mobile homes “where required”. There are also plans to disinfect sites’ communal areas and distribute hygiene packs to families, he added.
“Two families [elsewhere in Dublin] have been rehoused, two others have refused offers of accommodation. At no point has any resident in St Dominic’s Park made requests for extra services,” the spokesman added.
In a briefing to Oireachtas members last week, the Irish Traveller Movement said "more than 2,000 families are living in inadequate, unsafe and impermanent conditions". It says implementation of the circular has been "mixed".
Portaloos
Many councils have provided portaloos to families who have been asking for them for years, and some now have running water for the first time. Few councils appear to have provided additional mobile homes.
Galway City Council was praised for having established a dedicated unit to monitor the impact of the pandemic on Travellers. This involves its housing department, Galway Traveller Movement and the HSE. It has provided extra portaloos, repaired heating where broken and provided alternative off-site to families in overcrowded conditions.
Joe McDonnell and Joe Lawrence at St Dominic’s Park Traveller site at Belcamp Lane, Darndale. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Traveller groups have commended the actions – at least in part – of councils in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Wexford, Waterford and Clare in moving swiftly to provide resources to vulnerable Travellers.
Groups welcome the emergency measure, passed by the Oireachtas last week, prohibiting evictions of Travellers during the pandemic.
Ronnie Fay, co-director of advocacy group Pavee Point, said twice-weekly teleconferences between HSE Traveller Health Units and Traveller groups had "been really good... [allowing] local groups to raise issues as they emerge".
However, there are “still some local authorities which are not compliant”, according to one national advocate, who said concerned families on unauthorised sites won’t seek help as they “fear being evicted”.
“ No provision has been put in place for many Traveller families living in unofficial sites with no facilities,” the movement said.


theirishtimes--2020-04-04--Tuberculosis vaccine ‘potential game-changer’ in Covid-19 fight

A study indicating that the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis could help to protect against Covid-19 is “ a potential game-changer ” in global efforts to curb the pandemic , according to a leading immunologist .
The research indicating that countries whose populations have high levels of BCG vaccination had significantly fewer Covid-19 deaths was the most significant development since the virus has spread , said Prof Luke O ’ Neill , who has specialised in study of the vaccine at Trinity College Dublin .
While he stressed the research was largely a statistical one and so came with caveats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide a BCG vaccine top-up for everybody age over 70 .
“ This is feasible and should be considered .
It doesn ’ t mean we change behaviour , such as physical distancing and washing your hands , ” he said .
However , children currently aged five and under in Ireland will not have the vaccine .
BCG vaccine is given to protect babies against TB but Ireland has had no BCG vaccine since May 2015 and no children have been vaccinated since then , the HSE confirmed .
This coincided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stocks have become available in recent months .
In February of this year the National Immunisation Advisory Committee , and the Health Information and Quality Authority recommended to the Department of Health that BCG vaccine “ does not now need to be given routinely to all children ” .
Most of the Irish population would still have some immunity against Covid-19 , if the connection is proven , Prof O ’ Neill said .
The preliminary study suggests countries that require citizens to get the BCG vaccine are showing fewer number of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gonzalo Otazu of New York Institute of Technology started working on the analysis after noticing the low number of cases in Japan .
His findings have been posted on medRxiv , a site for unpublished medical research .
Prof O ’ Neill said there was evidence going back 30 years that those getting the vaccine get less measles and less respiratory illness .
Given the “ great science behind the BCG vaccine ” this research is worth serious consideration , he believed .
Already , scientists are moving quickly in an attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the connection .
Clinicians in six countries are running trials giving front-line health workers and older people the BCG vaccine .
He underlined the study is “ a correlation , so there is always an issue of confounding variables ” .
So a high Covid-19 death rate in Italy may be due to low BCG vaccination or a higher proportion of older people .

