theirishtimes--2020-03-24--CervicalCheck tribunal on screening claims postponed over coronavirus

The establishment of the CervicalCheck tribunal to process claims by women affected by issues at the State ’ s cervical cancer screening programme has been postponed due to the Covid-19 crisis .
The decision was made by Minister for Health Simon Harris and relayed to the affected women in a message on the tribunal ’ s website .
This says the decision to delay the establishment of the tribunal has been made “ given the ongoing and quickly evolving situation in relation to Covid-19 ” .
The situation will be monitored and further updates will be posted on the website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the usual channels ” , the tribunal says .
“ As soon as medical advice recommends that it would be safe and prudent to establish the tribunal , all steps necessary to do so will be taken as expeditiously as possible.
” The 221+ CervicalCheck Support Group , which was informed yesterday of the decision , said it was concerned the delay may cause the statute of limitation to be reached for some women bringing a claim before the tribunal .
“ The Department has acknowledged this as a concern and has assured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address the issue and to ensure that no prospective claimant is disadvantaged by this necessary decision .
221+ will continue to advocate actively on this matter until it is no longer a concern , ” the group said in a statement .
The tribunal , which is chaired by Ms Justice Mary Irvine , was set up to provide a less adversarial alternative to the courts for processing claims .
Separately , the National Screening Service says “ it is still our intention ” to move to HPV screening from the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long planned .
“ However , due to the evolving Covid-19 emergency , this could change.
” Last week , the Supreme Court upheld the High Court ’ s finding in a test case taken by Ruth Morrissey , one of the women impacted upon by the CervicalCheck controversy two years ago .

The establishment of the CervicalCheck tribunal to process claims by women affected by issues at the State’s cervical cancer screening programme has been postponed. File photograph: Getty
The establishment of the CervicalCheck tribunal to process claims by women affected by issues at the State’s cervical cancer screening programme has been postponed due to the Covid-19 crisis.
The decision was made by Minister for Health Simon Harris and relayed to the affected women in a message on the tribunal's website.
This says the decision to delay the establishment of the tribunal has been made “given the ongoing and quickly evolving situation in relation to Covid-19”.
The situation will be monitored and further updates will be posted on the website and communicated to “relevant groups through the usual channels”, the tribunal says.
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“As soon as medical advice recommends that it would be safe and prudent to establish the tribunal, all steps necessary to do so will be taken as expeditiously as possible.”
The 221+ CervicalCheck Support Group, which was informed yesterday of the decision, said it was concerned the delay may cause the statute of limitation to be reached for some women bringing a claim before the tribunal.
Various options examined
“The Department has acknowledged this as a concern and has assured us that it is examining various options to address the issue and to ensure that no prospective claimant is disadvantaged by this necessary decision. 221+ will continue to advocate actively on this matter until it is no longer a concern,” the group said in a statement.
The decision to delay the tribunal was made by Minister for Health Simon Harris and relayed to the affected women in a message on the tribunal’s website. Photograph: Steve Humphreys/Reuters
The tribunal, which is chaired by Ms Justice Mary Irvine, was set up to provide a less adversarial alternative to the courts for processing claims.
Separately, the National Screening Service says “it is still our intention” to move to HPV screening from the current slide-based system on March 30th, as long planned.
“However, due to the evolving Covid-19 emergency, this could change.”
Last week, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's finding in a test case taken by Ruth Morrissey, one of the women impacted upon by the CervicalCheck controversy two years ago.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Anorexic woman loses bid to be discharged from hospital over Covid-19 fears

A severely anorexic young woman must be kept in hospital despite her fear of contracting Covid19 there because doctors consider her death is inevitable if she is discharged , the president of the High Court has ruled .
“ If I send her home , I am effectively deciding there is no more life , ” Mr Justice Peter Kelly said .
The mother of the 19-year-old woman had supported her daughter ’ s wish to be discharged , disagreeing that it would likely lead to her death , and said she would do everything she could to persuade her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s my daughter , I ’ m fighting for her life.
” The judge said his decision was “ very difficult ” and of the sort that “ will haunt one ” as to whether it is correct or not , which only time would tell .
The unanimous evidence of the treating team is the woman ’ s anorexia is so severe it must be treated in hospital and can not be treated in the community , he said .
“ I do not want to consign her to end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He believed her best interests were served by “ choosing life ” and leaving her in hospital , giving her some chance of recovery from anorexia and “ living a full life ” .
The woman , a ward of court , had appealed to the judge via email to be discharged from hospital with an assisted living arrangement or community care regime , saying she believed she would contract Covid-19 if she remained there and doctors were signing “ my death warrant ” .
Her mother told the judge on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was willing to care for her in either her own or her son ’ s home .
The judge told the mother that doctors considered her daughter ’ s condition is so serious she requires continuing hospital treatment , including intensive naso-gastric feeding not possible in the community and , if discharged now , that could only be for palliative care .
The mother replied : “ She would be with me and I will look after her.
” Her daughter had said a doctor had told her there was a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital , she added .
“ If she gets Covid-19 , I won ’ t be able to visit her and she will be alone.
” The young woman has a long-standing history of anorexia involving several hospital admissions after previous attempts to care for her at home and in the community failed .
She was made a ward of court on foot of medical reports , as a result of anorexia , as she lacked capacity to properly weigh up treatment options .
Lawyers for the HSE , the hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The judge said this was a “ heart-rending ” case and there was no doubt the woman wants to leave the hospital as she has a deep-seated fear she will contract Covid-19 which she considered a greater risk to her life than her anorexia .
The law requires the court to decide what is in her best interests while also taking into account her views and those of her family , he said .
On the evidence , including that the risk to her life is much higher if she was to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he considered her best interests required she stays in hospital as that gave her a better chance of a full life .
While he knew his decision would disappoint the woman and her family , he had done the best he could and must lean in favour of her life .
He wished the woman and her family the very best and said he was “ very sorry ” they were in this position .

The woman, a ward of court, had appealed to the judge via email to be discharged from hospital saying she believed she would contract Covid-19 if she remained there. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/Collins
A severely anorexic young woman must be kept in hospital despite her fear of contracting Covid19 there because doctors consider her death is inevitable if she is discharged, the president of the High Court has ruled.
"If I send her home, I am effectively deciding there is no more life," Mr Justice Peter Kelly said.
The mother of the 19-year-old woman had supported her daughter’s wish to be discharged, disagreeing that it would likely lead to her death, and said she would do everything she could to persuade her to take food supplements.
“She’s my daughter, I’m fighting for her life.”
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The judge said his decision was “very difficult” and of the sort that “will haunt one” as to whether it is correct or not, which only time would tell.
The unanimous evidence of the treating team is the woman’s anorexia is so severe it must be treated in hospital and cannot be treated in the community, he said.
“I do not want to consign her to end of life care at the age of 19.”
He believed her best interests were served by “choosing life” and leaving her in hospital, giving her some chance of recovery from anorexia and “living a full life”.
The woman, a ward of court, had appealed to the judge via email to be discharged from hospital with an assisted living arrangement or community care regime, saying she believed she would contract Covid-19 if she remained there and doctors were signing “my death warrant”.
Her mother told the judge on Tuesday she supported her daughter’s request and was willing to care for her in either her own or her son’s home.
The judge told the mother that doctors considered her daughter’s condition is so serious she requires continuing hospital treatment, including intensive naso-gastric feeding not possible in the community and, if discharged now, that could only be for palliative care.
The mother replied: “She would be with me and I will look after her.”
Ward of court
Her daughter had said a doctor had told her there was a “great possibility” she will contract Covid-19 in hospital, she added.
“If she gets Covid-19, I won’t be able to visit her and she will be alone.”
The young woman has a long-standing history of anorexia involving several hospital admissions after previous attempts to care for her at home and in the community failed.
She was made a ward of court on foot of medical reports, as a result of anorexia, as she lacked capacity to properly weigh up treatment options.
Lawyers for the HSE, the hospital, and her wardship committee opposed discharge.
The judge said this was a “heart-rending” case and there was no doubt the woman wants to leave the hospital as she has a deep-seated fear she will contract Covid-19 which she considered a greater risk to her life than her anorexia.
The law requires the court to decide what is in her best interests while also taking into account her views and those of her family, he said.
On the evidence, including that the risk to her life is much higher if she was to leave hospital in her current medical state, he considered her best interests required she stays in hospital as that gave her a better chance of a full life.
While he knew his decision would disappoint the woman and her family, he had done the best he could and must lean in favour of her life. He wished the woman and her family the very best and said he was “very sorry” they were in this position.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus victim’s daughter appeals for people to ‘value life and stay indoors’

