theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: Man with brain injury may not leave nursing home for visits

A brain injured man has been restrained by High Court order from leaving his nursing home for visits to his elderly mother or others due to concerns he does not understand the dangers posed to him and others by the coronavirus .
After the nursing home imposed visiting restrictions on March 6th , the man , a ward of court aged in his 50s , who would be at serious risk were he to contract the illness , made four visits to his mother and his home area .
While he said on March 20th he would make no further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can not enforce this and that he had told a solicitor he saw no basis for varying his visiting routine .
In the circumstances , David Leahy , for the HSE , asked for orders preventing the man receiving or making visits unless those are permitted by the nursing home .
The orders include permitting gardaí to search for , arrest and return the man to the nursing home if he leaves .
Mr Justice Denis McDonald said , in light of the pandemic , the court was constrained to intervene and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would generally not be prepared to make ” .
He made orders effectively permitting the nursing home detain the man for six months on condition that the situation be reviewed at three months or earlier if there is any change concerning the risk posed by the virus .
In seeking the orders , Mr Leahy said this was “ very much an application for our times ” .
The man was made a ward of court after suffering brain injuries in a road traffic accident decades ago .
He had lived with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home for around two years , having gone there on a respite basis .
He wants to go home but there are concerns about his capacity to live independently , counsel said .

A brain injured man has been restrained by High Court order from leaving his nursing home for visits to his elderly mother or others due to concerns he does not understand the dangers posed to him and others by the coronavirus.
A brain injured man has been restrained by High Court order from leaving his nursing home for visits to his elderly mother or others due to concerns he does not understand the dangers posed to him and others by the coronavirus.
After the nursing home imposed visiting restrictions on March 6th, the man, a ward of court aged in his 50s, who would be at serious risk were he to contract the illness, made four visits to his mother and his home area.
While he said on March 20th he would make no further visits, the nursing home is concerned it cannot enforce this and that he had told a solicitor he saw no basis for varying his visiting routine.
In the circumstances, David Leahy, for the HSE, asked for orders preventing the man receiving or making visits unless those are permitted by the nursing home. The orders include permitting gardaí to search for, arrest and return the man to the nursing home if he leaves.
READ MORE
Mr Justice Denis McDonald said, in light of the pandemic, the court was constrained to intervene and make orders of the sort “it would generally not be prepared to make”.
He made orders effectively permitting the nursing home detain the man for six months on condition that the situation be reviewed at three months or earlier if there is any change concerning the risk posed by the virus.
In seeking the orders, Mr Leahy said this was “very much an application for our times”.
The man was made a ward of court after suffering brain injuries in a road traffic accident decades ago. He had lived with his mother but has been in the nursing home for around two years, having gone there on a respite basis.
He wants to go home but there are concerns about his capacity to live independently, counsel said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Q&A: Covid-19 and impact on people with cancer

Why is Covid-19 a big risk for people with cancer ?
The Covid-19 pandemic is immensely challenging and distressing for people with cancer , but also for those not sure if they have the disease – not to mention their families .
This is greatly added to because cancer patients undergoing treatment often have weakened immune systems .
Evidence from China shows their vulnerability is heightened if they become infected by coronavirus .
While those with cancer have a heightened risk of death in such circumstances , it should be stressed the great majority survive .
People with weakened immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections such as the common cold , flu and pneumonia as well as Covid-19 .
That is why people with cancer are classified in the most at-risk group and subjected to severe restrictions .
Should all cancer patients cocoon at home or healthcare settings ?
The short answer is yes .
The Irish Cancer Society ( ICS ) outlines key categories that must cocoon , including people who are being treated with chemotherapy , those undergoing radical radiotherapy for lung cancer and patients with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage of treatment .
It includes people having immunotherapy or other antibody treatments for cancer and those undergoing targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system .
People with bone-marrow or stem-cell transplants in the past six months , or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs , are also included .
Those who have had cancer in the past are advised to take precautions , factoring in their age and if they have other conditions .
What ’ s reality on the ground for cancer patients ?
The Irish health system has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself for a surge in Covid-19 cases .
This had huge implications for those with cancer whose treatment has in many instances been curtailed or postponed .
That reality was summarised by oncologist Prof John Crown : “ Many cancer operations and clinic appointments are being cancelled or postponed .
Radiotherapy services are being scaled back .
Drug treatments are being delayed , discontinued or altered .
Patients who have just received the distressing news of a cancer diagnosis have on occasions been left wondering when their own treatment can start .
Others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is safe to continue.
” Is there variation in risk for those with cancer ?
According to the World Health Organisation , risk may be higher for those with blood cancers like leukaemia as opposed to solid tumours – ie breast , prostate or pancreatic cancer .
Some specialist services are no longer able to process referrals from GP patients with lumps and other symptoms suggestive of potential cancer .
Delayed diagnosis and treatment adds to risk but many cancers advance slowly .
The bottom line is cancer patients must avoid infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t happen .
Is cancer treatment is on hold ?
Unlike Italy , quality cancer services and diagnostics are still in place in Ireland , according to ICS head of research Dr Robert O ’ Connor .
Patients with active cancers are being seen and getting treatment – once Covid-19 risk is minimised .
Oncologists , however , have to weigh up the benefits of treatment against the risk of what might happen if someone gets the virus during that treatment .
For this reason , certain scans , procedures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone ’ s cancer treatment is individual and decisions on treatment are being made on a case-by-case basis .
This is complicated by having a cardiovascular condition ; diabetes or an autoimmune disease .
Some difficult conversations have to be had on additional “ adjuvant ” treatments and on palliative care .
What ’ s the advice for people who suspect they may have cancer ?
They are advised to contact their GP , who often can provide assurance symptoms don ’ t indicate cancer .
Those with overt symptoms are getting treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with cancer who are anxious ?
The ICS has set up remote counselling for adults and children with cancer – and their carers .
It is targeted at those who can not access face-to-face counselling due to coronavirus restrictions .
It ’ s available through its Nurseline service ( Freephone 1800-200700 ) or via email cancernurseline @ irishcancer.ieIt also offers help for patients who may be finished treatment but unsure how Covid-19 affects them .