The latest guidelines and restrictions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, also known as Covid-19
A study indicating that the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis could help to protect against Covid-19 is “a potential game-changer” in global efforts to curb the pandemic, according to a leading immunologist.
The research indicating that countries whose populations have high levels of BCG vaccination had significantly fewer Covid-19 deaths was the most significant development since the virus has spread, said Prof Luke O'Neill, who has specialised in study of the vaccine at Trinity College Dublin.
While he stressed the research was largely a statistical one and so came with caveats, there was a case for authorities moving to provide a BCG vaccine top-up for everybody age over 70. “This is feasible and should be considered. It doesn’t mean we change behaviour, such as physical distancing and washing your hands,” he said.
However, children currently aged five and under in Ireland will not have the vaccine. BCG vaccine is given to protect babies against TB but Ireland has had no BCG vaccine since May 2015 and no children have been vaccinated since then, the HSE confirmed. This coincided with a vaccine shortage in Europe – stocks have become available in recent months.
READ MORE
In February of this year the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, and the Health Information and Quality Authority recommended to the Department of Health that BCG vaccine "does not now need to be given routinely to all children".
Most of the Irish population would still have some immunity against Covid-19, if the connection is proven, Prof O’Neill said.
The preliminary study suggests countries that require citizens to get the BCG vaccine are showing fewer number of confirmed cases and deaths from Covid-19.
Dr Gonzalo Otazu of New York Institute of Technology started working on the analysis after noticing the low number of cases in Japan. His findings have been posted on medRxiv, a site for unpublished medical research.
Prof O’Neill said there was evidence going back 30 years that those getting the vaccine get less measles and less respiratory illness.
Given the “great science behind the BCG vaccine” this research is worth serious consideration, he believed. Already, scientists are moving quickly in an attempt to verify if there is a medical basis for the connection.
Clinicians in six countries are running trials giving front-line health workers and older people the BCG vaccine. He underlined the study is "a correlation, so there is always an issue of confounding variables". So a high Covid-19 death rate in Italy may be due to low BCG vaccination or a higher proportion of older people.


theirishtimes--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: Efforts to tackle nursing home outbreaks to be ramped up

Further measures to tackle scores of coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes , along with a multimillion euro package of economic supports for the sector , are due to be announced by the Government on Saturday .
The measures , which aim to “ double down ” on clusters of the disease now reported in 38 nursing homes , include twice-a-day temperature checks and the appointment of Covid-19 managers in affected homes .
The daily toll from the outbreak rose to its highest level on Friday , with the reporting of another 22 deaths – 11 men and 11 women – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have now been 120 deaths from Covid-19 in the Republic , with a median age of 82 years .
The number of new confirmed cases also rose to a record daily high , at 424 , the National Public Health Emergency Team also reported on Friday .
There are now 4,273 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland .
Reporting the figures , chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan expressed concern at the number of clusters in nursing homes .
“ We need to see continuous actions being taken to reduce the risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities , ” he warned .
Dr Holohan said a range of measures are being implemented to strengthen controls and infection prevention in nursing homes and to support training .
Specific risks identified in some homes are being followed up .
The new measures are expected to be announced by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Health Simon Harris on Saturday after the sector is briefed .
Amid continuing concern over delays in testing , sources said the Government is seeking a clear “ road map ” from public health officials early next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said most sampling centres , some of which were forced to close last weekend due to equipment shortages , were now “ back up and running ” .
The HSE admitted some of the new supply of personal protection equipment ( PPE ) it secured last weekend in China is not suitable for use .
Prof Martin Cormican , HSE national infection control clinical lead , said “ some of it is suitable for use , some of it has limited use and some of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of the masks in the consignment that had been categorised as respiratory masks should have been categorised as surgical masks , according to Dr Henry .
Where the HSE had expected long sleeve gowns , some of the items received were more like body suits .
At least one type of respiratory mask and one type of face goggles was considered not to be usable by the HSE after it inspected the first consignment .
Sources said the HSE hoped to eliminate these problems in future shipments .
Meanwhile , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 30,000 figure cited at the start of the week , according to Dr Holohan though he declined to give specific figures until next week .
The HSE said it has an agreement with a lab in Germany to process Irish tests and “ this should help to improve turnaround times in testing over the coming weeks ” .
Dr Holohan said the next seven to 10 days will be crucial in terms of understanding trends governing the growth in new cases .
The National Public Health Emergency Team should be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these trends towards the end of next week when the impact of the restrictive measures ordered by the Government become apparent .
“ It really will be the better we do , the lower the peak will be [ and ] the further into the future it will be .
”