The daughter of an 82-year-old woman who died from coronavirus in Northern Ireland on Monday has made an emotional appeal to the public to “ wise up ” and stay indoors to save lives .
“ If you value life you will stay in , and do what you ’ ve been asked , please , ” said Brenda Doherty , “ because my mum may be the fourth person to pass in Northern Ireland from Covid-19 but the sad reality is she probably won ’ t be the last.
” Ms Doherty told the BBC ’ s Talkback programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in Antrim Area Hospital on Monday .
Northern Ireland ’ s Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday night that the total number of fatalities in the North from the novel coronavirus known as Covid-19 was now five .
According to the latest available figures , which were released on Tuesday afternoon , 172 cases of coronavirus have now been identified in Northern Ireland .
In a video posted on social media , Ms Doherty said her mother was “ not just a statistic ” .
“ You will hear that a fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] , ” she said .
“ That fourth person was our mum that we loved and were very proud to have as a mother.
” She thanked the NHS staff and care workers who had looked after her mother over the years , describing the care they had given her as “ unbelievable ” .
Ms Doherty said her mother ’ s family “ couldn ’ t be with her when she passed .
We ’ ll not see her in her coffin , we ’ ll not get to give her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did all that when it mattered , and that was when mummy was alive .
“ As a family we kept our mum safe as best we could until we couldn ’ t keep her safe no more.
” Ms Doherty made a direct appeal to the public to think of others during the coronavirus outbreak and to stay healthy and save lives by staying indoors .
“ Those of you out there who are being so selfish and gathering in crowds , wise up , ” she said .
“ How selfish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time when people need to really think about others .
I have half a bottle of hand wash left , because the shelves are empty .
“ My mum would not believe how people would be behaving , she would have thought better of society.
” “ To those out there who are helping the vulnerable and the needy , thank you , ” she added .
“ I know if my mum had of been at home she would have been lucky enough to have us to care for her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My last thing to you is to let you know that my mum was a woman who lived her life to the full , she had lots of hard times in her life but she valued life .
“ If you value life you will stay in , and do as you ’ ve been asked , please .
”

Brenda Doherty has posted an emotional video to social media, asking people to stay at home, after her mother became the fourth person in Northern Ireland to die of Covid-19. Video: Brenda Doherty
The daughter of an 82-year-old woman who died from coronavirus in Northern Ireland on Monday has made an emotional appeal to the public to "wise up" and stay indoors to save lives.
"If you value life you will stay in, and do what you've been asked, please," said Brenda Doherty, "because my mum may be the fourth person to pass in Northern Ireland from Covid-19 but the sad reality is she probably won't be the last."
Ms Doherty told the BBC's Talkback programme that her mother, Ruth Burke, died in Antrim Area Hospital on Monday.
Northern Ireland's Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday night that the total number of fatalities in the North from the novel coronavirus known as Covid-19 was now five.
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According to the latest available figures, which were released on Tuesday afternoon, 172 cases of coronavirus have now been identified in Northern Ireland.
In a video posted on social media, Ms Doherty said her mother was “not just a statistic”.
“You will hear that a fourth person has died [in Northern Ireland],” she said. “That fourth person was our mum that we loved and were very proud to have as a mother.”
She thanked the NHS staff and care workers who had looked after her mother over the years, describing the care they had given her as "unbelievable".
Ms Doherty said her mother’s family “couldn’t be with her when she passed. We’ll not see her in her coffin, we’ll not get to give her a kiss, but I know we did all that when it mattered, and that was when mummy was alive.
“As a family we kept our mum safe as best we could until we couldn’t keep her safe no more.”
Direct appeal
Ms Doherty made a direct appeal to the public to think of others during the coronavirus outbreak and to stay healthy and save lives by staying indoors. “Those of you out there who are being so selfish and gathering in crowds, wise up,” she said. “How selfish can you be?
“This is a time when people need to really think about others. I have half a bottle of hand wash left, because the shelves are empty.
“My mum would not believe how people would be behaving, she would have thought better of society.”
“To those out there who are helping the vulnerable and the needy, thank you,” she added.
“I know if my mum had of been at home she would have been lucky enough to have us to care for her, but not everybody has that.
“My last thing to you is to let you know that my mum was a woman who lived her life to the full, she had lots of hard times in her life but she valued life.
“If you value life you will stay in, and do as you’ve been asked, please.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus spurs interest among ex-Defence Forces staff in rejoining

The Defence Forces has received a significant number of offers from retired personnel to rejoin in order to help with the coronavirus crisis .
On Tuesday Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said emergency legislation would be tabled to allow retired Defence Forces personnel , including both officers and enlisted ranks , to rejoin the organisation .
The Defence Forces has been mobilised across the country to aid the HSE in combating the spread of the virus , also known as Covid-19 .
This includes the transformation of naval ships into support hubs for testing centres and the tasking of soldiers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Varadkar ’ s announcement , the Defence Forces has received numerous enquiries about former member rejoining , according to military sources .
The Dáil is to vote on a version of the Defence Force ( Amendment ) Bill which was introduced in the last Dáil to allow the re-enlistment of “ suitably-qualified ” retired personnel .
The programme would allow returning older soldiers to backfill office and organisational roles , allowing younger soldiers to undertake front-line duties , sources said .
Last year the Department of Defence ran a much smaller re-enlistment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had departed for the private sector .
It led to a handful of former officers rejoining .

Members of the Defence Forces set up tents on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin alongside the LÉ Samuel Beckett as a coronavirus testing centre in recent days. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The Defence Forces has received a significant number of offers from retired personnel to rejoin in order to help with the coronavirus crisis.
On Tuesday Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said emergency legislation would be tabled to allow retired Defence Forces personnel, including both officers and enlisted ranks, to rejoin the organisation.
The Defence Forces has been mobilised across the country to aid the HSE in combating the spread of the virus, also known as Covid-19. This includes the transformation of naval ships into support hubs for testing centres and the tasking of soldiers in the delivery of vital supplies.
Even before Mr Varadkar’s announcement, the Defence Forces has received numerous enquiries about former member rejoining, according to military sources.
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The Dáil is to vote on a version of the Defence Force (Amendment) Bill which was introduced in the last Dáil to allow the re-enlistment of “suitably-qualified” retired personnel.
The programme would allow returning older soldiers to backfill office and organisational roles, allowing younger soldiers to undertake front-line duties, sources said.
Last year the Department of Defence ran a much smaller re-enlistment programme targeted at former Air Corps pilots who had departed for the private sector. It led to a handful of former officers rejoining.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Garda to take light touch in enforcing new coronavirus measures

Gardaí are to use a mixture of persuasion and existing public order legislation to enforce social distancing protocols outlined by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Tuesday in order to combat coronavirus .
The Taoiseach said gatherings of more than four people outside the home should not take place , unless they comprise people from the same household .
A raft of businesses and “ non-essential ” retail outlets were also ordered to close .
Members of the force said yesterday they were still awaiting instructions on specifics but that it appears the new regulations and recommendations do not significantly alter their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis .
Unlike in other European countries where lockdown measures have been enacted , gardaí will not have the power to issue fines to those congregating in groups of more than four or undertaking non-essential travel .
Instead , members will advise people gathering in groups of more than four people to break into smaller groups or return to their homes .
In some cases existing public order legislation may be used to disperse large groups , but gardaí are to be advised to use this only as a last resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuasion rather than coercion , catching more flies with honey , ” a senior garda said following Mr Varadkar ’ s address to the nation on Tuesday .
“ If we see a group of people walking in a park they will be advised to break up or go home .
That ’ s what we have been doing to date without a problem .
We ’ ll now be doing a lot more of it.
” While gardaí will generally be unable to penalise or detain people breaching social distancing protocols in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close down events and public gatherings under emergency legislation passed last week .
This legislation also gives the Garda the power to assist medical workers in detaining people at risk of infecting others with the virus if they refuse to self-isolate .
However , gardaí have yet to be briefed on whether and how these powers should be used .
Over the next 72 hours , gardaí will likely ramp up high-visibility policing and public outreach in a bid to get people to abide by social distancing protocols , a Garda spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with making sure shops and order businesses have closed in line with the new measures announced by the Taoiseach .
In his address announcing a range of new measures to reduce the spread of the virus , which is also known as Covid-19 , Mr Varadkar said there will be an “ increased presence of park rangers and gardaí in parks and public places to ensure physical distancing is being observed ” .
“ In Ireland , since independence , we have always had policing by consent rather than coercion .
I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
That ’ s not our way .
The new powers afforded to the gardaí will be used sparingly and only when necessary.
” Separately , the Irish Prison Service has introduced stricter limits on inmate visits in an effort to prevent an outbreak of Covid-19 in the prison system .
Under new regulations announced on Tuesday , just one person may visit a prisoner per week .
Under-18s and those displaying symptoms of the disease will not be permitted to visit .
The IPS said it can not disclose whether any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is understood there are , as yet , no confirmed cases .
A handful of prisoners have been placed in isolation as a precautionary measure .
Earlier this month the IPS released some 200 prisoners on temporary release to free up space and reduce the risk of an outbreak .

