theirishtimes--2020-03-15--Q&A: coronavirus, global travel disruption and your consumer rights

Okay , so , after a head-spinning weekend where are we now when it comes to travel ?
We are in a place we have never been before .
Countries are shutting down from within and shutting their borders in a desperate attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19 .
Travel bans are being imposed , enforced periods of quarantine on those arriving in airports and ports are being implemented , airlines are grounding fleets , and tour operators , hotels and everyone operating in the hospitality sector are struggling to cope with what is now a nightmare scenario .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the Government saying ?
Over the weekend the Department of Foreign Affairs advised against all non-essential travel to Czech Republic , Cyprus , Denmark , Malta , Poland , Slovakia .
This is in addition to earlier advice warning against non-essential travel to Spain , no travel to Italy and exercising caution when going to other EU countries .
Yes .
All Irish tourists returning from any part of Italy of Spain will be asked to “ restrict their movements for two weeks ” , Minister for Health Simon Harris has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains a no-go area .
France and Spain joined Italy in imposing lockdowns on tens of millions of people .
Spain has declared a 15-day state of emergency to combat the epidemic in Europe ’ s second-worst-affected country .
Effective immediately , all 47 million Spaniards must stay home except to buy food , medicines , go to work or to the hospital or for emergencies .
Spain had 193 coronavirus deaths and 6,250 cases , public broadcaster TVE said on Saturday , up from 120 deaths reported on Friday .
France shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday with its 67 million people told to stay home after confirmed infections doubled in 72 hours .
Is there more ?
There is a whole lot more .
Norway will close all borders , airports and ports from 8am local time on Monday .
Poland is closing its borders and denying foreigners entry unless they live in Poland or have personal ties there .
Non-citizens who are allowed in will be quarantined for 14 days .
Other countries are imposing restrictions of varying degrees of severity .
What about the airlines ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ severely reduce ” flights to/from Spain , the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight tonight until midnight on Thursday in response to the decision of the Spanish Government to “ lock down ” the entire country to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus , “ We are contacting all affected customers by email to advise them of their options and we urge customers not to call us , ” a spokesman said .
“ This is a fast-moving and complex situation and the safety and well-being of our people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to comply fully with all WHO and EASA guidelines and we will follow any travel restrictions that are imposed.
” It has also cancelled all scheduled services to and from Poland from until the end of March .
The move was made in response to the decision of the Polish Government to “ lock down ” the entire country to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus , Ryanair said all its flights including those operating under the Buzz and Lauda brands are to be grounded .
Planes owned by Jet2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airports and flies to destinations including Alicante , Malaga and Lanzarote – turned back in mid-air on Saturday as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country amid the coronavirus outbreak .
Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair have offered passengers the opportunity to change bookings without incurring a change fee due to coronavirus .
The Aer Lingus concession applies to people with flights booked between now and May 31st .
Passengers have until March 25th to change their bookings to a different date or route of their choice .
Fare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will waive its €35 flight change fee for customers who wish to change their travel plans .
Passengers will still have to pay the difference in fares when changing a flight .
What about the US ?
What has it been up to ?
US president Donald Trump has extended his country ’ s travel ban to include Ireland and the United Kingdom as well as most other countries across Europe .
Ireland ’ s open border with Britain was a key reason for including the country in the travel ban .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the White House noted “ the Republic of Ireland has an open border with the United Kingdom in that persons can generally move freely between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom ” .
It also noted the Centre for Disease Control ( CDC ) had determined the Republic of Ireland is experiencing “ ongoing sustained person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 ” .
When do the travel restrictions come into effect ?
They take effect at 4am Tuesday ( midnight US time ) and will apply to all travellers who have visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous 14 days .
US citizens , green card holders , and certain categories of visa holders are exempt , though they must re-enter the United States through 13 designated airports where they will be screened .
What is happening to the airline industry ?
British Airways told staff that the airline was fighting for survival .
Norwegian Air warned it has “ weeks not months ” to avert collapse .
Dutch airlines KLM , plans to slash up to 2,000 jobs , cut working hours by one-third for its entire staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lufthansa is considering a request for state aid .
American Airlines splans to cut 75 per cent of its international flights until May United Airlines is to begin cutting flights to Europe .
What is happening elsewhere ?
Australia ordered self-isolation of arriving foreigners .
New Zealand on Saturday said it would require incoming travellers , including its own citizens , to self-isolate for two weeks and banned cruise ships .
China has tightened checks on international travellers arriving at Beijing I have a trip booked in the days or weeks or months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pay attention to the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant sources .
If an official advisory against travel is in place then people who have booked independent holidays and have travel insurance to that location could be able to claim for any losses they are likely to incur .
With advisories in place , people who have booked with tour operators should also be able to process refunds or reschedule trips .
And if my flight is cancelled ?
According to the European Consumer Centre Ireland ( ECC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Covid-19 that causes travel disruption is considered “ extraordinary circumstances ” outside the control of a transport provider , such as an airline .
Consequently , compensation will not apply .
For air travel , according to EU Regulation 261 , passengers on cancelled flights may be entitled to have their journey either rerouted to the final holiday destination or refunded .
If a land or sea journey is cancelled , passengers are entitled to rerouting or a refund .
I have a package booked to an area in lockdown .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving a journey to , or a stay in , areas affected by travel restrictions due to the virus , consumers may have the right to terminate the booking contract without paying a termination fee .
This applies only to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances that may pose a significant risk to human health and prevent consumers from making use of or reaching the destination of their booked holiday , as agreed in the travel contract .
I am heading to an area where travel is not explicitly being warned against .
But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where do I stand ?
Airlines and tour operators are changing their rules in light of the unprecedented times we are living through .
Many are offering would be tourists to alter dates at no or minimal cost .
If consumers choose to cancel their holiday to an area where no emergency measures have been declared , that is their right , but the holiday cancellation is , of course , strictly within the limits of their booking contract .
Refunds may be possible , but that is by no means certain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are entitled to a full refund of airport taxes as the cancellation takes place before the flight check-in operation .
But it is worth bearing in mind that admin fees imposed by airlines often make such refunds pitifully small .
Always .
But it might be too late to get cover for an area badly impacted by Covid-19 .
Ensure your policy covers cancellations as a result of official warnings from government not to travel to a destination .
But timing is crucial here .
Mapfre , one of the biggest travel insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a policy covers a Government recommendation to avoid a country or area , a claim will be considered only if that recommendation is in place within 48 hours of a person ’ s intended departure .
Do I need to know anything else ?
If you are travelling anywhere in the EU in the months ahead and do not have a European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) or think the one you do have may have expired , then get it sorted .
The card gives you access to public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t ever pay for the card .
Some sites will try charging for the service , but it is free through the official site , ehic.ie .
What are the travel agents saying ?
In a statement released on Sunday the Irish Travel Agents Association ( ITAA ) said it was “ deeply concerned by the current Covid-19 crisis and the impact it is having on member travel agents and their customers ” .
It has urged the Government to “ draw up a support plan for the country ’ s travel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it pointed out the travel sector employed over 3,500 people across Ireland .
The ITAA called on the Government “ to consider extraordinary support measures for travel and tourism businesses during the Covid-19 outbreak.
” What does that mean ?
The ITAA is seeking financial supports to retain staff and avoid redundancies .
It is suggesting the Government consider measures such as bridging loans , relief to business rates , and VAT and PAYE deadline extensions and reliefs .
As the Government has increased unemployment payment for individuals unable to work in isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to an agreement on a payment equivalent equal to weekly social welfare payments to be made to employers .
This could help businesses to maintain salaries for a period of six to 12 weeks .
And it has suggested a reduction in commercial rents by 40 per cent until the end of the year , as well as a reduction in commercial rates by 40 per cent until the end of the year .