Fianna Fáil spokesperson for health Stephen Donnelly TD highlights how a lack of PPE has lead to positive coronavirus cases in nursing homes and the homecare industry. Video: Oireachtas TV
Further measures to tackle scores of coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes, along with a multimillion euro package of economic supports for the sector, are due to be announced by the Government on Saturday.
The measures, which aim to “double down” on clusters of the disease now reported in 38 nursing homes, include twice-a-day temperature checks and the appointment of Covid-19 managers in affected homes.
The daily toll from the outbreak rose to its highest level on Friday, with the reporting of another 22 deaths – 11 men and 11 women – of patients diagnosed with coronavirus. There have now been 120 deaths from Covid-19 in the Republic, with a median age of 82 years.
The number of new confirmed cases also rose to a record daily high, at 424, the National Public Health Emergency Team also reported on Friday. There are now 4,273 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
READ MORE
Reporting the figures, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan expressed concern at the number of clusters in nursing homes. "We need to see continuous actions being taken to reduce the risk of transmission in nursing home and long-term residential facilities," he warned.
Dr Holohan said a range of measures are being implemented to strengthen controls and infection prevention in nursing homes and to support training. Specific risks identified in some homes are being followed up.
The new measures are expected to be announced by Minister for Health Simon Harris on Saturday after the sector is briefed.
Amid continuing concern over delays in testing , sources said the Government is seeking a clear “road map” from public health officials early next week for ramping up the service.
HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said most sampling centres, some of which were forced to close last weekend due to equipment shortages, were now "back up and running".
The HSE admitted some of the new supply of personal protection equipment (PPE) it secured last weekend in China is not suitable for use. Prof Martin Cormican, HSE national infection control clinical lead, said "some of it is suitable for use, some of it has limited use and some of it is not suitable for use".
Some of the masks in the consignment that had been categorised as respiratory masks should have been categorised as surgical masks, according to Dr Henry. Where the HSE had expected long sleeve gowns, some of the items received were more like body suits.
Testing increases
At least one type of respiratory mask and one type of face goggles was considered not to be usable by the HSE after it inspected the first consignment. Sources said the HSE hoped to eliminate these problems in future shipments.
Meanwhile, the number of people tested has increased significantly on the 30,000 figure cited at the start of the week, according to Dr Holohan though he declined to give specific figures until next week.
The HSE said it has an agreement with a lab in Germany to process Irish tests and "this should help to improve turnaround times in testing over the coming weeks".
Dr Holohan said the next seven to 10 days will be crucial in terms of understanding trends governing the growth in new cases. The National Public Health Emergency Team should be able to make “more certain estimates” of these trends towards the end of next week when the impact of the restrictive measures ordered by the Government become apparent.
“It really will be the better we do, the lower the peak will be [and] the further into the future it will be.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: About 600 private consultants in limbo after State deal

Up to 600 private-only medical consultants are in legal limbo and can not practise due to unintended consequences of the State ’ s agreement to effectively take over private hospitals during the coronavirus crisis , doctors have said .
Dr Stephen Fröhlich , managing partner of Critical Care Partners ( CCP ) , a practice of 14 consultant anaesthesiologists and intensivists who run the 15- bed intensive care unit at Beacon Hospital , said private-sector specialists had been essentially furloughed .
He said the State anticipated using this ICU unit given the need for intensive care beds in the face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , he said that “ without the new contracts , none of the consultants who run the ICU can work ” .
The Government has proposed that on foot of its deal to take over 19 private hospitals for three months to deal with the Covid-19 crisis , consultants in the private sector should be offered a temporary locum contract .
They would see only public patients and would be paid a salary of €141,000-€195,000 per year .
It is understood private hospitals have now signed the heads of agreement reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take over their 2,000 beds , theatres and other facilities to assist in dealing with the coronavirus crisis .
Dr Fröhlich said on Friday the Government ’ s deal had seen it essentially take over “ the bricks and mortar ” of the hospitals .
He said no agreements had been reached with the consultants who worked in these facilities .
On Friday the Irish Hospital Consultants Association urged members practising fully in the private sector for the moment not to sign the proposed contracts .
In a memo to members the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very significant issues ” regarding the proposed contracts for whole-time private consultants as well as practice terms had not been clarified despite talks with the Department of Health on Wednesday .
Dr Fröhlich said without new contracts or indemnification there was no way to practise on public patients and the private sector had effectively , albeit temporarily , shut down .
“ As a result there are currently an estimated 600 fully private consultants who can not practise .
They have been told clearly by their insurers that they can not touch patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipated the Government would move to deal with the indemnity issue .
The State Claims Agency said in new advice to IHCA members on Friday that consultants in full-time private practice who have signed the locum contract with the HSE would be covered by its clinical indemnity scheme in relation to the treatment of public patients .
A spokeswoman for the IHCA last night said its advice to members not to sign the proposed new contract stood , pending the receipt of clarification on a number of issues from the Department of Health @