Gardaí are to use a mixture of persuasion and existing public order legislation to enforce social distancing protocols outlined by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Tuesday in order to combat coronavirus.
The Taoiseach said gatherings of more than four people outside the home should not take place, unless they comprise people from the same household. A raft of businesses and “non-essential” retail outlets were also ordered to close.
Members of the force said yesterday they were still awaiting instructions on specifics but that it appears the new regulations and recommendations do not significantly alter their powers or their approach to dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
Unlike in other European countries where lockdown measures have been enacted, gardaí will not have the power to issue fines to those congregating in groups of more than four or undertaking non-essential travel.
READ MORE
Instead, members will advise people gathering in groups of more than four people to break into smaller groups or return to their homes. In some cases existing public order legislation may be used to disperse large groups, but gardaí are to be advised to use this only as a last resort.
‘Persuasion rather than coercion’
“We will be operating through persuasion rather than coercion, catching more flies with honey,” a senior garda said following Mr Varadkar’s address to the nation on Tuesday.
“If we see a group of people walking in a park they will be advised to break up or go home. That’s what we have been doing to date without a problem. We’ll now be doing a lot more of it.”
While gardaí will generally be unable to penalise or detain people breaching social distancing protocols in public places, they will be able to close down events and public gatherings under emergency legislation passed last week.
This legislation also gives the Garda the power to assist medical workers in detaining people at risk of infecting others with the virus if they refuse to self-isolate.
However, gardaí have yet to be briefed on whether and how these powers should be used.
Over the next 72 hours, gardaí will likely ramp up high-visibility policing and public outreach in a bid to get people to abide by social distancing protocols, a Garda spokesman said.
Members will also be tasked with making sure shops and order businesses have closed in line with the new measures announced by the Taoiseach.
Increased presence
In his address announcing a range of new measures to reduce the spread of the virus, which is also known as Covid-19, Mr Varadkar said there will be an “increased presence of park rangers and gardaí in parks and public places to ensure physical distancing is being observed”.
"In Ireland, since independence, we have always had policing by consent rather than coercion. I don't intend for that to change now. That's not our way. The new powers afforded to the gardaí will be used sparingly and only when necessary."
Separately, the Irish Prison Service has introduced stricter limits on inmate visits in an effort to prevent an outbreak of Covid-19 in the prison system. Under new regulations announced on Tuesday, just one person may visit a prisoner per week. Under-18s and those displaying symptoms of the disease will not be permitted to visit.
The IPS said it cannot disclose whether any inmates have contracted the virus but it is understood there are, as yet, no confirmed cases. A handful of prisoners have been placed in isolation as a precautionary measure.
Earlier this month the IPS released some 200 prisoners on temporary release to free up space and reduce the risk of an outbreak.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Weekly Covid-19 payment has risen to €350 – who will get it?

What has the Government now proposed to help workers affected by Covid-19 ?
Previously , the Government said it would offer €203 to people who lost their jobs .
Now , it is to increase that sum to €350 .
What about those who are out sick , or self-isolating as a result of Covid-19 ?
The Government ’ s existing payment of just over €300 for this group will also be raised to €350 a week .
How bad does the Government fear unemployment could get ?
Up to now , Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Privately , the Government now fears that could rise to 500,000 .
Even before Tuesday ’ s announcement , 118,000 had applied for Covid-19 relief .
How does it plan to support workers ?
The Government will introduce a new wage subsidy scheme to encourage employers to keep workers on the books .
In return , the Government will pay employers a rebate to cover the cost of up to €410 a week or up to 70 per cent of the employee ’ s previous weekly earning .
Workers will not receive more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme .
Can employers provide more money to such workers under the subsidy scheme ?
Yes .
Employers will be asked to top up this amount where they can .
What is the situation in regard to tax ?
The wage subsidy of up to €410 is tax-free .
The Government said any top-up by the employer would be taxed in the normal way .
Can all employers avail of the wage subsidy scheme ?
It is open to all employers except the public service .
However , qualifying companies , charities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that their income has fallen by a quarter or more as a result of the pandemic .
How did the Government decide on the €350 figure ?
Ministers said the figure was pitched so it would be close to the average weekly earnings of those sectors hardest hit by job losses as a result of Covid-19 , such as hospitality and retail .
What about people who were on unemployment benefit before the Covid-19 crisis ?
They will continue to receive the basic job seeker benefit of just over €200 a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people with dependents will receive significantly more each week .
Can people eligible for the Covid-19 payment receive other benefits ?
The Government says that based on their circumstances , such as having dependents , people could receive additional sums .
However , this could take a few weeks to work out .
In the meantime the aim is to provide quickly-delivered money to pay for food , household bills , etc .
What about the self-employed ?
They are eligible for the Covid-19 unemployment payment .
How long will these new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsidy scheme will run for three months .
It will be reviewed in the light of the coronavirus situation at that point .

What has the Government now proposed to help workers affected by Covid-19?
Previously, the Government said it would offer €203 to people who lost their jobs. Now, it is to increase that sum to €350.
What about those who are out sick, or self-isolating as a result of Covid-19?
The Government’s existing payment of just over €300 for this group will also be raised to €350 a week.
READ MORE
How bad does the Government fear unemployment could get?
Up to now, Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty warned that 400,000 people could lose their jobs. Privately, the Government now fears that could rise to 500,000. Even before Tuesday's announcement, 118,000 had applied for Covid-19 relief.
How does it plan to support workers?
The Government will introduce a new wage subsidy scheme to encourage employers to keep workers on the books. In return, the Government will pay employers a rebate to cover the cost of up to €410 a week or up to 70 per cent of the employee’s previous weekly earning. Workers will not receive more than their previous income under the subsidy scheme.
Can employers provide more money to such workers under the subsidy scheme?
Yes. Employers will be asked to top up this amount where they can.
What is the situation in regard to tax?
The wage subsidy of up to €410 is tax-free. The Government said any top-up by the employer would be taxed in the normal way.
Can all employers avail of the wage subsidy scheme?
It is open to all employers except the public service. However, qualifying companies, charities, NGOs or any other organisation affected must show that their income has fallen by a quarter or more as a result of the pandemic.
How did the Government decide on the €350 figure?
Ministers said the figure was pitched so it would be close to the average weekly earnings of those sectors hardest hit by job losses as a result of Covid-19, such as hospitality and retail.
What about people who were on unemployment benefit before the Covid-19 crisis?
They will continue to receive the basic job seeker benefit of just over €200 a week. However, the Government says that some people with dependents will receive significantly more each week.
Can people eligible for the Covid-19 payment receive other benefits?
The Government says that based on their circumstances, such as having dependents, people could receive additional sums. However, this could take a few weeks to work out. In the meantime the aim is to provide quickly-delivered money to pay for food, household bills, etc.
What about the self-employed?
They are eligible for the Covid-19 unemployment payment.
How long will these new initiatives run for?
The new wage subsidy scheme will run for three months. It will be reviewed in the light of the coronavirus situation at that point.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Creches will not ask parents for fees after deal with State

Parents will not be asked to pay creche fees for up to three months under a government scheme that will see childcare worker wages topped up beyond the 70 per cent level announced for others .
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs will reimburse childcare providers a further 30 per cent on top of the scheme announced earlier today , which will see the Government pay 70 per cent of a workers salary up to €410 per week , The Irish Times has learned .
Due to the low average wage of the childcare sector , the move in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay all wages of creche workers for the next three months .
In return , Minister for Children Katherine Zappone , who has been working on the scheme since the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic , will tell childcare providers they can not charge parents from this month onwards .
Furthermore , creches will be expected to assure parents that their child ’ s places will be secure at the end of the crisis , providing that the creche is still trading .
Creches which have let childcare workers go will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workers who were made unemployed .
The aim of the scheme is to ensure that the childcare worker is in a position to provide continuity of care and reopen its doors once the crisis passes , and to provide ongoing employment for workers in the sector .
The landmark package will also see childcare providers given funding equivalent to 15 per cent of their staff costs to pay for other expenses , including rent , utility bills and loan repayments , where applicable .
For childcare workers who make less than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the enhanced package of Covid-19 benefits , the Department will make a further top-up payment so they are not disadvantaged by staying in their job .
While childcare workers will not be actively engaged in work during this period , as creches will remain closed , they will be expected to undertake continuous professional development and employers will be expected to focus on administration tasks .
The future of the childcare sector had been imperilled especially by the Covid-19 outbreak .
While it was forced to close alongside State educational providers like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid privately .
Many creches faced an enormous shortfall every month , with an estimated €12 million per month usually generated by fee income from parents across the sector likely to disappear .
The enhanced scheme will run in parallel to other schemes launched by the Government , for 12 weeks , and the intention is to roll it out as soon as possible .

The supports, which the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) has told creche owners “are specific” to the sector, are currently being finalised. Photograph: iStock
Parents will not be asked to pay creche fees for up to three months under a government scheme that will see childcare worker wages topped up beyond the 70 per cent level announced for others.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs will reimburse childcare providers a further 30 per cent on top of the scheme announced earlier today, which will see the Government pay 70 per cent of a workers salary up to €410 per week, The Irish Times has learned.
Due to the low average wage of the childcare sector, the move in effect means the State is agreeing to pay all wages of creche workers for the next three months. In return, Minister for Children Katherine Zappone, who has been working on the scheme since the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic, will tell childcare providers they cannot charge parents from this month onwards.
Furthermore, creches will be expected to assure parents that their child’s places will be secure at the end of the crisis, providing that the creche is still trading. Creches which have let childcare workers go will also be expected to make efforts to hire back the workers who were made unemployed.
READ MORE
The aim of the scheme is to ensure that the childcare worker is in a position to provide continuity of care and reopen its doors once the crisis passes, and to provide ongoing employment for workers in the sector.
The landmark package will also see childcare providers given funding equivalent to 15 per cent of their staff costs to pay for other expenses, including rent, utility bills and loan repayments, where applicable.
For childcare workers who make less than the €350 a week which is now available under the enhanced package of Covid-19 benefits, the Department will make a further top-up payment so they are not disadvantaged by staying in their job.
While childcare workers will not be actively engaged in work during this period, as creches will remain closed, they will be expected to undertake continuous professional development and employers will be expected to focus on administration tasks.
The future of the childcare sector had been imperilled especially by the Covid-19 outbreak. While it was forced to close alongside State educational providers like schools and colleges, its employees are paid privately. Many creches faced an enormous shortfall every month, with an estimated €12 million per month usually generated by fee income from parents across the sector likely to disappear.
The enhanced scheme will run in parallel to other schemes launched by the Government, for 12 weeks, and the intention is to roll it out as soon as possible.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Private hospitals in talks on State takeover plan