Patients with active cancers are being seen and getting treatment, according to the Irish Cancer Society. File photograph: Getty
Why is Covid-19 a big risk for people with cancer?
The Covid-19 pandemic is immensely challenging and distressing for people with cancer, but also for those not sure if they have the disease – not to mention their families.
This is greatly added to because cancer patients undergoing treatment often have weakened immune systems. Evidence from China shows their vulnerability is heightened if they become infected by coronavirus. While those with cancer have a heightened risk of death in such circumstances, it should be stressed the great majority survive.
People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of getting infections such as the common cold, flu and pneumonia as well as Covid-19. That is why people with cancer are classified in the most at-risk group and subjected to severe restrictions.
Should all cancer patients cocoon at home or healthcare settings?
The short answer is yes. The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) outlines key categories that must cocoon, including people who are being treated with chemotherapy, those undergoing radical radiotherapy for lung cancer and patients with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma at any stage of treatment.
READ MORE
It includes people having immunotherapy or other antibody treatments for cancer and those undergoing targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system. People with bone-marrow or stem-cell transplants in the past six months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs, are also included.
Those who have had cancer in the past are advised to take precautions, factoring in their age and if they have other conditions.
What’s reality on the ground for cancer patients?
The Irish health system has had to radically redirect services to brace itself for a surge in Covid-19 cases. This had huge implications for those with cancer whose treatment has in many instances been curtailed or postponed.
That reality was summarised by oncologist Prof John Crown: "Many cancer operations and clinic appointments are being cancelled or postponed. Radiotherapy services are being scaled back. Drug treatments are being delayed, discontinued or altered. Patients who have just received the distressing news of a cancer diagnosis have on occasions been left wondering when their own treatment can start. Others who are already on treatment wonder if it is safe to continue."
Is there variation in risk for those with cancer?
According to the World Health Organisation, risk may be higher for those with blood cancers like leukaemia as opposed to solid tumours – ie breast, prostate or pancreatic cancer.
Some specialist services are no longer able to process referrals from GP patients with lumps and other symptoms suggestive of potential cancer. Delayed diagnosis and treatment adds to risk but many cancers advance slowly.
The bottom line is cancer patients must avoid infection and cocooning is best to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Is cancer treatment is on hold?
Unlike Italy, quality cancer services and diagnostics are still in place in Ireland, according to ICS head of research Dr Robert O'Connor. Patients with active cancers are being seen and getting treatment – once Covid-19 risk is minimised.
Oncologists, however, have to weigh up the benefits of treatment against the risk of what might happen if someone gets the virus during that treatment.
For this reason, certain scans, procedures, treatments or surgery may be postponed. Everyone’s cancer treatment is individual and decisions on treatment are being made on a case-by-case basis.
This is complicated by having a cardiovascular condition; diabetes or an autoimmune disease. Some difficult conversations have to be had on additional “adjuvant” treatments and on palliative care.
What’s the advice for people who suspect they may have cancer?
They are advised to contact their GP, who often can provide assurance symptoms don’t indicate cancer. Those with overt symptoms are getting treatment.
What supports are there for people with cancer who are anxious?
The ICS has set up remote counselling for adults and children with cancer – and their carers. It is targeted at those who cannot access face-to-face counselling due to coronavirus restrictions. It's available through its Nurseline service (Freephone 1800-200700) or via email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ieIt also offers help for patients who may be finished treatment but unsure how Covid-19 affects them.