Up to 600 private-only medical consultants are in legal limbo and cannot practise due to unintended consequences of the State’s agreement to effectively take over private hospitals during the coronavirus crisis, doctors have said.
Dr Stephen Fröhlich, managing partner of Critical Care Partners (CCP), a practice of 14 consultant anaesthesiologists and intensivists who run the 15- bed intensive care unit at Beacon Hospital, said private-sector specialists had been essentially furloughed.
He said the State anticipated using this ICU unit given the need for intensive care beds in the face of a surge of patients with Covid-19. However, he said that “without the new contracts, none of the consultants who run the ICU can work”.
The Government has proposed that on foot of its deal to take over 19 private hospitals for three months to deal with the Covid-19 crisis, consultants in the private sector should be offered a temporary locum contract. They would see only public patients and would be paid a salary of €141,000-€195,000 per year.
READ MORE
It is understood private hospitals have now signed the heads of agreement reached with the Government to allow the State to take over their 2,000 beds, theatres and other facilities to assist in dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
Dr Fröhlich said on Friday the Government’s deal had seen it essentially take over “the bricks and mortar” of the hospitals. He said no agreements had been reached with the consultants who worked in these facilities.
Proposed contracts
On Friday the Irish Hospital Consultants Association urged members practising fully in the private sector for the moment not to sign the proposed contracts.
In a memo to members the association said “a large number of very significant issues” regarding the proposed contracts for whole-time private consultants as well as practice terms had not been clarified despite talks with the Department of Health on Wednesday.
Dr Fröhlich said without new contracts or indemnification there was no way to practise on public patients and the private sector had effectively, albeit temporarily, shut down.
“As a result there are currently an estimated 600 fully private consultants who cannot practise. They have been told clearly by their insurers that they cannot touch patients without indemnification from the State.” He anticipated the Government would move to deal with the indemnity issue.
The State Claims Agency said in new advice to IHCA members on Friday that consultants in full-time private practice who have signed the locum contract with the HSE would be covered by its clinical indemnity scheme in relation to the treatment of public patients .
A spokeswoman for the IHCA last night said its advice to members not to sign the proposed new contract stood, pending the receipt of clarification on a number of issues from the Department of Health.


theirishtimes--2020-04-04--Coronavirus: HSE confirms no joint order for PPE with Northern Ireland

An order of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) from China which the North ’ s Minister for Finance , Conor Murphy , announced had been made jointly with the Irish Government has not been placed .
Mr Murphy told reporters on March 27th that a “ very significant order ” for PPE had been made .
“ We have the agreement with Dublin to jointly pursue this .
We have the order placed.
” However , the Department of Health in Dublin said on Friday it “ has not so far proved possible to place a joint order ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Colm Henry , HSE chief clinical officer , said he was not aware of any joint PPE procurement between the Republic and the North .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said if his counterpart in the North “ identified a particular need ... we ’ d be happy to work with them , as we do on many issues ” .
Mr Murphy , a Sinn Féin MLA , clarified his position on Friday evening , explaining that it had been “ agreed that orders would be placed through North-South collaboration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day his department “ provided our detailed requirements for PPE to Dublin , and payment arrangements were in train ” .
“ However , over that weekend the market was upended when major economic powers entered the global race for PPE .
Yesterday afternoon , despite best efforts of all involved , I received confirmation that the order would not in fact be fulfilled through this route , ” he said .
Irish Government sources said there had been discussions about procuring a joint order in China , and that this had fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market .
In its statement the Department of Health said it was “ ready to discuss any area where we can co-operate effectively , North and South , including on procurement of PPE and critical supplies ” .
“ In relation to procurement , while it has not so far proved possible to place a joint order in the context of what is an increasingly challenging international environment , discussions between procurement teams are ongoing and active , and it remains our intention to continue to co-operate in this area.
” There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lack of PPE equipment for health workers , as well as tensions between Sinn Féin and the other parties over how to handle the coronavirus crisis .
On Thursday , the Deputy First Minister , Sinn Féin ’ s Michelle O ’ Neill , said the North ’ s Minister for Health , Robin Swann , had been “ too slow to act ” .
The UK health minister , Matt Hancock , has announced that the North is to receive 5 million items of PPE from British stocks .