Business groups reacted positively to new public restrictions and the closure of all but essential services to stem the spread of coronavirus , but urged the Government to keep warning the public of safe distancing measures .
Affected restaurants which could not offer a takeaway service following the new wave of business closures were encouraged to speak to their insurers to see what supports were available .
The Government announced the closure of non-essential retail services and businesses such as gyms , leisure centres , hairdressers , betting offices , caravan parks , casinos and bingo halls in an effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent infections with Covid-19 .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the country ’ s private hospitals are to become part of the public hospital system for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency .
The Private Hospital Association , which represents 19 hospitals , covering 2,000 hospital beds and 8,000 staff , said discussions were “ continuing on arrangements to allow the State to contract , for a temporary period , the country ’ s private hospital bed capacity ” .
The association said it “ fully supports all strategic measures currently under consideration aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw that the temporary use of private hospitals was “ a critical next step in managing the Covid-19 pandemic ” .
“ The precise detail of the HSE plan is still being discussed and we would hope to finalise this in the coming days , ” said a spokesman for the association .
Cafes and restaurants have been ordered to limit supply to takeaway services only .
“ From a staff and customer welfare point of view , this is the right decision ; it should have been done the weekend before last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland , who has been repeatedly warning about the risks to restaurant staff .
The closures would have a “ major effect ” on the vast majority of restaurants in the country and have long-term implications for businesses into the future .
He welcomed the exemption from planning permission for restaurants to operate takeaway services in the emergency legislation being proposed by Government later this week .
However , he warned that many restaurants would not be able to provide such services .
“ If you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be doing that , ” said Mr Cummins .
He encouraged all restaurants to speak to their insurance companies about the closures with regard to potential claims under business disruption insurance .
The restaurant group welcomed the Government ’ s decision to increase the unemployment support payment to people laid off due to the outbreak to €350 from €203 , but said small businesses may not have the cash flow to meet the 70 per cent top-up of workers ’ salary to €410 a week .
“ Small businesses must not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the group said .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said other retail outlets could remain open so long as they could ensure adequate physical distancing between customers to prevent the spread of infection .
Tara Buckley , director general of RGData , which represents food supermarkets and convenience stores , said the vast majority of members had managed to facilitate distancing rules .
“ Obviously , they would like the Government to keep reminding people about physical distancing so that people understand what it is and why they are doing it , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forced closure of all hairdressers to protect the safety of their almost 400 members because 90 to 95 per cent of salons had already closed and it felt that they had commercially been “ pushed into a corner ” by those who decided to remain open .
“ We are happy for everyone to have to close their doors and not have those risk-takers deciding to stay open and to put the health of their staff at risk , ” said Vicky Burke , the federation ’ s secretary .
“ Obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same boat at this moment in time.
” Business and industry group Ibec , the country ’ s largest employer representative body , said the measures were affecting businesses largely engaging with the public , and that industry and manufacturing groups would be unaffected as they were considered essential .
“ We are very supportive of the new social distancing .
This is the right thing to do , ” said Fergal O ’ Brien , director of policy and public affairs at Ibec .
The continuation of manufacturing was essential for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical devices and pharmaceutical , given the interdependence of supply chains beyond Ireland , he said .
“ Industry will , by and large , be continuing , not just as a supply chain for the Irish , but feeding populations and providing med-tech and pharma around the world , ” said Mr O ’ Brien .
Ibec said the Government ’ s temporary wage subsidy scheme and continued operation of essential businesses would “ play a crucial role in enabling the economy to bounce back at the other end of this Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in “ keeping vulnerable firms alive , keeping their employees engaged with them and protecting the income of individuals ” , said Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy .
The Government “ must do everything possible to prevent a deep demand shock and do everything to allow the economy recover at the end of this crisis , ” he said .

The Private Hospital Association, which represents 19 hospitals, covering 2,000 hospital beds and 8,000 staff, said discussions were “continuing on arrangements to allow the State to contract, for a temporary period, the country’s private hospital bed capacity”. Photograph: Jean-Francois Monier/AFP/Getty
Business groups reacted positively to new public restrictions and the closure of all but essential services to stem the spread of coronavirus, but urged the Government to keep warning the public of safe distancing measures.
Affected restaurants which could not offer a takeaway service following the new wave of business closures were encouraged to speak to their insurers to see what supports were available.
The Government announced the closure of non-essential retail services and businesses such as gyms, leisure centres, hairdressers, betting offices, caravan parks, casinos and bingo halls in an effort to limit further contacts between people to prevent infections with Covid-19.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the country's private hospitals are to become part of the public hospital system for the duration of the Covid-19 emergency.
READ MORE
The Private Hospital Association, which represents 19 hospitals, covering 2,000 hospital beds and 8,000 staff, said discussions were “continuing on arrangements to allow the State to contract, for a temporary period, the country’s private hospital bed capacity”.
The association said it “fully supports all strategic measures currently under consideration aimed at combating this pandemic and that it saw that the temporary use of private hospitals was “a critical next step in managing the Covid-19 pandemic”.
“The precise detail of the HSE plan is still being discussed and we would hope to finalise this in the coming days,” said a spokesman for the association.
Cafes and restaurants have been ordered to limit supply to takeaway services only.
‘Right decision’
"From a staff and customer welfare point of view, this is the right decision; it should have been done the weekend before last," said Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, who has been repeatedly warning about the risks to restaurant staff.
The closures would have a “major effect” on the vast majority of restaurants in the country and have long-term implications for businesses into the future.
He welcomed the exemption from planning permission for restaurants to operate takeaway services in the emergency legislation being proposed by Government later this week. However, he warned that many restaurants would not be able to provide such services.
“If you are a Michelin-starred restaurant, you won’t be doing that,” said Mr Cummins.
He encouraged all restaurants to speak to their insurance companies about the closures with regard to potential claims under business disruption insurance.
The restaurant group welcomed the Government’s decision to increase the unemployment support payment to people laid off due to the outbreak to €350 from €203, but said small businesses may not have the cash flow to meet the 70 per cent top-up of workers’ salary to €410 a week.
“Small businesses must not be penalised due to cash flow difficulties,” the group said.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said other retail outlets could remain open so long as they could ensure adequate physical distancing between customers to prevent the spread of infection.
They include supermarkets, newsagents, petrol stations, pharmacies, banks, post offices, credit unions, hardware sores, electronic shops, phone retailers and safety clothes suppliers.
Tara Buckley, director general of RGData, which represents food supermarkets and convenience stores, said the vast majority of members had managed to facilitate distancing rules.
“Obviously, they would like the Government to keep reminding people about physical distancing so that people understand what it is and why they are doing it,” she said.
Hairdressers
The Irish Hairdressers Federation welcomed the forced closure of all hairdressers to protect the safety of their almost 400 members because 90 to 95 per cent of salons had already closed and it felt that they had commercially been “pushed into a corner” by those who decided to remain open.
“We are happy for everyone to have to close their doors and not have those risk-takers deciding to stay open and to put the health of their staff at risk,” said Vicky Burke, the federation’s secretary. “Obviously it is negative but everyone is in the same boat at this moment in time.”
Business and industry group Ibec, the country’s largest employer representative body, said the measures were affecting businesses largely engaging with the public, and that industry and manufacturing groups would be unaffected as they were considered essential.
‘Very supportive’
“We are very supportive of the new social distancing. This is the right thing to do,” said Fergal O’Brien, director of policy and public affairs at Ibec.
The continuation of manufacturing was essential for the supply of food, medicines and medical devices and pharmaceutical, given the interdependence of supply chains beyond Ireland, he said.
“Industry will, by and large, be continuing, not just as a supply chain for the Irish, but feeding populations and providing med-tech and pharma around the world,” said Mr O’Brien.
Ibec said the Government’s temporary wage subsidy scheme and continued operation of essential businesses would “play a crucial role in enabling the economy to bounce back at the other end of this Covid-19 crisis”.
The measure would help in “keeping vulnerable firms alive, keeping their employees engaged with them and protecting the income of individuals”, said Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy.
The Government “must do everything possible to prevent a deep demand shock and do everything to allow the economy recover at the end of this crisis,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--‘Lifesaver’ deliveries in Creggan as all pull together