Okay, so, after a head-spinning weekend where are we now when it comes to travel?
We are in a place we have never been before. Countries are shutting down from within and shutting their borders in a desperate attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Travel bans are being imposed, enforced periods of quarantine on those arriving in airports and ports are being implemented, airlines are grounding fleets, and tour operators, hotels and everyone operating in the hospitality sector are struggling to cope with what is now a nightmare scenario.
Can we start at home? What is the Government saying?
Over the weekend the Department of Foreign Affairs advised against all non-essential travel to Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta, Poland, Slovakia. This is in addition to earlier advice warning against non-essential travel to Spain, no travel to Italy and exercising caution when going to other EU countries.
READ MORE
Anything else?
Yes. All Irish tourists returning from any part of Italy of Spain will be asked to “restrict their movements for two weeks”, Minister for Health Simon Harris has said
What is happening across Europe?
Italy remains a no-go area. France and Spain joined Italy in imposing lockdowns on tens of millions of people.
Spain has declared a 15-day state of emergency to combat the epidemic in Europe’s second-worst-affected country. Effective immediately, all 47 million Spaniards must stay home except to buy food, medicines, go to work or to the hospital or for emergencies. Spain had 193 coronavirus deaths and 6,250 cases, public broadcaster TVE said on Saturday, up from 120 deaths reported on Friday.
France shut shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities from Sunday with its 67 million people told to stay home after confirmed infections doubled in 72 hours.
Is there more?
There is a whole lot more. Norway will close all borders, airports and ports from 8am local time on Monday. Poland is closing its borders and denying foreigners entry unless they live in Poland or have personal ties there. Non-citizens who are allowed in will be quarantined for 14 days. Other countries are imposing restrictions of varying degrees of severity.
What about the airlines?
Ryanair has said it is to. “severely reduce” flights to/from Spain, the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight tonight until midnight on Thursday in response to the decision of the Spanish Government to “lock down” the entire country to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus,
“We are contacting all affected customers by email to advise them of their options and we urge customers not to call us,” a spokesman said.
“This is a fast-moving and complex situation and the safety and well-being of our people and customers is our main priority. We will continue to comply fully with all WHO and EASA guidelines and we will follow any travel restrictions that are imposed.”
It has also cancelled all scheduled services to and from Poland from until the end of March. The move was made in response to the decision of the Polish Government to “lock down” the entire country to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus, Ryanair said all its flights including those operating under the Buzz and Lauda brands are to be grounded.
Any other cancellations?
Planes owned by Jet2 – which is based at nine UK airports and flies to destinations including Alicante, Malaga and Lanzarote – turned back in mid-air on Saturday as the airline announced it was cancelling all flights to the country amid the coronavirus outbreak.
What else?
Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair have offered passengers the opportunity to change bookings without incurring a change fee due to coronavirus.
The Aer Lingus concession applies to people with flights booked between now and May 31st. Passengers have until March 25th to change their bookings to a different date or route of their choice. Fare differences may apply.
Ryanair says it will waive its €35 flight change fee for customers who wish to change their travel plans. Passengers will still have to pay the difference in fares when changing a flight.
What about the US? What has it been up to?
US president Donald Trump has extended his country’s travel ban to include Ireland and the United Kingdom as well as most other countries across Europe. Ireland’s open border with Britain was a key reason for including the country in the travel ban.
In a presidential proclamation released on Saturday night, the White House noted “the Republic of Ireland has an open border with the United Kingdom in that persons can generally move freely between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom”.
It also noted the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) had determined the Republic of Ireland is experiencing “ongoing sustained person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2”.
When do the travel restrictions come into effect?
They take effect at 4am Tuesday (midnight US time) and will apply to all travellers who have visited one of the prohibited countries in the previous 14 days.
US citizens, green card holders, and certain categories of visa holders are exempt, though they must re-enter the United States through 13 designated airports where they will be screened.
What is happening to the airline industry?
British Airways told staff that the airline was fighting for survival. Norwegian Air warned it has “weeks not months” to avert collapse. Dutch airlines KLM, plans to slash up to 2,000 jobs, cut working hours by one-third for its entire staff and seek government support. German flagship carrier Lufthansa is considering a request for state aid.
American Airlines splans to cut 75 per cent of its international flights until May United Airlines is to begin cutting flights to Europe.
What is happening elsewhere?
Australia ordered self-isolation of arriving foreigners. New Zealand on Saturday said it would require incoming travellers, including its own citizens, to self-isolate for two weeks and banned cruise ships.
China has tightened checks on international travellers arriving at Beijing
I have a trip booked in the days or weeks or months ahead? What should I do?
Pay attention to the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant sources.
If an official advisory against travel is in place then people who have booked independent holidays and have travel insurance to that location could be able to claim for any losses they are likely to incur. With advisories in place, people who have booked with tour operators should also be able to process refunds or reschedule trips.
And if my flight is cancelled?
According to the European Consumer Centre Ireland (ECC Ireland), a natural occurrence such as Covid-19 that causes travel disruption is considered “extraordinary circumstances” outside the control of a transport provider, such as an airline. Consequently, compensation will not apply. For air travel, according to EU Regulation 261, passengers on cancelled flights may be entitled to have their journey either rerouted to the final holiday destination or refunded. If a land or sea journey is cancelled, passengers are entitled to rerouting or a refund.
I have a package booked to an area in lockdown. What do I do?
For package holidays involving a journey to, or a stay in, areas affected by travel restrictions due to the virus, consumers may have the right to terminate the booking contract without paying a termination fee. This applies only to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances that may pose a significant risk to human health and prevent consumers from making use of or reaching the destination of their booked holiday, as agreed in the travel contract.
I am heading to an area where travel is not explicitly being warned against. But I don’t want to go. Where do I stand?
Airlines and tour operators are changing their rules in light of the unprecedented times we are living through. Many are offering would be tourists to alter dates at no or minimal cost.
If consumers choose to cancel their holiday to an area where no emergency measures have been declared, that is their right, but the holiday cancellation is, of course, strictly within the limits of their booking contract. Refunds may be possible, but that is by no means certain. And if passengers cancel flights voluntarily they are entitled to a full refund of airport taxes as the cancellation takes place before the flight check-in operation. But it is worth bearing in mind that admin fees imposed by airlines often make such refunds pitifully small.
S
hould I have travel insurance?
Always. But it might be too late to get cover for an area badly impacted by Covid-19.
Ensure your policy covers cancellations as a result of official warnings from government not to travel to a destination.
But timing is crucial here. Mapfre, one of the biggest travel insurance underwriters in the State, says that if a policy covers a Government recommendation to avoid a country or area, a claim will be considered only if that recommendation is in place within 48 hours of a person’s intended departure.
Do I need to know anything else?
If you are travelling anywhere in the EU in the months ahead and do not have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or think the one you do have may have expired, then get it sorted. The card gives you access to public health services at no cost. Don’t ever pay for the card. Some sites will try charging for the service, but it is free through the official site, ehic.ie.
What are the travel agents saying?
In a statement released on Sunday the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) said it was “deeply concerned by the current Covid-19 crisis and the impact it is having on member travel agents and their customers”.
It has urged the Government to “draw up a support plan for the country’s travel and tourism sector”.
In a statement it pointed out the travel sector employed over 3,500 people across Ireland.
The ITAA called on the Government “to consider extraordinary support measures for travel and tourism businesses during the Covid-19 outbreak.”
What does that mean?
The ITAA is seeking financial supports to retain staff and avoid redundancies. It is suggesting the Government consider measures such as bridging loans, relief to business rates, and VAT and PAYE deadline extensions and reliefs.
As the Government has increased unemployment payment for individuals unable to work in isolation, the ITAA is also seeking to come to an agreement on a payment equivalent equal to weekly social welfare payments to be made to employers. This could help businesses to maintain salaries for a period of six to 12 weeks.
And it has suggested a reduction in commercial rents by 40 per cent until the end of the year, as well as a reduction in commercial rates by 40 per cent until the end of the year.


theirishtimes--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Darkness into Light postponed due to outbreak

Pieta ’ s Darkness into Light charity walk has been postponed until the Autumn due to the coronavirus outbreak .
The event , which was expected to attract 250,000 attendees , was due to take place on May 9th in almost 20 countries worldwide .
The new date for the 5km walk , which is the flagship annual fundraising event for the suicide prevention charity Pieta , will be confirmed at a later date but organisers are working towards Autumn 2020 .
Elaine Austin , the chief executive of the charity , said while the decision to postpone was difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our highest priority ” .
“ The event will indeed take place , but at a more appropriate time when the threat of the coronavirus has passed .
We are assessing an autumn date and will confirm this as soon as possible , ” she said .
The postponement of the walk will leave Pieta with “ a very significant funding gap ” , a statement by the charity says .
Pieta provides free counselling to those who are engaging in self-harm of suicidal thoughs and provides free bereavement services to those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The need for public support for Pieta is greater than ever , especially now when so many people are feeling stressed and anxious during this time of crisis , ” Ms Austin said .
“ I am appealing to all those who had planned to walk with us on May 9th to donate at Pieta.ie so that our vital services can continue .
It is important at this time that people do not feel alone .
She added : “ Furthermore , I am asking the wider public to think of those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to donate .
We rely on the support of the public for 80 per cent of our funding and we need their help more than ever .
”