There have been concerns in the North about the lack of PPE equipment for health workers, as well as tensions between Sinn Féin and the other parties over how to handle the coronavirus crisis. Photograph: Getty Images
An order of personal protective equipment (PPE) from China which the North's Minister for Finance, Conor Murphy, announced had been made jointly with the Irish Government has not been placed.
Mr Murphy told reporters on March 27th that a “very significant order” for PPE had been made. “We have the agreement with Dublin to jointly pursue this. We have the order placed.”
However, the Department of Health in Dublin said on Friday it “has not so far proved possible to place a joint order”.
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr Colm Henry, HSE chief clinical officer, said he was not aware of any joint PPE procurement between the Republic and the North.
READ MORE
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said if his counterpart in the North “identified a particular need...we’d be happy to work with them, as we do on many issues”.
Mr Murphy, a Sinn Féin MLA, clarified his position on Friday evening, explaining that it had been “agreed that orders would be placed through North-South collaboration” on March 27th, and that day his department “provided our detailed requirements for PPE to Dublin, and payment arrangements were in train”.
“However, over that weekend the market was upended when major economic powers entered the global race for PPE. Yesterday afternoon, despite best efforts of all involved, I received confirmation that the order would not in fact be fulfilled through this route,” he said.
Irish Government sources said there had been discussions about procuring a joint order in China, and that this had fallen through when “bigger players” entered the market.
In its statement the Department of Health said it was “ready to discuss any area where we can co-operate effectively, North and South, including on procurement of PPE and critical supplies”.
Procurement teams
“In relation to procurement, while it has not so far proved possible to place a joint order in the context of what is an increasingly challenging international environment, discussions between procurement teams are ongoing and active, and it remains our intention to continue to co-operate in this area.”
There have been concerns in the North about the lack of PPE equipment for health workers, as well as tensions between Sinn Féin and the other parties over how to handle the coronavirus crisis.
On Thursday, the Deputy First Minister, Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill, said the North’s Minister for Health, Robin Swann, had been “too slow to act”.
The UK health minister, Matt Hancock, has announced that the North is to receive 5 million items of PPE from British stocks.


theirishtimes--2020-04-03--Thinking Anew – ‘And death shall have no dominion’