Carol Cunningham hears the beep of a car horn , then a rattle on the house window .
When she looks outside she sees “ the driver with gloves on , and a friendly smile .
The groceries are on the front step.
” She is one of many who are now relying on a free home delivery service set up by Creggan Enterprises in Derry to keep the elderly , vulnerable and health workers supplied during the coronavirus outbreak .
Her husband has cancer , as does her elderly father ; they have been advised to self-isolate at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anxiety in the house this morning when we were starting to run out of the basics .
I ’ m fit and healthy and so are my two children , and we don ’ t have to depend on much support .
But suddenly you find yourself falling into that category of ‘ vulnerable ’ .
“ There ’ s often a lot of negative focus on Creggan for different reasons , but this is a real example of the community spirit in Creggan .
Everyone pulls together .
When the groceries arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was quite overwhelming , actually.
” The centre of operations is the Ráth Mór Centre in the heart of Creggan .
A multi-purpose facility which comprises retail units , offices and community services , it was set up by Creggan Enterprises in the 1990s as a social economy venture to tackle social deprivation and unemployment by bringing jobs and investment to the area .
“ That is the history of Creggan , ” says the chief executive of Creggan Enterprises Conal McFeely .
“ There has always been a history of self-reliance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis will rally round their neighbours , and that spirit is coming back out now.
” Usually Ráth Mór is busy .
The hairdresser , the florist and the other community-run businesses which are normally bustling with customers are now closed .
McFeely estimates that about 250 people in the centre have lost their jobs because of coronavirus .
With the North under “ lockdown ” only the supermarket , the chemist , the post office and the brand new doctor ’ s surgery – which opened on Monday – can remain open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video made by healthcare workers in Belfast pleading with people to use social distancing is playing over and over again .
There had been concerns that the lockdown announced by the UK government on Monday night would prompt another wave of panic buying ; so far footfall has been “ steady ” , with customers employing social distancing and buying only what they need .
“ We thought there might have been panic buying once the lockdown was announced , ” says McFeely , “ but there ’ s been none of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectful.
” Some people , especially the elderly , are “ fearful ” ; they have been “ phoning up quite distressed , worried about being isolated .
“ If people are more vulnerable at home that increases the need for the delivery service.
” Inside Kelly ’ s Eurospar , owner Adrian Kelly says the demand for the home delivery service has been increasing every day .
“ We see this as a vital service for the community going forward.
” He is advertising for extra staff , and is full of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shop stocked and for his own employees .
Nobody , he says , has been abusing the home delivery service : “ The public have been so good .
They ’ re all saying , ‘ we ’ re just so glad to get these ’ .
“ People are acting responsibility and it ’ s nice to feel you ’ re doing something to help people.
” Mark McCleary agrees .
The owner of local firm Glassagh Taxis , he has volunteered to bring home deliveries to customers .
“ Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCleary .
“ Lifesaver.
” At some doors he might spend five or 10 minutes chatting – “ three or four feet back from the door , obviously ” , he says .
“ Most of the doors you go to it ’ s old people , and they just want to chat .
It doesn ’ t cost anything to be sociable with people , and you ’ re aware some of them can ’ t get out of the house .
You ’ re probably the only person they might see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman I met yesterday , she had nobody to get the groceries for her .
She would have had nothing only this was sorted out.
” At Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership ( CNP ) the community workers have seen that sense of relief first hand .
They are providing a “ targeted intervention ” scheme to make sure those most in need have the essentials .
Ireland soccer international and local boy James McClean donated almost £3,000 of goods , and schools which have been forced to close have given them food from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and things ” – which would otherwise have gone unused .
Once they shared a video from McClean on Facebook , community worker Shauna Deery explains , “ social workers contacted us who were aware of vulnerable people , so we compiled packages of essentials and local volunteers delivered them to those most in need ” .
“ People were aware of what James [ McClean ] had done , ” says Tony O ’ Doherty , “ so you would drive into a street to deliver to maybe one lady or one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street would come out and say , ‘ tell James that ’ s great ’ .
“ Then they would come out and say , ‘ by the way , do you know about wee Mrs so-and-so at number ten ’ , and we would go back and get another package.
” Both Creggan Enterprises and CNP have also put their own resources into the effort ; their estimate is that they can keep going for around 12 weeks , but additional support must be put in place as quickly as possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it looks like it will , it won ’ t last long , ” says Kevin Hippsley of Creggan Enterprises .
“ We need funding .
There should be an immediate crisis fund which should be flexible and react to the needs of the community as and when they need it , because those needs will change as this develops .
“ The government must also provide clarity , because a lack of information creates fear , and we ’ re seeing that all the time .
There must be clarity and direction.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of self-help , ” says McFeely , “ and we are saying ‘ we will do what it takes ’ .
”

Carol Cunningham hears the beep of a car horn, then a rattle on the house window. When she looks outside she sees "the driver with gloves on, and a friendly smile. The groceries are on the front step."
She is one of many who are now relying on a free home delivery service set up by Creggan Enterprises in Derry to keep the elderly, vulnerable and health workers supplied during the coronavirus outbreak.
Her husband has cancer, as does her elderly father; they have been advised to self-isolate at home.
“You could nearly sense the anxiety in the house this morning when we were starting to run out of the basics. I’m fit and healthy and so are my two children, and we don’t have to depend on much support. But suddenly you find yourself falling into that category of ‘vulnerable’.
READ MORE
“There’s often a lot of negative focus on Creggan for different reasons, but this is a real example of the community spirit in Creggan. Everyone pulls together. When the groceries arrived it was just a lifesaver. It was quite overwhelming, actually.”
The centre of operations is the Ráth Mór Centre in the heart of Creggan. A multi-purpose facility which comprises retail units, offices and community services, it was set up by Creggan Enterprises in the 1990s as a social economy venture to tackle social deprivation and unemployment by bringing jobs and investment to the area.
“That is the history of Creggan,” says the chief executive of Creggan Enterprises Conal McFeely. “There has always been a history of self-reliance and self-help here. People in times of crisis will rally round their neighbours, and that spirit is coming back out now.”
Usually Ráth Mór is busy. The hairdresser, the florist and the other community-run businesses which are normally bustling with customers are now closed. McFeely estimates that about 250 people in the centre have lost their jobs because of coronavirus.
Doctor’s surgery
With the North under “lockdown” only the supermarket, the chemist, the post office and the brand new doctor’s surgery – which opened on Monday – can remain open.
On the screens inside the centre a video made by healthcare workers in Belfast pleading with people to use social distancing is playing over and over again.
There had been concerns that the lockdown announced by the UK government on Monday night would prompt another wave of panic buying; so far footfall has been “steady”, with customers employing social distancing and buying only what they need.
“We thought there might have been panic buying once the lockdown was announced,” says McFeely, “ but there’s been none of that, and people are being very respectful.”
Some people, especially the elderly, are “fearful”; they have been “phoning up quite distressed, worried about being isolated.
“If people are more vulnerable at home that increases the need for the delivery service.”
Inside Kelly's Eurospar, owner Adrian Kelly says the demand for the home delivery service has been increasing every day. "We see this as a vital service for the community going forward."
He is advertising for extra staff, and is full of praise for the distributors who are keeping the shop stocked and for his own employees. Nobody, he says, has been abusing the home delivery service: “The public have been so good. They’re all saying, ‘we’re just so glad to get these’.
“People are acting responsibility and it’s nice to feel you’re doing something to help people.”
Mark McCleary agrees. The owner of local firm Glassagh Taxis, he has volunteered to bring home deliveries to customers. "Everyone says the same thing," says McCleary. "Lifesaver."
Chatting
At some doors he might spend five or 10 minutes chatting – “three or four feet back from the door, obviously”, he says.
“Most of the doors you go to it’s old people, and they just want to chat. It doesn’t cost anything to be sociable with people, and you’re aware some of them can’t get out of the house. You’re probably the only person they might see all day.
“There was one woman I met yesterday, she had nobody to get the groceries for her. She would have had nothing only this was sorted out.”
At Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership (CNP) the community workers have seen that sense of relief first hand. They are providing a “targeted intervention” scheme to make sure those most in need have the essentials.
Ireland soccer international and local boy James McClean donated almost £3,000 of goods, and schools which have been forced to close have given them food from their canteens – "piles of peeled spuds and things" – which would otherwise have gone unused.
Once they shared a video from McClean on Facebook, community worker Shauna Deery explains, "social workers contacted us who were aware of vulnerable people, so we compiled packages of essentials and local volunteers delivered them to those most in need".
“People were aware of what James [McClean] had done,” says Tony O’Doherty, “so you would drive into a street to deliver to maybe one lady or one gentleman, and the rest of the street would come out and say, ‘tell James that’s great’.
“Then they would come out and say, ‘by the way, do you know about wee Mrs so-and-so at number ten’, and we would go back and get another package.”
Resources
Both Creggan Enterprises and CNP have also put their own resources into the effort; their estimate is that they can keep going for around 12 weeks, but additional support must be put in place as quickly as possible.
"If this ramps up the way it looks like it will, it won't last long," says Kevin Hippsley of Creggan Enterprises. "We need funding. There should be an immediate crisis fund which should be flexible and react to the needs of the community as and when they need it, because those needs will change as this develops.
“The government must also provide clarity, because a lack of information creates fear, and we’re seeing that all the time. There must be clarity and direction.”
“This particular community has a history of self-help,” says McFeely, “and we are saying ‘we will do what it takes’.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Physical distancing steps are most effective against coronavirus, study suggests

A combination of physical distancing interventions – quarantine , school closures and workplace distancing – is most effective at reducing the number of Covid- 19 cases , a study published today suggests .
The research , published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal , is the first of its kind to investigate using these options for early intervention .
The modelling study was carried out by doctors at the National University of Singapore .
Lead author , Dr Alex R Cook , said : “ Should local containment measures , such as preventing disease-spread through contact tracing efforts and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , be unsuccessful , the results of this study provide policy-makers in Singapore and other countries with evidence to begin the implementation of enhanced outbreak control measures that could mitigate or reduce local transmission rates if deployed effectively and in a timely manner.
” The findings are especially relevant as the Government here introduces tighter controls on activity .
It has restricted gatherings to four people and closed non-essential shops .
Cafes and restaurants have been told to limit activities to takeaway food only .
And existing measures have been extended until April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a baseline , the median number of infections at day 80 of the outbreak was 279,000 , corresponding to 7.4 per cent of the resident population of Singapore .
They found that , compared with baseline and at different levels of infectivity , a combination of physical distancing interventions reduced the number of infections by between 78 and 99 per cent .
Writing in a linked comment , Joseph A Lewnard and Nathan C Lo of the University of California , said : “ Although the scientific basis for these interventions might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social-distancing policies that do not bias against any population group .
The legacies of social and economic injustices perpetrated in the name of public health have lasting repercussions .
“ Interventions might pose risks of reduced income and even job loss , disproportionately affecting the most disadvantaged populations ... Special attention should be given to protections for vulnerable populations , such as homeless , incarcerated , older , or disabled individuals , and undocumented migrants , ” they added .