Darkness Into Light event in Clontarf, Dublin in aid of Pieta House in 2019.Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Pieta’s Darkness into Light charity walk has been postponed until the Autumn due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The event, which was expected to attract 250,000 attendees, was due to take place on May 9th in almost 20 countries worldwide.
The new date for the 5km walk, which is the flagship annual fundraising event for the suicide prevention charity Pieta, will be confirmed at a later date but organisers are working towards Autumn 2020.
Elaine Austin, the chief executive of the charity, said while the decision to postpone was difficult, the safety of people is "our highest priority".
READ MORE
“The event will indeed take place, but at a more appropriate time when the threat of the coronavirus has passed. We are assessing an autumn date and will confirm this as soon as possible,” she said.
The postponement of the walk will leave Pieta with “a very significant funding gap”, a statement by the charity says.
Pieta provides free counselling to those who are engaging in self-harm of suicidal thoughs and provides free bereavement services to those who have been touched by suicide.
“The need for public support for Pieta is greater than ever, especially now when so many people are feeling stressed and anxious during this time of crisis,” Ms Austin said.
“I am appealing to all those who had planned to walk with us on May 9th to donate at Pieta.ie so that our vital services can continue. It is important at this time that people do not feel alone.
She added: “Furthermore, I am asking the wider public to think of those who need our support and to visit Pieta.ie to donate. We rely on the support of the public for 80 per cent of our funding and we need their help more than ever.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Government agrees plan with airlines, Spain to bring Irish tourists home

The Tánaiste has called on Irish tourists in Spain who want to fly home to do so by midnight on Thursday after a plan was agreed with airlines and Spanish authorities .
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney on Sunday held talks with his Spanish counterpart as well as the chief executives of Ryanair and Aer Lingus .
Following the talks Simon Coveney TD said : “ We have an orderly plan in place with Ryanair and Aer Lingus supported by the Spanish government.
” He said Spanish counterparts assured him that Spanish airports remain open and it was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said “ I am calling on all Irish tourists who wish to return from Spain to do so by midnight this coming Thursday March 19th .
Both airlines are allocating bigger planes to the routes in order to accommodate passengers and both airlines have waived booking and seat fees for anyone who wants to change a booking from a later flight to one in the coming days.
” Earlier Ryanair said it is to “ severely reduce ” flights to and from Spain , the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The airline ’ s move comes in response to the decision of the Spanish government to “ lock down ” the entire country to contain the spread of the Covid-19 disease .
“ We are contacting all affected customers by email to advise them of their options and we urge customers not to call us , ” a spokesman said .
“ This is a fast-moving and complex situation and the safety and well-being of our people and customers is our main priority .
We will continue to comply fully with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and EASA [ European Union Aviation Safety Agency ] guidelines and we will follow any travel restrictions that are imposed.
” Aer Lingus and Ryanair have offered passengers the opportunity to change their bookings without incurring a change fee due to coronavirus .
In a tweet Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said any Irish citizen abroad and experiencing difficulties due to cancelled flights can call the @ dfatirl dedicated advice centre for # COVID19 relating to travel queries +353 ( 0 ) 16131733 .
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cyprus , Denmark , Malta , Poland , Slovakia , Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said .
This is in addition to earlier advice warning of non-essential travel to Spain , no travel to Italy and exercising caution when going to other EU countries .
Ryanair has announced it is to cancel all its scheduled services to and from Poland from midnight on Saturday until the end of March .
The move was made in response to the decision of the Polish Government to “ lock down ” the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 virus

Ryanair is to ‘severely reduce’ flights to and from Spain, the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands. Photograph: EPA/ANDY RAIN
The Tánaiste has called on Irish tourists in Spain who want to fly home to do so by midnight on Thursday after a plan was agreed with airlines and Spanish authorities.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney on Sunday held talks with his Spanish counterpart as well as the chief executives of Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
Following the talks Simon Coveney TD said: “We have an orderly plan in place with Ryanair and Aer Lingus supported by the Spanish government.”
Any Irish citizen abroad and experiencing difficulties due to canceled flights (Spain, Poland or other) can call the @dfatirl dedicated advice centre for #COVID19 relating to travel queries +353(0)16131733.
Stay safe. — Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) March 14, 2020
He said Spanish counterparts assured him that Spanish airports remain open and it was not bringing about a flight ban.
READ MORE
He said “I am calling on all Irish tourists who wish to return from Spain to do so by midnight this coming Thursday March 19th. Both airlines are allocating bigger planes to the routes in order to accommodate passengers and both airlines have waived booking and seat fees for anyone who wants to change a booking from a later flight to one in the coming days.”
Earlier Ryanair said it is to “severely reduce” flights to and from Spain, the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight tonight until midnight on Thursday amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The airline’s move comes in response to the decision of the Spanish government to “lock down” the entire country to contain the spread of the Covid-19 disease.
“We are contacting all affected customers by email to advise them of their options and we urge customers not to call us,” a spokesman said.
“This is a fast-moving and complex situation and the safety and well-being of our people and customers is our main priority. We will continue to comply fully with all WHO [World Health Organization] and EASA [European Union Aviation Safety Agency] guidelines and we will follow any travel restrictions that are imposed.”
Aer Lingus and Ryanair have offered passengers the opportunity to change their bookings without incurring a change fee due to coronavirus.
In a tweet Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said any Irish citizen abroad and experiencing difficulties due to cancelled flights can call the @dfatirl dedicated advice centre for #COVID19 relating to travel queries +353(0)16131733.
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday advised against all non-essential travel to Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said.
This is in addition to earlier advice warning of non-essential travel to Spain, no travel to Italy and exercising caution when going to other EU countries.
Ryanair has announced it is to cancel all its scheduled services to and from Poland from midnight on Saturday until the end of March.
The move was made in response to the decision of the Polish Government to “lock down” the entire country to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus


theirishtimes--2020-03-15--Coronavirus: Government calls on all pubs and bars to close from tonight

The Government is calling on all pubs to close from tonight until at least March 29th in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus .
The request was made following a meeting at Government Buildings with the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association , which represent the country ’ s 7,000 pubs .
The announcement covers all public houses and bars , including hotel bars .
The vintners told the Government that they had “ real difficulty ” implementing the guidelines introduced last week limiting social contact and keeping crowds below the recommended limit of 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs promote “ social interaction ” .
In addition , the Government has asked members of the public not to organise or participate in any parties in private houses or other venues , which would put other people ’ s health at risk .
The vast majority of the public and pub owners complied with last week ’ s request , the Government acknowledged , but it made the new request as it believed it was important that all pubs be closed ahead of St Patrick ’ s Day on Tuesday , traditionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pub trade .
The closure of pubs was recommended after video was shared on social media over the weekend showed a packed pub in Temple Bar , Dublin , flouting the Government ’ s advice on social distancing and that indoor gatherings of more than 100 people be cancelled .
“ The Government , having consulted with the chief medical officer , believes that this is an essential public health measure given the reports of reckless behaviour by some members of the public in certain pubs last night , ” the Government ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The effectiveness of the social distancing guidelines in other parts of the hospitality and leisure industry such as in restaurants and cinemas will be kept under review over the coming days .
The two vintners groups supported the Government ’ s decision and urged all members to close in line with the request .
Both sides discussed support measures for affected businesses and staff .
“ The Government will continue to monitor the situation , including the compliance of all pubs with this request , as well as any further or different measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said the Government in the statement .
Earlier all pubs and nightclubs in Temple Bar , the popular nightlife district of Dublin , announced they would close with immediate effect , the company that manages the area said .
The company said that it was making the decision “ in the interest of public health ” and following advice from the Garda and the health authorities .
The decision came in the wake of mounting public and political outrage after video footage posted on social media .
“ This decision was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of The Temple Bar Company over the last few days when it proved impossible to follow the public health advice to limit numbers and adequately implement measures on to control social distancing , ” the firm said .
Minister for Health Simon Harris said the move by all bars and clubs in Temple Bar to close voluntarily with immediate effect was a “ sensible decision ” .
On Sunday morning Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government may seek enforcement powers to stop mass gatherings in pubs and clubs .
Mr Varadkar tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s direction that “ no indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people applies to pubs and clubs ” .
He said he had asked the State ’ s National Public Health Emergency Team for “ further expert guidance on this ” and that he “ may seek enforcement powers from Dáil/Seanad ” .
“ People who have been out this weekend should avoid physical contact with seniors or people with chronic diseases .
You could make them very , very sick , ” Mr Varadkar tweeted .
It comes as the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on people to “ cop on ” and comply with public health advice .
Mr Harris described the video circulating on social media as an “ insult ” to the efforts of nurses and doctors working to prepare for a pandemic .
The head of the Restaurants Association of Ireland on Sunday urged the Government to announce “ a lockdown ” of all licensed premises for at least two weeks .
Adrian Cummins , chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland , made the call after making a dramatic appeal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning that “ social distancing ” was not being observed by customers .
Staff were being put at risk , he said in a post on social media .
“ The decisions we make in the next two weeks will be for the next 100 years in the country .
We need to make tough , tough decisions now for the safety of people , our families , our staff and our nation , ” Mr Cummins told The Irish Times on Sunday morning .
Forty new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total in the State to 169 .
There are 214 cases on the island of Ireland after 11 new cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Sunday , bringing the total number of cases there to 45 .
The Government on Sunday night announced new measures that will allow employers to keep paying workers at least the jobseeker rate of €203 a week if companies have to cease trading amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The move will allow all employees who lose work due to the Covid-19 pandemic to continue receiving income and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The system will allow employees to be paid quickly and enable employers to claim refunds on these payments from the State .
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is also simplifying the application process for jobseeker ’ s allowance to encourage people to apply online .
This will help keep people away from social welfare offices where queues could form , which could increase exposure to the virus .