‘ When I die , ” wrote William Barclay , the distinguished biblical scholar , “ I should like to slip out of the room without fuss – for what matters is not what I am leaving but where I am going.
” The desire to die without fuss speaks to the concerns many have about dying .
Woody Allen went further : “ I ’ m not afraid of dying .
I just don ’ t want to be there when it happens.
” That , however , is not an option .
The corona virus alert is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered vulnerable because of underlying health issues .
Their concerns will be shared with family and friends .
Often unspoken , however , are fears of death or losing someone we love .
Tomorrow on Palm Sunday we recall the week-long journey of Jesus to his death .
It is tempting to think that it was easier for him , that he had some privileged status which made his journey different to ours .
However , it is a core Christian belief that Jesus fully shared our mortal nature as the letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses , but we have one who has been tempted in every way , just as we are –yet he did not sin.
” That first Holy Week , Jesus suffered physical abuse ending in the horrendous torture of crucifixion , but there were other factors along the way .
Before he died , Jesus suffered emotionally and psychologically at the hands of his accusers and most of all by the betrayal and denial of his followers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Nazis , tells the story of a friend who was imprisoned for resistance activities and tortured , but they could not break him .
Two weeks after his liberation the man committed suicide when he discovered that he had been betrayed to the Gestapo , not by an enemy , but by someone he loved – his own son .
Dying is more than a mere physical transition ; it can be impacted by our self-understanding , matters of conscience and religious beliefs and also the status of our relationships with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Book of Common Prayer includes these words : “ Grant us , Lord , the wisdom and grace to use aright the time that is left to us here on earth.
” This suggests dealing with any negative issues we may have within ourselves or with others .
Richard Holloway warns against turning the death of Jesus into a religious rather than a human event because people who are uncomfortable with the church may lose Jesus .
He tells of his attempt as a young seminarian to convert his agnostic father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devotions .
He so much wanted to share that experience with his father .
In time , however , he came to see that Jesus belongs to the world , not the church , that he died for all and not a few , and that “ the Divine Outsider ” was out there with everyone including his father , even if unrecognised .
The cross is the most revealing and informative statement we have of the “ God with us ” we celebrate at Christmas .
There can be differing views as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most appropriate and helpful : a crucifix with the figure of Jesus or a plain empty cross .
We need both : the crucifix assures us that God understands human fear and suffering ; the plain empty cross points to the risen Christ and the conviction that Easter is the future , that , as St Paul put it , nothing in all creation , not even death “ will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
” Dylan Thomas gives a human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They shall have stars at elbow and foot ; Though they go mad they shall be sane , Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again , Though lovers be lost , love shall not ; And death shall have no dominion .
”

‘When I die,” wrote William Barclay, the distinguished biblical scholar, “I should like to slip out of the room without fuss – for what matters is not what I am leaving but where I am going.”
The desire to die without fuss speaks to the concerns many have about dying. Woody Allen went further: “I’m not afraid of dying. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” That, however, is not an option.
The corona virus alert is on the minds of many and especially those considered vulnerable because of underlying health issues. Their concerns will be shared with family and friends. Often unspoken, however, are fears of death or losing someone we love. Tomorrow on Palm Sunday we recall the week-long journey of Jesus to his death. It is tempting to think that it was easier for him, that he had some privileged status which made his journey different to ours. However, it is a core Christian belief that Jesus fully shared our mortal nature as the letter to the Hebrews makes clear: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are –yet he did not sin.”
That first Holy Week, Jesus suffered physical abuse ending in the horrendous torture of crucifixion, but there were other factors along the way. Before he died, Jesus suffered emotionally and psychologically at the hands of his accusers and most of all by the betrayal and denial of his followers.
READ MORE
The German theologian Helmut Thielicke, an opponent of the Nazis, tells the story of a friend who was imprisoned for resistance activities and tortured, but they could not break him. Two weeks after his liberation the man committed suicide when he discovered that he had been betrayed to the Gestapo, not by an enemy, but by someone he loved – his own son.
Dying is more than a mere physical transition; it can be impacted by our self-understanding, matters of conscience and religious beliefs and also the status of our relationships with others. A prayer for the bereaved from the Book of Common Prayer includes these words: “Grant us, Lord, the wisdom and grace to use aright the time that is left to us here on earth.” This suggests dealing with any negative issues we may have within ourselves or with others.
Richard Holloway warns against turning the death of Jesus into a religious rather than a human event because people who are uncomfortable with the church may lose Jesus. He tells of his attempt as a young seminarian to convert his agnostic father by writing to him after Good Friday devotions. He so much wanted to share that experience with his father. In time, however, he came to see that Jesus belongs to the world, not the church, that he died for all and not a few, and that “the Divine Outsider” was out there with everyone including his father, even if unrecognised.
The cross is the most revealing and informative statement we have of the “God with us” we celebrate at Christmas. There can be differing views as to which representation of the cross is most appropriate and helpful: a crucifix with the figure of Jesus or a plain empty cross. We need both: the crucifix assures us that God understands human fear and suffering; the plain empty cross points to the risen Christ and the conviction that Easter is the future, that, as St Paul put it, nothing in all creation, not even death “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Dylan Thomas gives a human touch to the same hope: “They shall have stars at elbow and foot; Though they go mad they shall be sane, Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again, Though lovers be lost, love shall not; And death shall have no dominion.”