A couple wearing face masks walk in a park near a public housing area in Singapore on Tuesday. Singapore is banning all short-term visitors to the densely populated city-state after a surge of imported cases of coronavirus. Photograph: Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty
A combination of physical distancing interventions – quarantine, school closures and workplace distancing – is most effective at reducing the number of Covid- 19 cases, a study published today suggests.
The research, published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, is the first of its kind to investigate using these options for early intervention. The modelling study was carried out by doctors at the National University of Singapore.
Lead author, Dr Alex R Cook, said: “Should local containment measures, such as preventing disease-spread through contact tracing efforts and, more recently, not permitting short-term visitors, be unsuccessful, the results of this study provide policy-makers in Singapore and other countries with evidence to begin the implementation of enhanced outbreak control measures that could mitigate or reduce local transmission rates if deployed effectively and in a timely manner.”
The findings are especially relevant as the Government here introduces tighter controls on activity. It has restricted gatherings to four people and closed non-essential shops. Cafes and restaurants have been told to limit activities to takeaway food only. And existing measures have been extended until April 19th.
READ MORE
Researchers established that, as a baseline, the median number of infections at day 80 of the outbreak was 279,000, corresponding to 7.4 per cent of the resident population of Singapore. They found that, compared with baseline and at different levels of infectivity, a combination of physical distancing interventions reduced the number of infections by between 78 and 99 per cent.
Writing in a linked comment, Joseph A Lewnard and Nathan C Lo of the University of California, said: “Although the scientific basis for these interventions might be robust...political leaders must enact quarantine and social-distancing policies that do not bias against any population group. The legacies of social and economic injustices perpetrated in the name of public health have lasting repercussions.
“Interventions might pose risks of reduced income and even job loss, disproportionately affecting the most disadvantaged populations... Special attention should be given to protections for vulnerable populations, such as homeless, incarcerated, older, or disabled individuals, and undocumented migrants,” they added.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Nothing off limits in Varadkar plan to stem coronavirus

The Government unveiled two major initiatives on Tuesday in the nothing-is-off-limits struggle to tackle the coronavirsus .
One is economic , to ameliorate the fallout from the suspension of most commerce in the State , and one is social , applying further restrictions to citizens ’ movements in order to retard the spread of the disease .
Both are , in any normal context , breathtaking in their reach .
The truth is that both may have to be revisited in the weeks and months ahead if the virus hits harder and for longer than the Government hopes .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politicians , of course , can not stop being politicians and they are all wondering how this will play out in the medium and the long term ; Fianna Fáil especially can see how Varadkar is rebuilding his political capital through the crisis and frets about the effectively suspended process of government formation ; but they also know they can do absolutely nothing about it .
A time of crisis is a time for executive action , not Opposition perspectives .
The truth is that while the Government naturally wants to keep them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more or less anything the Government does .
Normal politics , like so much else , is now in abeyance .
Desperate times , desperate measures .
Like its counterparts across the world , the Irish Government will take on heaps more debt as it seeks to replace some of the income workers have lost , while also trying to keep companies going through wage subsidies .
The objective is not just to ease worries and hardship among businesses affected and people who have lost , and will lose , their jobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to rebound when the crisis eventually comes to an end .
Tuesday ’ s package will cost nearly €4 billion ; the Government is prepared for another €4 billion if needs be .
The total cost of the coronavirus crisis – welfare , wage supports , increased health spending , tax receipts lost – is now rocketing far beyond the €10 billion that Government insiders were estimating only last week .
The measures are for three months – until the beginning of the summer .
What if the virus continues to rage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for another three months , says one person at the heart of the administration : whatever it takes .
But what then ?
The National Treasury Management Agency has assured the Government that there are “ no constraints ” on its capacity to borrow money on the markets .
But if the crisis is a prolonged one , that will not be true forever .
No country can keep ramping up its borrowing indefinitely without the bond markets taking notice .
If the crisis doesn ’ t pass in the coming months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money at the situation will be diminished , and ultimately exhausted .
That is inevitable .
The second element of Tuesday ’ s measures – greater restrictions on social interactions and on commerce – are similarly based on some evidence , but also on hope .
Social distancing is working – chief medical officer Tony Holohan said that the average number of close contacts among those with the virus has dropped from 20 to five – but the truth is that neither politicians nor scientists know if it ’ s working quickly enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to hit the hospitals .
So all non-essential businesses are now being told to close , and people are being asked to stay indoors , allowed out for vital trips and for exercise .
Gardaí will become more muscular with those not observing social distancing in public .
The Government abhors the term lockdown , but this is certainly the greatest shutdown of commercial and social life the country has ever seen .
The day after the UK government announced a sweeping shutdown – piling political pressure on the Government here to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t quite gone the full Boris , but it ’ s pretty close .
Within Government there has always been significant concern about the long-term sustainability of a general shutdown .
At the same time , it was a stage they knew we were likely to reach .
The silent fear many have is that there aren ’ t many more shots left in the locker .

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced a series of new measures - while also extending current restrictions until April 19th - in an attempt to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Video: RTÉ
The Government unveiled two major initiatives on Tuesday in the nothing-is-off-limits struggle to tackle the coronavirsus.
One is economic, to ameliorate the fallout from the suspension of most commerce in the State, and one is social, applying further restrictions to citizens’ movements in order to retard the spread of the disease.
Both are, in any normal context, breathtaking in their reach. The truth is that both may have to be revisited in the weeks and months ahead if the virus hits harder and for longer than the Government hopes.
Other parties quickly assented to the package. Politicians, of course, cannot stop being politicians and they are all wondering how this will play out in the medium and the long term; Fianna Fáil especially can see how Varadkar is rebuilding his political capital through the crisis and frets about the effectively suspended process of government formation; but they also know they can do absolutely nothing about it. A time of crisis is a time for executive action, not Opposition perspectives.
READ MORE
The truth is that while the Government naturally wants to keep them all onside, the Opposition will accept more or less anything the Government does. Normal politics, like so much else, is now in abeyance.
Desperate times, desperate measures. Like its counterparts across the world, the Irish Government will take on heaps more debt as it seeks to replace some of the income workers have lost, while also trying to keep companies going through wage subsidies.
The objective is not just to ease worries and hardship among businesses affected and people who have lost, and will lose, their jobs. The intention is to keep the economy ready to rebound when the crisis eventually comes to an end.
Cost rocketing
Tuesday’s package will cost nearly €4 billion; the Government is prepared for another €4 billion if needs be. The total cost of the coronavirus crisis – welfare, wage supports, increased health spending, tax receipts lost – is now rocketing far beyond the €10 billion that Government insiders were estimating only last week.
The measures are for three months – until the beginning of the summer. What if the virus continues to rage then? We will do it again for another three months, says one person at the heart of the administration: whatever it takes.
But what then? The National Treasury Management Agency has assured the Government that there are “no constraints” on its capacity to borrow money on the markets. But if the crisis is a prolonged one, that will not be true forever. No country can keep ramping up its borrowing indefinitely without the bond markets taking notice.
If the crisis doesn’t pass in the coming months, the Government’s ability to throw money at the situation will be diminished, and ultimately exhausted. That is inevitable.
The second element of Tuesday’s measures – greater restrictions on social interactions and on commerce – are similarly based on some evidence, but also on hope. Social distancing is working – chief medical officer Tony Holohan said that the average number of close contacts among those with the virus has dropped from 20 to five – but the truth is that neither politicians nor scientists know if it’s working quickly enough. The big surge of cases has yet to hit the hospitals.
No unnecessary travel
So all non-essential businesses are now being told to close, and people are being asked to stay indoors, allowed out for vital trips and for exercise. Gardaí will become more muscular with those not observing social distancing in public. The Government abhors the term lockdown, but this is certainly the greatest shutdown of commercial and social life the country has ever seen.
The day after the UK government announced a sweeping shutdown – piling political pressure on the Government here to follow – Varadkar and his Ministers haven’t quite gone the full Boris, but it’s pretty close.
Within Government there has always been significant concern about the long-term sustainability of a general shutdown. At the same time, it was a stage they knew we were likely to reach. The silent fear many have is that there aren’t many more shots left in the locker.


theirishtimes--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Varadkar ‘hopeful’ schools can return in May or June