All pubs and nightclubs in Temple Bar in Dublin will close their premises with immediate effect ‘in the interest of public health’ and following advice from the Garda and health authorities. Photograph: iStock
The Government is calling on all pubs to close from tonight until at least March 29th in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.
The request was made following a meeting at Government Buildings with the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association, which represent the country’s 7,000 pubs. The announcement covers all public houses and bars, including hotel bars.
The vintners told the Government that they had “real difficulty” implementing the guidelines introduced last week limiting social contact and keeping crowds below the recommended limit of 100 in an indoor setting, given that pubs promote “social interaction”.
Temple Bar Company Statement #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/zrd5s5JrRG — Love Temple Bar (@LoveTempleBar) March 15, 2020 Not far from here, nurses & doctors are working to prepare for the impact of a global pandemic. Everyone is working 24/7. This is an insult to their efforts. There is very clear public health advice. Follow it. All options will be kept under constant review #CoronaVirusUpdates https://t.co/XQvJ7tC13D — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 14, 2020
In addition, the Government has asked members of the public not to organise or participate in any parties in private houses or other venues, which would put other people’s health at risk.
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The vast majority of the public and pub owners complied with last week’s request, the Government acknowledged, but it made the new request as it believed it was important that all pubs be closed ahead of St Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, traditionally one of the busiest days for the pub trade.
The closure of pubs was recommended after video was shared on social media over the weekend showed a packed pub in Temple Bar, Dublin, flouting the Government’s advice on social distancing and that indoor gatherings of more than 100 people be cancelled.
“The Government, having consulted with the chief medical officer, believes that this is an essential public health measure given the reports of reckless behaviour by some members of the public in certain pubs last night,” the Government’s official statement said on Sunday.
The effectiveness of the social distancing guidelines in other parts of the hospitality and leisure industry such as in restaurants and cinemas will be kept under review over the coming days.
The two vintners groups supported the Government’s decision and urged all members to close in line with the request. Both sides discussed support measures for affected businesses and staff.
“The Government will continue to monitor the situation, including the compliance of all pubs with this request, as well as any further or different measures which might be required in the future,” said the Government in the statement.
Earlier all pubs and nightclubs in Temple Bar, the popular nightlife district of Dublin, announced they would close with immediate effect, the company that manages the area said.
The company said that it was making the decision “in the interest of public health” and following advice from the Garda and the health authorities.
The decision came in the wake of mounting public and political outrage after video footage posted on social media.
“This decision was taken in light of the experiences of members of The Temple Bar Company over the last few days when it proved impossible to follow the public health advice to limit numbers and adequately implement measures on to control social distancing,” the firm said.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said the move by all bars and clubs in Temple Bar to close voluntarily with immediate effect was a “sensible decision”.
Enforcement powers
On Sunday morning Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government may seek enforcement powers to stop mass gatherings in pubs and clubs.
Mr Varadkar tweeted on Sunday morning that the Government’s direction that “no indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people applies to pubs and clubs”.
He said he had asked the State’s National Public Health Emergency Team for “further expert guidance on this” and that he “may seek enforcement powers from Dáil/Seanad”.
“People who have been out this weekend should avoid physical contact with seniors or people with chronic diseases. You could make them very, very sick,” Mr Varadkar tweeted.
It comes as the head of the HSE, Paul Reid, called on people to “cop on” and comply with public health advice.
Mr Harris described the video circulating on social media as an “insult” to the efforts of nurses and doctors working to prepare for a pandemic.
The head of the Restaurants Association of Ireland on Sunday urged the Government to announce “a lockdown” of all licensed premises for at least two weeks.
Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, made the call after making a dramatic appeal for action to the Government on Saturday, warning that “social distancing” was not being observed by customers.
Staff were being put at risk, he said in a post on social media. “The decisions we make in the next two weeks will be for the next 100 years in the country. We need to make tough, tough decisions now for the safety of people, our families, our staff and our nation,” Mr Cummins told The Irish Times on Sunday morning.
New cases
Forty new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic on Sunday, bringing the total in the State to 169. There are 214 cases on the island of Ireland after 11 new cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Sunday, bringing the total number of cases there to 45.
The Government on Sunday night announced new measures that will allow employers to keep paying workers at least the jobseeker rate of €203 a week if companies have to cease trading amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The move will allow all employees who lose work due to the Covid-19 pandemic to continue receiving income and to retain their link with employers. The system will allow employees to be paid quickly and enable employers to claim refunds on these payments from the State.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is also simplifying the application process for jobseeker’s allowance to encourage people to apply online. This will help keep people away from social welfare offices where queues could form, which could increase exposure to the virus.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus Q&A: Where are we now? What are the numbers? Where do I stand on travel

Where are we now ?
As the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said on Monday morning we are living through “ totally unprecedented times ” .
Things are changing at head spinning speed and there is no sign of things settling down as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the world .
What do we know ?
It is hard to keep on top of it all .
There is – by any measure – an “ information overload ” .
Yesterday evening alone there was major nouncement by Regina Doberty of a refund scheme for employers forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have lost their jobs as a result of the infection .
Simon Coveney announced plans to bring 20,000 Irish people home from Spain .
Simon Harris outlined why pubs have to close .
Then there are the travel restrictions , the numbers of confirmed cases and all the rest .
Where can we start ?
Okay , what we will see from today is an intensification of testing for coronavirus as the number of cases in the State jumps .
The health service announced that GPs will be able to order tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being made to ensure sufficient testing facilities will be available to meet the rising demand .
How is this different to what has been happening ?
Up until this week , testing was carried out at people ’ s homes through the National Ambulance Service .
However , while at-home tests will continue , the HSE is also establishing a number of community testing sites across the country .
These sites will be attendance by referral only , meaning individuals can not simply show up and receive a test .
“ Members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu like symptoms or who believe they may have been in contact with Covid-19 are being asked to self-isolate and to ring their GP , who will then be in a position to triage patients appropriately and order a test where indicated , ” a statement by the HSE said .
What are the numbers like now ?
There were 40 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic confirmed on Sunday evening , the highest daily total since the State ’ s first case was confirmed on February 29th .
This has brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State to 169 .
Where are the new cases ?
25 of the new cases were in the east of the country , nine in the west and six in the south .
There were 16 new cases in Northern Ireland , bringing the total in the North to 45 and to 214 overall on the island of Ireland .
And the pubs have closed ?
The vast majority of them have , certainly .
On Sunday the Government called for the closure of the country ’ s 7,000 pubs from last night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move which was considered essential ahead of the traditionally busy St Patrick ’ s Day bank holiday .
What about the restaurants ?
On Monday morning the chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland , Adrian Cummins , appealed to the government to shut down restaurants in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19 .
“ We want the government to tell us to close , ” he told Morning Ireland .
He explained that unless there was a blanket closure of restaurants some would stay open .
Restaurants were now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can gather , but social distancing won ’ t work in such circumstances , he said .
This sector needs to be shut down in the best interest of public health , he said .
“ This needs to happen , this morning , this day.
” That will leave a lot of people out of work ?
It will .
In fact as many as 50,000 people in the pub trade were out of work overnight in what one industry representative said was the “ biggest loss of jobs in the history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 70,000 people employed in the restaurant sector .
And then there are the 20,000 childcare workers who have also lost their jobs – at least in the short term .
What should people who have lost their jobs do next ?
First off you will need to go to the Department of Social Protection website and download the necessary forms to apply for the emergency Covid-19 payment .
The payment should be processed immediately .
Then people should apply for jobseekers ’ benefit within six weeks in order to transition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call is 1890 800 024 although it may not be set up until Monday afternoon .
The Government is also asking employers – if they can – to continue to pay employees €203 so that nobody will fall into financial hardship in the short term because of this unprecedented situation .
Employers will be able to reclaim that money from the Department in time .
Banks have been asked to assist with flexibility and short term loans .
What is happening in the North ?
The North ’ s Department of Health has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as a new persistent cough and/or fever to stay at home and self-isolate for seven days .
It said in such cases testing would not be required .
An unnamed mother of a child in Co Armagh is threatening legal action to compel the closure of all schools in Northern Ireland , which unlike in the Republic remain open .
Solicitor Darragh Mackin of Belfast firm Phoenix Law , who is representing the woman , said the departments of education and health in the North have been put on notice of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening elsewhere in the world ?
In Europe more than 100 million people are now living under lockdown as governments scramble to curb the pandemic .
France , Spain and the Netherlands were the latest to shut down all but essential services and urge citizens to stay at home as the World Health Organisation announced Europe had become the centre of the global outbreak .
Italy ’ s death toll rose by 368 in just 24 hours yesterday .
What is happening in the US ?
America ’ s Center for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has recommended that large events and mass gatherings of more than 50 people should be cancelled or postponed for eight weeks , amid fears that coronavirus is spreading in the United States .
In updated guidance issued on Sunday evening , the national health institute cited conferences , festivals , parades , and weddings as examples of such gatherings .
Schools , higher education institutes and businesses are not included it said .
What if I am in Spain ?
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affair Simon Coveney called on Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home to do so by midnight on Thursday after a plan was agreed with airlines and Spanish authorities .
Mr Coveney , who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs on Sunday held talks with his Spanish counterpart as well as the chief executives of Ryanair and Aer Lingus .
“ We have an orderly plan in place with Ryanair and Aer Lingus supported by the Spanish government , ” he said .
What will happen to those returning home from Spain ?
People flying home from Spain will be met by health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will be advised to restrict their movements .
The most important thing is to keep washing your hands .
Do this every time you come home .
Do it before you do anything .
Do it for at least 20 seconds – with soap and water .
If you are not in a position to wash you hands when you are out and about , then you can use hand sanitisers with 60 per cent minimum alcohol content .
The Covid-19 virus enters the body via mucous membranes such as the eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch your face after thoroughly washing your hands , you are unlikely to give the virus a chance to take hold .
If you are in a public space – on a train , in a cafe – the most important thing to remember is to use a hand sanitiser after touching any shared surfaces .
Handling money has a similar risk to contact with other materials – such as elevator buttons , door handles or bus poles – that are used by a large number of people .
You can clean your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So wipe the phone , front and back with an alcohol fueled wipe and then when that is done get a dry cotton bud which should be used clean the fiddly areas like the microphone and camera What travel ?
Countries are shutting down from within and shutting their borders in a desperate attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19 .
Travel bans are being imposed , enforced periods of quarantine on those arriving in airports and ports are being implemented , airlines are grounding fleets , and tour operators , hotels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are struggling to cope with what is now a nightmare scenario .
What is our Government saying ?
Over the weekend the Department of Foreign Affairs advised against all non-essential travel to Czech Republic , Cyprus , Denmark , Malta , Poland , Slovakia .
This is in addition to earlier advice warning against non-essential travel to Spain , no travel to Italy and exercising caution when going to other EU countries .
Yes .
All Irish tourists returning from any part of Italy of Spain will be asked to “ restrict their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is happening across Europe ?
Italy remains a no-go area .
France and Spain joined Italy in imposing lockdowns on tens of millions of people .
Spain has declared a 15-day state of emergency to combat the epidemic in Europe ’ s second-worst-affected country .
France shut shops , restaurants and entertainment facilities from Sunday .
Norway has closed all borders , airports and ports from 8am on Monday .
Poland is closing its borders and denying foreigners entry unless they live in Poland or have personal ties there .
Other countries are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What about the airlines ?
Ryanair has “ severely ” reduced flights to/from Spain , the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight tonight until midnight on Thursday .
It has also cancelled all scheduled services to and from Poland from until the end of March .
Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair have offered passengers the opportunity to change bookings without incurring a change fee due to coronavirus .
The Aer Lingus concession applies to people with flights booked between now and May 31st .
Passengers have until March 25th to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route of their choice .
Fare differences may apply .
What about the US ?
What has it been up to ?
US president Donald Trump has extended his country ’ s travel ban to include Ireland and the United Kingdom as well as most other countries across Europe .
Ireland ’ s open border with Britain was a key reason for including the country in the travel ban .
In a presidential proclamation released on Saturday night , the White House noted “ the Republic of Ireland has an open border with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generally move freely between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom ” .
It also noted the Centre for Disease Control ( CDC ) had determined the Republic of Ireland is experiencing “ ongoing sustained person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 ” .
When do the travel restrictions come into effect ?
They take effect at 4am on Tuesday ( midnight US time ) and will apply to all travellers who have visited one of the prohibited countries in the previous 14 days .
US citizens , green card holders , and certain categories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they must re-enter the United States through 13 designated airports where they will be screened .
I have a trip booked in the days or weeks or months ahead ?
What should I do ?
Pay attention to the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant sources .
If an official advisory against travel is in place then people who have booked independent holidays and have travel insurance to that location could be able to claim for any losses they are likely to incur .
With advisories in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators should also be able to process refunds or reschedule trips .
And if my flight is cancelled ?
According to the European Consumer Centre Ireland ( ECC Ireland ) , a natural occurrence such as Covid-19 that causes travel disruption is considered “ extraordinary circumstances ” outside the control of a transport provider , such as an airline .
Consequently , compensation will not apply .
For air travel , according to EU Regulation 261 , passengers on cancelled flights may be entitled to have their journey either rerouted to the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land or sea journey is cancelled , passengers are entitled to rerouting or a refund .
I have a package booked to an area in lockdown .
What do I do ?
For package holidays involving a journey to , or a stay in , areas affected by travel restrictions due to the virus , consumers may have the right to terminate the booking contract without paying a termination fee .
This applies only to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances that may pose a significant risk to human health and prevent consumers from making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their booked holiday , as agreed in the travel contract .
I am heading to an area where travel is not explicitly being warned against .
But I don ’ t want to go .
Where do I stand ?
Airlines and tour operators are changing their rules in light of the unprecedented times we are living through .
Many are offering would be tourists to alter dates at no or minimal cost .
If consumers choose to cancel their holiday to an area where no emergency measures have been declared , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation is , of course , strictly within the limits of their booking contract .
Refunds may be possible , but that is by no means certain .
And if passengers cancel flights voluntarily they are entitled to a full refund of airport taxes as the cancellation takes place before the flight check-in operation .
But it is worth bearing in mind that admin fees imposed by airlines often make such refunds pitifully small .
Always .
But it might be too late to get cover for an area badly impacted by Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of official warnings from government not to travel to a destination .
But timing is crucial here .
Mapfre , one of the biggest travel insurance underwriters in the State , says that if a policy covers a Government recommendation to avoid a country or area , a claim will be considered only if that recommendation is in place within 48 hours of a person ’ s intended departure .
Do I need to know anything else ?
If you are travelling anywhere in the EU in the months ahead and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Card ( EHIC ) or think the one you do have may have expired , then get it sorted .
The card gives you access to public health services at no cost .
Don ’ t ever pay for the card .
Some sites will try charging for the service , but it is free through the official site , ehic.ie .
There has been panic buying in shops .
Should I be concerned ?
There was a huge amount of panic buying in shops as the measures were rolled out with many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods and toilet paper disappearing .
Almost every politician , retailer and expert has stressed that shops and supply chains will remain open and there is no need to panic-buy .
Why are people so panicked ?
It is a natural response to an unnatural situation .
And of course once some people start panic buying everyone feels like they should too .
Media and social media images of empty shelves are not helping .
It is important to remember that shelves will be restocked every evening and restocking will continue into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and planes ?
Public transport will continue to operate as normal – or at least as normal as can be expected in what are extraordinary times .
According to officials , all the other measures being introduced mean that there is likely to be a significant drop in demand for public transport services .
People can still fly to other countries .
Whether or not they want to is another thing entirely .
Does all this mean I don ’ t have to go to work ?
No , it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to work and people who can work from home are being encouraged to do so and we have been asked to minimise social interaction where possible .
Almost everything .
Sport in Ireland – and almost everywhere else – has come to a complete stop until at least the end of the month .
All concerts and plays have gone too as have confirmations and masses .
The Catholic Church has asked that funerals be limited to fewer than 100 people and , while Masses are going ahead , they are @ @ @ @ @ @