Schools , third-level institutions and childcare facilities are set to remain closed until at least April 19th in support of efforts to combat the coronavirus , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said .
He also said that there is a “ very good chance ” Leaving Cert exams will go ahead and urged students to continue studying .
Mr Varadkar said he was was hopeful schools might be able to come back in May and June and to “ have the Leaving Cert in the normal way ” .
However , if this did not happen , he said the Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow the Leaving Cert to go ahead .
At a press conference in Dublin , he told reporters that the Government was doing “ everything possible or feasible that we can so that group of young people could start college ” .
The Irish Times understands that one contingency plan being discussed involves deferring Leaving Cert exams until later in the summer and allowing first-year students to start college as late as October or November .
Separarely , many Special Needs Assistants and some teaching staff are set to be redeployed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracing services .
Schools , which are currently closed , have been asked to identify staff who are available to work in other areas during the crisis .
The department may also temporarily reassign some SNAs to other roles commensurate with their existing duties .
Fórsa , the trade union , said the department has confirmed that SNAs may be reassigned to other posts as part of a public service-wide mobilisation to tackle the virus and maintain essential public services .
The plans allows for the temporary transfer of staff to critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opposition parties , meanwhile , have called for clarity around contingency plans for the State exams .
Sinn Féin ’ s education spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD said : “ The situation is unsustainable and it is deeply unfair on students , their families and teachers to be operating under such stress and pressure.
” Thomas Byrne TD , Fianna Fáil ’ s education spokesman , also called on the Government to “ ramp up ” supports for students attending disadvantaged or Deis schools who face bigger barriers to distance learning .
Youth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disadvantaged students face losing out most from school closures and uncertainty over the State exams .
The federation of 22 local youth services said disadvantaged students have less support at home to do educational work independently .
“ Schools were the first to close from March 12th but we have heard little about young people ’ s educational needs since then , there is clearly growing uncertainty about the feasibility of holding state exams and the UK have already made a call on this , ” said Michael Mc Loughlin of Youth Work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those in exam classes key decisions about third level and other career options depend on these exams.
” The Teachers ’ Union of Ireland said it appreciated that schools needed to remain closed in order to tackle the coronavirus threat .
“ The health and safety of our people , young and old , must always be the principal consideration , ” TUI president Séamus Lahart said .
“ These are exceptional circumstances and we thank teachers and lecturers for their creativity , application and ongoing commitment to students .
The public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do their work to the highest professional and ethical standards .
”

Schools are set to remain closed until well beyond March 29th, Minister for Education Joe McHugh has confirmed.
Schools, third-level institutions and childcare facilities are set to remain closed until at least April 19th in support of efforts to combat the coronavirus, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.
He also said that there is a “very good chance” Leaving Cert exams will go ahead and urged students to continue studying.
Mr Varadkar said he was was hopeful schools might be able to come back in May and June and to “have the Leaving Cert in the normal way”.
However, if this did not happen, he said the Minister for Education was working on contingency plans to allow the Leaving Cert to go ahead.
READ MORE
At a press conference in Dublin, he told reporters that the Government was doing “everything possible or feasible that we can so that group of young people could start college”.
The Irish Times understands that one contingency plan being discussed involves deferring Leaving Cert exams until later in the summer and allowing first-year students to start college as late as October or November.
Special Needs Assistants
Separarely, many Special Needs Assistants and some teaching staff are set to be redeployed to assist with a major expansion of coronavirus contact tracing services.
Schools, which are currently closed, have been asked to identify staff who are available to work in other areas during the crisis. The department may also temporarily reassign some SNAs to other roles commensurate with their existing duties.
Fórsa, the trade union, said the department has confirmed that SNAs may be reassigned to other posts as part of a public service-wide mobilisation to tackle the virus and maintain essential public services. The plans allows for the temporary transfer of staff to critical roles for up to three months.
Opposition parties, meanwhile, have called for clarity around contingency plans for the State exams.
Sinn Féin’s education spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD said: “The situation is unsustainable and it is deeply unfair on students, their families and teachers to be operating under such stress and pressure.”
Thomas Byrne TD, Fianna Fáil’s education spokesman, also called on the Government to “ramp up” supports for students attending disadvantaged or Deis schools who face bigger barriers to distance learning.
Disadvantaged
Youth Work Ireland also warned that the most disadvantaged students face losing out most from school closures and uncertainty over the State exams. The federation of 22 local youth services said disadvantaged students have less support at home to do educational work independently.
"Schools were the first to close from March 12th but we have heard little about young people's educational needs since then, there is clearly growing uncertainty about the feasibility of holding state exams and the UK have already made a call on this,"said Michael Mc Loughlin of Youth Work Ireland
“Young people need clarity and for those in exam classes key decisions about third level and other career options depend on these exams.”
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland said it appreciated that schools needed to remain closed in order to tackle the coronavirus threat.
“The health and safety of our people, young and old, must always be the principal consideration,” TUI president Séamus Lahart said.
“These are exceptional circumstances and we thank teachers and lecturers for their creativity, application and ongoing commitment to students. The public can be assured that educators will continue to do their work to the highest professional and ethical standards.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Archbishop to consecrate people of Ireland

Primate of all Ireland Eamon Martin will consecrate the people of Ireland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for strength and protection during the coronavirus pandemic today .
People are invited to join the consecration , which will take place at noon on Wednesday , in a moment of prayer with their families or as individuals .
Bishops and priests will lead the consecration from their homes , cathedrals and churches across the country , a statement from the Irish Bishops ’ Conference said .
The faithful are invited to join their local priest or bishop from their home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this Act of Consecration during these “ unprecedented and worrying days for us all ” .
The consecration also coincides with Pope Francis ’ invitation to people all over the world in praying the Our Father .
Archbishop Martin said that the Catholic Church is “ committed to offering prayer , solidarity and compassion in our society ” .
“ Social distancing can not be allowed to create social isolation and , through prayer , as Pope Francis said on Sunday , we can overcome : ‘ In these trying days , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , I would like to propose to all Christians that together we lift our voices towards Heaven , ’ ” the archbishop said .
“ In an act of profound prayer , solidarity and compassion , through our prayers , let us join in spiritual communion with Our Lord , Our Blessed Mother , Pope Francis and with each other , ” he added .

Archbishop Eamon Martin said that the Catholic Church is ‘committed to offering prayer, solidarity and compassion in our society’.
Primate of all Ireland Eamon Martin will consecrate the people of Ireland to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for strength and protection during the coronavirus pandemic today.
People are invited to join the consecration, which will take place at noon on Wednesday, in a moment of prayer with their families or as individuals.
Bishops and priests will lead the consecration from their homes, cathedrals and churches across the country, a statement from the Irish Bishops’ Conference said.
The faithful are invited to join their local priest or bishop from their home, via webcam, to prayerfully participate in this Act of Consecration during these “unprecedented and worrying days for us all”.
READ MORE
The consecration also coincides with Pope Francis’ invitation to people all over the world in praying the Our Father.
Archbishop Martin said that the Catholic Church is “committed to offering prayer, solidarity and compassion in our society”.
"Social distancing cannot be allowed to create social isolation and, through prayer, as Pope Francis said on Sunday, we can overcome: 'In these trying days, while humanity trembles due to the thread of the pandemic, I would like to propose to all Christians that together we lift our voices towards Heaven,'" the archbishop said.
“In an act of profound prayer, solidarity and compassion, through our prayers, let us join in spiritual communion with Our Lord, Our Blessed Mother, Pope Francis and with each other,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Ryan Tubridy getting checked out for ‘persistent cough’

RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy is getting a “ persistent cough ” checked out by his doctor , the national broadcaster @ @ @ @ @ not present his usual 9am RTÉ show on Wednesday .
He was replaced by Oliver @ @ @ @ @ Late Show host was getting checked out after suffering from a persistent cough in recent @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that Tubridy was seeing a doctor about his cough but would not say whether @ @ @ @ @ for the coronavirus .
She could not confirm whether Tubridy would return to presenting his @ @ @ @ @ Ealier this week current affairs presenter Claire Byrne confirmed that she had tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ her Monday night television show from her garden shed for the past fortnight .
Initially @ @ @ @ @ had a head cold and possible chest infection but did not have a temperature .
@ @ @ @ @ described her shock at discovering she had contracted the coronavirus .
Byrne contacted her RTÉ @ @ @ @ @ was “ well now and through the peak of the condition ” .

An RTÉ spokeswoman confirmed Ryan Tubridy was seeing a doctor about his cough. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill
RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy is getting a "persistent cough" checked out by his doctor, the national broadcaster has confirmed.
Tubridy did not present his usual 9am RTÉ show on Wednesday.
He was replaced by Oliver Callan who said the Late Late Show host was getting checked out after suffering from a persistent cough in recent days.
An RTÉ spokeswoman confirmed that Tubridy was seeing a doctor about his cough but would not say whether the presenter was getting tested for the coronavirus.
READ MORE
She could not confirm whether Tubridy would return to presenting his regular slot on Thursday.
Ealier this week current affairs presenter Claire Byrne confirmed that she had tested positive for Covid-19.
Byrne has co-hosted her Monday night television show from her garden shed for the past fortnight. Initially she told viewers she simply had a head cold and possible chest infection but did not have a temperature.
However, on Monday she described her shock at discovering she had contracted the coronavirus. Byrne contacted her RTÉ colleagues by email saying she was “well now and through the peak of the condition”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: The latest major adjustment to testing eligibility explained

You may have seen and heard a lot of commentary this morning around the criteria for getting tested for Covid-19 .
This comes on top of several days of discussions around testing numbers and backlogs .
There is a huge amount of information circulating about testing , so many will feel confused .
Here ’ s what you need to know : The Department of Health has changed what ’ s called the “ case definition ” for Covid-19 testing .
Case definition is the set of symptoms that a patient has to be exhibiting to become eligible for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time they ’ ve made a major adjustment .
Before March 12th , you had to be symptomatic and either be a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19 or to have travelled from an affected area .
Between that date and now , the testing criteria were significantly looser as the health services ramped up their strategy of “ community testing ” .
All you needed to become eligible for testing was to display one symptom .
Now they have changed the criteria again .
What are the new criteria ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to qualify .
Firstly , the list of symptoms has changed .
Patients now have to have a fever and a symptom of respiratory disease , i.e .
a cough or shortness of breath .
Testing will also be carried out on those with respiratory symptoms who have been in contact with a confirmed or probable Covid-19 case in the days before symptoms onset .
If that bar is met , you must then fall into a list of priority categories , which include being a close contact of a confirmed case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group ( those with diabetes , chronic lung disease , et cetera ) , household contacts of those at-risk groups , staff or residents in long-term care facilities , prison staff and inmates where self-isolation may be difficult and pregnant women .
If you meet both those criteria , you will be tested .
Otherwise , you will be told to stay at home and self-isolate .
Why did it happen ?
The immediate impetus for this change comes from Ireland adopting the World Health Organisation case definition for Covid-19 , which stipulates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least one symptom of respitatory disease .
However , the immediate Irish context can not be forgotten .
After the last change in case criteria , there was an absolutely enormous surge in the numbers of people seeking tests - some 20,000 per day .
Even with extra capacity being built into the Irish testing system , and a goal of delivering some 15,000 test results per day in the next four weeks , this surge combined with a shortage of testing equipment to cause a massive backlog which threatened to swamp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doctors say , will massively cut the percentage of the population eligible for testing .
“ There has been a significant change in criteria for testing as of today , which will significantly reduce the amount of testing that we are doing , ” says Dublin GP Maitiu O Tuathail .
What does it mean for me ?
The most important thing to remember , no matter whether you are eligible for a test or not , or awaiting results or not , is that self-isolation is still the most important strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the case if you have one symptom , two symptoms , if you ’ re eligible for a test , or not .
Once you ’ re sufficiently symptomatic to get in touch with your GP , you should be self-isolating at home for 14 days from the onset of symptoms , and the last five of those must be fever-free .
Household contacts of those self-isolating should reduce their movements for 14 days .
If you are already in the testing system , the impact of this change depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were .
If you have been swabbed your sample will be processed and tested .
If you have been referred for testing , but not swabbed or given a test date for swabbing , then you will not be tested .
Patients in this category are advised to get in touch with their GP again and see if their symptoms and status qualify them for testing .
There is uncertainty around those who have been given a testing time and date but have not yet been swabbed .
Doctors ’ organisations have said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where things were relatively simple , a lot of complexity has been introduced overnight .
“ It is understandably going to lead to confusion amongst the public , so we need a strong information campaign to inform the public of these changes , ” Dr O Tuathail said .
What does it mean for the testing system ?
“ The national testing issue is a major work in progress and clearly does not have the capacity to cope with yesterday ’ s criteria , ” according to Meath GP Dr Stephen Murphy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health service has dramatically reduced the numbers of people eligible for testing .
The immediate consequence of this , obviously enough , will be fewer people being tested .
But that raises some other questions .
If the drop off is significant , can the new testing data be compared with the old testing data , gathered from a wider range of people under a different set of criteria ?
If Ireland ’ s numbers of cases diagnosed drops , is that because containment measures are working , or because the criteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing capacity still be built out to 15,000 per day , as the health service has indicated ; if it is , will 15,000 people per day be eligible for testing under these new , stricter criteria ?
Also , some doctors have raised questions about ambiguities in the new criteria .
For example , one of the primary clinical criteria is for someone with respiratory symptoms who has been in touch with a probable or confirmed case of Covid-19 .
A broad definition of “ probable ” here could include vast swathes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told they are sufficiently symptomatic to merit testing under the old criteria .
There is also likely to be a large and complex surge in calls to GPs from people who had been put forward for testing , but now are not eligible for the test , and have been advised to get in touch with their GP again .
This further complicates matters for a GP system that is already under massive pressure .

There is uncertainty around those who have been given a testing time and date but have not yet been swabbed. Doctors’ organisations have said they are seeking clarity on this.
You may have seen and heard a lot of commentary this morning around the criteria for getting tested for Covid-19. This comes on top of several days of discussions around testing numbers and backlogs. There is a huge amount of information circulating about testing, so many will feel confused.
Here’s what you need to know:
What just happened?
The Department of Health has changed what's called the "case definition" for Covid-19 testing. Case definition is the set of symptoms that a patient has to be exhibiting to become eligible for the test. It's the second time they've made a major adjustment.
READ MORE
Before March 12th, you had to be symptomatic and either be a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19 or to have travelled from an affected area.
Between that date and now, the testing criteria were significantly looser as the health services ramped up their strategy of “community testing”. All you needed to become eligible for testing was to display one symptom.
Now they have changed the criteria again.
What are the new criteria?
There is now a two step process to qualify.
Firstly, the list of symptoms has changed. Patients now have to have a fever and a symptom of respiratory disease, i.e. a cough or shortness of breath. Testing will also be carried out on those with respiratory symptoms who have been in contact with a confirmed or probable Covid-19 case in the days before symptoms onset.
If that bar is met, you must then fall into a list of priority categories, which include being a close contact of a confirmed case, a healthcare worker, an at risk group (those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, et cetera), household contacts of those at-risk groups, staff or residents in long-term care facilities, prison staff and inmates where self-isolation may be difficult and pregnant women.
If you meet both those criteria, you will be tested. Otherwise, you will be told to stay at home and self-isolate.
Why did it happen?
The immediate impetus for this change comes from Ireland adopting the World Health Organisation case definition for Covid-19,which stipulates that a patient with fever must have at least one symptom of respitatory disease.
However, the immediate Irish context cannot be forgotten. After the last change in case criteria, there was an absolutely enormous surge in the numbers of people seeking tests - some 20,000 per day. Even with extra capacity being built into the Irish testing system, and a goal of delivering some 15,000 test results per day in the next four weeks, this surge combined with a shortage of testing equipment to cause a massive backlog which threatened to swamp the system entirely.
The new criteria, doctors say, will massively cut the percentage of the population eligible for testing. "There has been a significant change in criteria for testing as of today, which will significantly reduce the amount of testing that we are doing," says Dublin GP Maitiu O Tuathail.
What does it mean for me?
The most important thing to remember, no matter whether you are eligible for a test or not, or awaiting results or not, is that self-isolation is still the most important strategy for everyone who is displaying symptoms. This is the case if you have one symptom, two symptoms, if you’re eligible for a test, or not. Once you’re sufficiently symptomatic to get in touch with your GP, you should be self-isolating at home for 14 days from the onset of symptoms, and the last five of those must be fever-free.
Household contacts of those self-isolating should reduce their movements for 14 days.
If you are already in the testing system, the impact of this change depends on how far down that particular path you were.
If you have been swabbed your sample will be processed and tested.
If you have been referred for testing, but not swabbed or given a test date for swabbing, then you will not be tested. Patients in this category are advised to get in touch with their GP again and see if their symptoms and status qualify them for testing.
There is uncertainty around those who have been given a testing time and date but have not yet been swabbed. Doctors’ organisations have said they are seeking clarity on this.
Where things were relatively simple, a lot of complexity has been introduced overnight. “It is understandably going to lead to confusion amongst the public, so we need a strong information campaign to inform the public of these changes,” Dr O Tuathail said.
What does it mean for the testing system?
“The national testing issue is a major work in progress and clearly does not have the capacity to cope with yesterday’s criteria,” according to Meath GP Dr Stephen Murphy. In order to respond to this, the health service has dramatically reduced the numbers of people eligible for testing.
Such a big change, of course, raises questions about the impact on the efficacy of Ireland’s testing system.
Infectious disease experts, however, say there is merit to the reforms. Pointing to Ireland’s positive test rate of just six per cent, amid a global shortage of testing supplies, Prof Mary Horgan said: “Test, test, test is important but it’s also important to identify those who are positive.”
“It’s using a precious resource wisely at this point in time,” she said.
The changes should be borne in mind when reading data on Ireland’s number of cases however, said Dr Eavan Muldoon, a consultant in Infectious Diseases and a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland. “When you look back at the data, if you see a shift, you have to understand there was a change (in testing policy), you have to be aware of that, and it’s an important thing.” A reduction, or increase, in the number of cases needs to be looked at through this frame. Dr Muldoon believes the new system will speed up processing for hospital workers and the very ill who are in hospital.
David Higgins, an analyst at Carrighill Capital, who publishes a nightly analysis of Ireland’s Covid-19 figures online, says changing the algorithim makes sense in the context of a massive backlog. “We’re on an upward trajectory for test [numbers], but we need to more quickly catch those who are positive, not those with non-Covid symptoms,” he tweeted on Wednesday.