Where are we now?
As the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said on Monday morning we are living through "totally unprecedented times". Things are changing at head spinning speed and there is no sign of things settling down as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the world.
What do we know?
It is hard to keep on top of it all. There is – by any measure – an "information overload". Yesterday evening alone there was major anouncement by Regina Doherty of a refund scheme for employers forced to let as many as 140,000 staff who have lost their jobs as a result of the infection. Simon Coveney announced plans to bring 20,000 Irish people home from Spain. Simon Harris outlined why pubs have to close. Then there are the travel restrictions, the numbers of confirmed cases and all the rest.
Where can we start?
Okay, what we will see from today is an intensification of testing for coronavirus as the number of cases in the State jumps. The health service announced that GPs will be able to order tests through their IT system and steps are being made to ensure sufficient testing facilities will be available to meet the rising demand.
How is this different to what has been happening?
Up until this week, testing was carried out at people’s homes through the National Ambulance Service. However, while at-home tests will continue, the HSE is also establishing a number of community testing sites across the country. These sites will be attendance by referral only, meaning individuals cannot simply show up and receive a test. “Members of the public who have normal cold and flu like symptoms or who believe they may have been in contact with Covid-19 are being asked to self-isolate and to ring their GP, who will then be in a position to triage patients appropriately and order a test where indicated,” a statement by the HSE said.
READ MORE
What are the numbers like now?
There were 40 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic confirmed on Sunday evening, the highest daily total since the State’s first case was confirmed on February 29th. This has brought the total number of cases in the State to 169.
Where are the new cases?
25 of the new cases were in the east of the country, nine in the west and six in the south. There were 16 new cases in Northern Ireland, bringing the total in the North to 45 and to 214 overall on the island of Ireland.
And the pubs have closed?
The vast majority of them have, certainly. On Sunday the Government called for the closure of the country’s 7,000 pubs from last night until at least March 29th in a move which was considered essential ahead of the traditionally busy St Patrick’s Day bank holiday.
What about the restaurants?
On Monday morning the chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, appealed to the government to shut down restaurants in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19. "We want the government to tell us to close," he told Morning Ireland. He explained that unless there was a blanket closure of restaurants some would stay open. Restaurants were now one of the only areas where people can gather, but social distancing won't work in such circumstances, he said. This sector needs to be shut down in the best interest of public health, he said. "This needs to happen, this morning, this day."
That will leave a lot of people out of work?
It will. In fact as many as 50,000 people in the pub trade were out of work overnight in what one industry representative said was the “biggest loss of jobs in the history of the State”. There is at least 70,000 people employed in the restaurant sector. And then there are the 20,000 childcare workers who have also lost their jobs – at least in the short term.
What should people who have lost their jobs do next?
First off you will need to go to the Department of Social Protection website and download the necessary forms to apply for the emergency Covid-19 payment. The payment should be processed immediately. Then people should apply for jobseekers' benefit within six weeks in order to transition to the normal scheme. The number to call is 1890 800 024 although it may not be set up until Monday afternoon. The Government is also asking employers – if they can – to continue to pay employees €203 so that nobody will fall into financial hardship in the short term because of this unprecedented situation. Employers will be able to reclaim that money from the Department in time. Banks have been asked to assist with flexibility and short term loans.
What is happening in the North?
The North's Department of Health has advised people with "mild symptoms" such as a new persistent cough and/or fever to stay at home and self-isolate for seven days. It said in such cases testing would not be required. An unnamed mother of a child in Co Armagh is threatening legal action to compel the closure of all schools in Northern Ireland, which unlike in the Republic remain open. Solicitor Darragh Mackin of Belfast firm Phoenix Law, who is representing the woman, said the departments of education and health in the North have been put on notice of an impending emergency judicial review.
What is happening elsewhere in the world?
In Europe more than 100 million people are now living under lockdown as governments scramble to curb the pandemic. France, Spain and the Netherlands were the latest to shut down all but essential services and urge citizens to stay at home as the World Health Organisation announced Europe had become the centre of the global outbreak. Italy's death toll rose by 368 in just 24 hours yesterday.
What is happening in the US?
America's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meanwhile, has recommended that large events and mass gatherings of more than 50 people should be cancelled or postponed for eight weeks, amid fears that coronavirus is spreading in the United States. In updated guidance issued on Sunday evening, the national health institute cited conferences, festivals, parades, and weddings as examples of such gatherings. Schools, higher education institutes and businesses are not included it said.
What if I am in Spain?
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney called on Irish tourists in Spain who want to fly home to do so by midnight on Thursday after a plan was agreed with airlines and Spanish authorities. Mr Coveney, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs on Sunday held talks with his Spanish counterpart as well as the chief executives of Ryanair and Aer Lingus. "We have an orderly plan in place with Ryanair and Aer Lingus supported by the Spanish government," he said.
What will happen to those returning home from Spain?
People flying home from Spain will be met by health officials who will give them advice and they they will be advised to restrict their movements.
How can I stay safe?
The most important thing is to keep washing your hands. Do this every time you come home. Do it before you do anything. Do it for at least 20 seconds – with soap and water. If you are not in a position to wash you hands when you are out and about, then you can use hand sanitisers with 60 per cent minimum alcohol content. The Covid-19 virus enters the body via mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose and mouth so if you touch your face after thoroughly washing your hands, you are unlikely to give the virus a chance to take hold.
If you are in a public space – on a train, in a cafe – the most important thing to remember is to use a hand sanitiser after touching any shared surfaces. Handling money has a similar risk to contact with other materials – such as elevator buttons, door handles or bus poles – that are used by a large number of people.
What else?
You can clean your phone. They go with us everywhere. So wipe the phone, front and back with an alcohol fueled wipe and then when that is done get a dry cotton bud which should be used clean the fiddly areas like the microphone and camera
Okay, back to travel?
What travel? Countries are shutting down from within and shutting their borders in a desperate attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19. Travel bans are being imposed, enforced periods of quarantine on those arriving in airports and ports are being implemented, airlines are grounding fleets, and tour operators, hotels and everyone operating in the hospitality sector are struggling to cope with what is now a nightmare scenario.
What is our Government saying?
Over the weekend the Department of Foreign Affairs advised against all non-essential travel to Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Malta, Poland, Slovakia. This is in addition to earlier advice warning against non-essential travel to Spain, no travel to Italy and exercising caution when going to other EU countries.
Anything else?
Yes. All Irish tourists returning from any part of Italy or Spain will be asked to “restrict their movements for two weeks”.
What is happening across Europe?
Italy remains a no-go area. France and Spain joined Italy in imposing lockdowns on tens of millions of people. Spain has declared a 15-day state of emergency to combat the epidemic in Europe's second-worst-affected country. France shut shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities from Sunday. Norway has closed all borders, airports and ports from 8am on Monday. Poland is closing its borders and denying foreigners entry unless they live in Poland or have personal ties there. Other countries are imposing restrictions of varying degrees of severity.
What about the airlines?
Ryanair has "severely" reduced flights to/from Spain, the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight tonight until midnight on Thursday. It has also cancelled all scheduled services to and from Poland from until the end of March.
What else?
Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair have offered passengers the opportunity to change bookings without incurring a change fee due to coronavirus. The Aer Lingus concession applies to people with flights booked between now and May 31st. Passengers have until March 25th to change their bookings to a different date or route of their choice. Fare differences may apply.
What about the US? What has it been up to?
US president Donald Trump has extended his country's travel ban to include Ireland and the United Kingdom as well as most other countries across Europe. Ireland's open border with Britain was a key reason for including the country in the travel ban. In a presidential proclamation released on Saturday night, the White House noted "the Republic of Ireland has an open border with the United Kingdom in that persons can generally move freely between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom". It also noted the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) had determined the Republic of Ireland is experiencing "ongoing sustained person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2".
When do the travel restrictions come into effect?
They take effect at 4am on Tuesday (midnight US time) and will apply to all travellers who have visited one of the prohibited countries in the previous 14 days. US citizens, green card holders, and certain categories of visa holders are exempt, though they must re-enter the United States through 13 designated airports where they will be screened.
I have a trip booked in the days or weeks or months ahead? What should I do?
Pay attention to the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant sources. If an official advisory against travel is in place then people who have booked independent holidays and have travel insurance to that location could be able to claim for any losses they are likely to incur. With advisories in place, people who have booked with tour operators should also be able to process refunds or reschedule trips.
And if my flight is cancelled?
According to the European Consumer Centre Ireland (ECC Ireland), a natural occurrence such as Covid-19 that causes travel disruption is considered “extraordinary circumstances” outside the control of a transport provider, such as an airline. Consequently, compensation will not apply. For air travel, according to EU Regulation 261, passengers on cancelled flights may be entitled to have their journey either rerouted to the final holiday destination or refunded. If a land or sea journey is cancelled, passengers are entitled to rerouting or a refund.
I have a package booked to an area in lockdown. What do I do?
For package holidays involving a journey to, or a stay in, areas affected by travel restrictions due to the virus, consumers may have the right to terminate the booking contract without paying a termination fee. This applies only to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances that may pose a significant risk to human health and prevent consumers from making use of or reaching the destination of their booked holiday, as agreed in the travel contract.
I am heading to an area where travel is not explicitly being warned against. But I don’t want to go. Where do I stand?
Airlines and tour operators are changing their rules in light of the unprecedented times we are living through. Many are offering would be tourists to alter dates at no or minimal cost. If consumers choose to cancel their holiday to an area where no emergency measures have been declared, that is their right, but the holiday cancellation is, of course, strictly within the limits of their booking contract. Refunds may be possible, but that is by no means certain. And if passengers cancel flights voluntarily they are entitled to a full refund of airport taxes as the cancellation takes place before the flight check-in operation. But it is worth bearing in mind that admin fees imposed by airlines often make such refunds pitifully small.
Should I have travel insurance?
Always. But it might be too late to get cover for an area badly impacted by Covid-19. Ensure your policy covers cancellations as a result of official warnings from government not to travel to a destination. But timing is crucial here. Mapfre, one of the biggest travel insurance underwriters in the State, says that if a policy covers a Government recommendation to avoid a country or area, a claim will be considered only if that recommendation is in place within 48 hours of a person's intended departure.
Do I need to know anything else?
If you are travelling anywhere in the EU in the months ahead and do not have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or think the one you do have may have expired, then get it sorted. The card gives you access to public health services at no cost. Don't ever pay for the card. Some sites will try charging for the service, but it is free through the official site, ehic.ie.
There has been panic buying in shops. Should I be concerned?
There was a huge amount of panic buying in shops as the measures were rolled out with many staples including rice, pasta, tinned goods and toilet paper disappearing. Almost every politician, retailer and expert has stressed that shops and supply chains will remain open and there is no need to panic-buy.
Why are people so panicked?
It is a natural response to an unnatural situation. And of course once some people start panic buying everyone feels like they should too. Media and social media images of empty shelves are not helping. It is important to remember that shelves will be restocked every evening and restocking will continue into the future.
What about buses and trains and planes?
Public transport will continue to operate as normal – or at least as normal as can be expected in what are extraordinary times. According to officials, all the other measures being introduced mean that there is likely to be a significant drop in demand for public transport services. People can still fly to other countries. Whether or not they want to is another thing entirely.
Does all this mean I don’t have to go to work?
No, it doesn’t. People are being encouraged to continue to go to work and people who can work from home are being encouraged to do so and we have been asked to minimise social interaction where possible.
Anything else cancelled?
Almost everything. Sport in Ireland – and almost everywhere else – has come to a complete stop until at least the end of the month. All concerts and plays have gone too as have confirmations and Masses. The Catholic Church has asked that funerals be limited to fewer than 100 people and, while Masses are going ahead, they are likely to be scaled back.


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--Coronavirus: Ryanair set to halt most flights over the next 10 days

Ryanair has said it expects to ground the majority of its aircraft fleet across Europe over the next seven to 10 days with a reduction of 80 per cent or more in flights in April and May .
In a statement it said that even in countries where its fleet is not grounded , social distancing restrictions may make flying to “ all intents and purposes , impractical , if not , impossible ” .
In a statement it said that in recent days , the spread of the Covid-19 virus and associated travel restrictions , “ many of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a significant and negative impact on the schedules of all Ryanair Group Airlines ” .
It pointed out that over the past seven days , Italy , Malta , Hungary , Czech Republic , Slovakia , Austria , Greece , Morocco , Spain , Portugal , Denmark , Poland , Norway and Cyprus had all imposed flight bans of varying degrees , from all flights to/from the country , or banned flights to/from countries with high risk of Covid infection .
“ Over the weekend for example , Poland and Norway have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries ( without travel bans ) there has been severe reduction of ATC and essential airport services , ” the statement says .
The airlines said that for April and May it expects to reduce its seat capacity by up to 80 per cent and a full grounding of the fleet can not be ruled out .
“ Ryanair is taking immediate action to reduce operating expenses , and improve cash flows .
This will involve grounding surplus aircraft , deferring all capex and share buybacks , freezing recruitment and discretionary spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave options , temporarily suspending employment contracts , and significant reductions to working hours and payments , ” the statement says .
It adds that it is “ working with our people and our unions across all EU countries to address this extraordinary and unprecedented Covid-19 event , the impact and duration of which is , at this time , impossible to determine ” .
It said it had “ strong liquidity , with strong cash and cash equivalents of over €4bn as at 12 March.
” It said its focus was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scheduled flying program as is permitted by national governments over the next seven days , so that we can repatriate customers , where possible , even as flight bans are imposed and ATC and essential airport services are reduced .
“ We have seen a substantial decline in bookings over the last 2 weeks , and we expect this will continue for the foreseeable future .
We will continue to monitor demand , as well as Government flight restrictions , and we will continue to make further cuts to schedules as necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can to meet the challenge posed by the Covid-19 outbreak , which has over the last week caused extraordinary and unprecedented travel restrictions to be imposed by National Governments , in many cases with minimal or zero notice , ” chief executive Michael O ’ Leary said .
“ We are communicating with all affected passengers by email and SMS , and we are organising rescue flights to repatriate customers , even in those countries where travel bans have been imposed .
Our priority remains the health and welfare of our people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything we can to ensure that they can be reunited with their friends and families during these difficult times.
” Ryanair is taking all actions necessary to cut operating expenses , and improve cash flows at each of our airlines .
Ryanair is a resilient airline group , with a very strong balance sheet , and substantial cash liquidity , and we can , and will , with appropriate and timely action , survive through a prolonged period of reduced or even zero flight schedules , so that we are adequately prepared for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come about sooner rather than later as EU Governments take unprecedented action to restrict the spread of Covid-19 ” .

Traffic at Dublin Airport is down 50-60 per cent as several countries impose flight restrictions.
Ryanair has said it expects to ground the majority of its aircraft fleet across Europe over the next seven to 10 days with a reduction of 80 per cent or more in flights in April and May.
The parent comanpay of Aer Lingus, IAG has also said it expects to have to cut its schedule by at least three quarters in the months ahead as the spread of the coronavirus brings air travel across much of the world to a virtual standstill.
In a statement Ryanair said that even in countries where its fleet is not grounded, social distancing restrictions may make flying to “all intents and purposes, impractical, if not, impossible”. It
It said that in recent days, the spread of the Covid-19 virus and associated travel restrictions, “many of which have been imposed without notice, have had a significant and negative impact on the schedules of all Ryanair Group Airlines”.
READ MORE
It pointed out that over the past seven days, Italy, Malta, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Poland, Norway and Cyprus had all imposed flight bans of varying degrees, from all flights to/from the country, or banned flights to/from countries with high risk of Covid infection.
“Over the weekend for example, Poland and Norway have banned all international flights, while in other countries (without travel bans) there has been severe reduction of ATC and essential airport services,” the statement says.
The airline said that for April and May it expects to reduce its seat capacity by up to 80 per cent and a full grounding of the fleet cannot be ruled out.
Ryanair said its focus today “is on completing as much of the scheduled flying program as is permitted by national governments over the next seven days, so that we can repatriate customers, where possible, even as flight bans are imposed and ATC and essential airport services are reduced.
“We have seen a substantial decline in bookings over the last 2 weeks, and we expect this will continue for the foreseeable future. We will continue to monitor demand, as well as Government flight restrictions, and we will continue to make further cuts to schedules as necessary.
“We are doing everything we can to meet the challenge posed by the Covid-19 outbreak, which has over the last week caused extraordinary and unprecedented travel restrictions to be imposed by National Governments, in many cases with minimal or zero notice,” chief executive Michael O’Leary said.
“We are communicating with all affected passengers by email and SMS, and we are organising rescue flights to repatriate customers, even in those countries where travel bans have been imposed. Our priority remains the health and welfare of our people and our passengers, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that they can be reunited with their friends and families during these difficult times.”
Ryanair is taking all actions necessary to cut operating expenses, and improve cash flows at each of our airlines. Ryanair is a resilient airline group, with a very strong balance sheet, and substantial cash liquidity, and we can, and will, with appropriate and timely action, survive through a prolonged period of reduced or even zero flight schedules, so that we are adequately prepared for the return to normality, which will come about sooner rather than later as EU Governments take unprecedented action to restrict the spread of Covid-19”.
IAG — parent of British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia — United Airlines, Air France-KLM, EasyJet, Finnair, Air New Zealand and Aeroflot have all unveiled drastic measures to cut costs after several countries, including Germany and Spain, closed their borders.
Willie Walsh, head of IAG, will postpone his retirement to steer the group through the health emergency. Announcing a 75 per cent reduction in capacity over the next two months, Mr Walsh said there was no guarantee that many European airlines would survive.
His comments came as the Centre for Aviation, a respected aviation consultancy, warned that by the end of May most airlines would be bankrupt due to the unprecedented travel restrictions that are being rolled out by governments around the world.
“Many airlines have probably already been driven into technical bankruptcy, or are at least substantially in breach of debt covenants,” Capa said in a report. “By the end of May 2020, most airlines in the world will be bankrupt. Co-ordinated government and industry action is needed — now — if catastrophe is to be avoided.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-16--‘See you in September,’ say some cheery colleagues

During 11am break last Thursday , a colleague pulled me aside unable to contain her excitement : Twitter was awash with news of Varadkar ’ s imminent announcement of closure of schools and colleges .
I happened not to be teaching the next lesson , so I spent it in my classroom trying to establish what I would most need to bring home .
My rational mind told me that I was getting ahead of myself , and that I should try to focus on the classes I would see for the rest of the day , the students I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the closure took effect .
I then wondered if I ’ d possibly also see classes tomorrow : maybe we would finish out the school week , and the timing of the announcement was just to allow us to prepare better .
Nine confirmed cases on Wednesday wasn ’ t that many , relatively speaking , so perhaps our country would have the advantage of giving a measured response ?
I had barely completed the thought before realising I needed to cop on : announcing a necessary closure on the grounds of public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I then started wondering whether I would even see the afternoon classes : perhaps the country would go into immediate lockdown and parents would be told to collect children at their earliest convenience .
Who knew ?
Relatively few , but a nation held its breath , and we knew we would soon hear more .
From my empty classroom I could hear the cheers from other classrooms around the school when the announcement was made .
I almost certainly know someone with Covid-19 and , indeed , many of us have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , albeit unwittingly .
It ’ s likely the individual doesn ’ t even know they have it , just as I can ’ t possibly know for sure I don ’ t have it .
While all of this may seem deeply pessimistic , that very awareness means I do get the seriousness of the situation in which we find ourselves .
“ Getting it ” is what drives the precautions I am taking : heeding the handwashing advice , not visiting anyone I know to be particularly vulnerable , limiting my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while keeping in mind that businesses need to survive and our economy needs our support .
My first-year class files in , almost without exception telling me the news of the closure , seeming to think I genuinely might not have heard .
Many keep their jackets on and very few take their books out .
I realise they have already mentally checked out .
I ’ m raring to go to fill the contact time we do have , and they have an unmistakable air of summer holidays about them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is different in the exam classes .
I ask them if they know anyone who has the virus and they more or less scoff in my face .
As far as they are concerned , Covid-19 is in , and limited to , far-flung places and only a threat to the elderly .
They may be young but I can ’ t help wondering how such a digitally well-connected generation could be so far from “ getting it ” .
Some colleagues casually wonder if it will be possible to schedule practice orals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invite small groups of students in for practicals or revision lessons because they wouldn ’ t constitute gatherings of more than 100 people .
These individuals certainly don ’ t get it , and are actively looking to create the little chinks that would put us all at greater risk .
As it happens , my afternoon classes do take place , but are heavily interrupted by colleagues who arrive laden with study packs and materials for their subjects , eager to deliver them on my time as they have no scheduled class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They certainly get that we might not be back on the premises for quite some time , and that it is our duty to make provision for students in the interim .
At the opposite extreme other teachers wave cheery goodbyes at the end of the day , some even shouting “ See you in September ” : clear evidence that one can get the seriousness while remaining oblivious to how close the virus is to our own doorsteps .
Some whinge about the need to get to grips with distance learning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Netflix lament the poor broadband in their area , which will mean that they can ’ t really engage much with the provision we have made to teach remotely .
It ’ s astonishing how many teachers don ’ t seem to have a laptop or computer at home .
I do not dare suggest that it might be a worthwhile investment .
Not unlike the first years , there is more than a whiff of the holiday feeling about far too many staff .
I look at my bag of school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing the point – surely the priority is avoiding , or perhaps surviving , Covid-19 .
Only then will there be any purpose to the work .
At home , hours later , while unpacking and sorting the materials , I overhear a remark from the television about the pubs being full of “ Cheltenham supporters and teachers out celebrating ” .
Now , that brings “ not getting it ” to a whole new level .
What exactly is there to celebrate ?
I don ’ t get that at all .

It’s astonishing how many teachers don’t seem to have a laptop or computer at home. I do not dare suggest that it might be a worthwhile investment. Photograph: iStock
During 11am break last Thursday, a colleague pulled me aside unable to contain her excitement: Twitter was awash with news of Varadkar’s imminent announcement of closure of schools and colleges.
I happened not to be teaching the next lesson, so I spent it in my classroom trying to establish what I would most need to bring home.
My rational mind told me that I was getting ahead of myself, and that I should try to focus on the classes I would see for the rest of the day, the students I could equip with information and materials before the closure took effect.
I then wondered if I’d possibly also see classes tomorrow: maybe we would finish out the school week, and the timing of the announcement was just to allow us to prepare better. Nine confirmed cases on Wednesday wasn’t that many, relatively speaking, so perhaps our country would have the advantage of giving a measured response?
READ MORE
I had barely completed the thought before realising I needed to cop on: announcing a necessary closure on the grounds of public safety doesn’t involve advance notice. I then started wondering whether I would even see the afternoon classes: perhaps the country would go into immediate lockdown and parents would be told to collect children at their earliest convenience. Who knew?
Relatively few, but a nation held its breath, and we knew we would soon hear more.
Cheering
From my empty classroom I could hear the cheers from other classrooms around the school when the announcement was made. I almost certainly know someone with Covid-19 and, indeed, many of us have potentially already crossed paths with the virus, albeit unwittingly.
It’s likely the individual doesn’t even know they have it, just as I can’t possibly know for sure I don’t have it. While all of this may seem deeply pessimistic, that very awareness means I do get the seriousness of the situation in which we find ourselves.
“Getting it” is what drives the precautions I am taking: heeding the handwashing advice, not visiting anyone I know to be particularly vulnerable, limiting my social contact only to what makes sense, while keeping in mind that businesses need to survive and our economy needs our support.
My first-year class files in, almost without exception telling me the news of the closure, seeming to think I genuinely might not have heard. Many keep their jackets on and very few take their books out. I realise they have already mentally checked out.
I’m raring to go to fill the contact time we do have, and they have an unmistakable air of summer holidays about them. I suspect (hope!) it is different in the exam classes. I ask them if they know anyone who has the virus and they more or less scoff in my face. As far as they are concerned, Covid-19 is in, and limited to, far-flung places and only a threat to the elderly. They may be young but I can’t help wondering how such a digitally well-connected generation could be so far from “getting it”.
Practicals
Some colleagues casually wonder if it will be possible to schedule practice orals for Leaving Cert students, or to invite small groups of students in for practicals or revision lessons because they wouldn’t constitute gatherings of more than 100 people.
These individuals certainly don’t get it, and are actively looking to create the little chinks that would put us all at greater risk. As it happens, my afternoon classes do take place, but are heavily interrupted by colleagues who arrive laden with study packs and materials for their subjects, eager to deliver them on my time as they have no scheduled class between the announcement and the closure. They certainly get that we might not be back on the premises for quite some time, and that it is our duty to make provision for students in the interim.
At the opposite extreme other teachers wave cheery goodbyes at the end of the day, some even shouting “See you in September”: clear evidence that one can get the seriousness while remaining oblivious to how close the virus is to our own doorsteps.
Some whinge about the need to get to grips with distance learning, others who are well up on everything on Netflix lament the poor broadband in their area, which will mean that they can't really engage much with the provision we have made to teach remotely.
It’s astonishing how many teachers don’t seem to have a laptop or computer at home. I do not dare suggest that it might be a worthwhile investment.
Holiday feeling
Not unlike the first years, there is more than a whiff of the holiday feeling about far too many staff. I look at my bag of school materials and wonder if I am completely missing the point – surely the priority is avoiding, or perhaps surviving, Covid-19. Only then will there be any purpose to the work.
At home, hours later, while unpacking and sorting the materials, I overhear a remark from the television about the pubs being full of "Cheltenham supporters and teachers out celebrating".
Now, that brings “not getting it” to a whole new level. What exactly is there to celebrate? I don’t get that at all.