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Teenager stabbed uncle for buying heroin for his father

A teenager stabbed his uncle because he did not want him to buy heroin for his father , the Central Criminal Court has heard .
The 18-year-old Dubliner , who can not be identified for legal reasons , threatened his uncle earlier in the day and told gardaí he later “ lost it ” and stabbed him in the chest .
He pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious harm to his uncle at a house in Tallaght on August 27th , 2018 .
The injured man has fully recovered , forgives his nephew and chose not to make a victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence hearing .
Garda Lisa Prendergast told Paul O ’ Carroll SC , for the Director of Public Prosecutions , that she responded to a report of a stabbing at a house in Tallaght at 1.35am on August 27th , 2018 .
She said the defendant , who was highly agitated , immediately admitted to carrying out the attack .
Garda Prendergast said the teenager told her colleague he was trying to “ get my father off the gear , but my uncle keeps bringing it into the house , I just can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The injured man had blood on his shirt and showed the garda a wound under his shoulder .
Garda Prendergast said the accused also used his uncle ’ s crutch to strike him , leaving him with cuts and bruises to his head .
Garda Prendergast said she believed the defendant ’ s remorse over the attack was genuine and agreed with defence counsel Fiona Murphy SC that he had a “ dysfunctional upbringing ” .
Ms Murphy said the teenager grew up in a house where people were doing heroin and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had become “ master of his own life and things slowly spiralled out of control , ” counsel said .
Counsel said that on the day of the stabbing the boy was “ wrestling with his own demons ” and had told his father that his “ head was melted ” and he wanted to see a doctor .
Ms Murphy asked the judge to consider her client ’ s age , remorse and that the injured party made a full recovery when sentencing him .
Mr Justice Alex Owens adjourned the @ @ @ @ @

A teenager stabbed his uncle because he did not want him to buy heroin for his father, the Central Criminal Court has heard. File photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times.
A teenager stabbed his uncle because he did not want him to buy heroin for his father, the Central Criminal Court has heard.
The 18-year-old Dubliner, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, threatened his uncle earlier in the day and told gardaí he later “lost it” and stabbed him in the chest.
He pleaded guilty to intentionally causing serious harm to his uncle at a house in Tallaght on August 27th, 2018. The injured man has fully recovered, forgives his nephew and chose not to make a victim impact statement at his nephew’s sentence hearing.
Garda Lisa Prendergast told Paul O’Carroll SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, that she responded to a report of a stabbing at a house in Tallaght at 1.35am on August 27th, 2018. She said the defendant, who was highly agitated, immediately admitted to carrying out the attack.
READ MORE
Garda Prendergast said the teenager told her colleague he was trying to “get my father off the gear, but my uncle keeps bringing it into the house, I just can’t take it any more”.
The injured man had blood on his shirt and showed the garda a wound under his shoulder. Garda Prendergast said the accused also used his uncle’s crutch to strike him, leaving him with cuts and bruises to his head.
Garda Prendergast said she believed the defendant’s remorse over the attack was genuine and agreed with defence counsel Fiona Murphy SC that he had a “dysfunctional upbringing”.
Ms Murphy said the teenager grew up in a house where people were doing heroin and there were few rules or boundaries. He had become “master of his own life and things slowly spiralled out of control,” counsel said.
Counsel said that on the day of the stabbing the boy was “wrestling with his own demons” and had told his father that his “head was melted” and he wanted to see a doctor.
Ms Murphy asked the judge to consider her client’s age, remorse and that the injured party made a full recovery when sentencing him. Mr Justice Alex Owens adjourned the matter to April 27th.


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Dunnes Stores staff to get 10% Covid-19 payment, says union

Staff at Dunnes Stores are to receive a 10 per cent Covid-19 premium payment backdated to March 9th , according to trade union Mandate .
The union said on Monday that the move brought Dunnes into line with other retailers including Aldi and Tesco , who were the first retailer to agree to a premium payment nearly 10 days ago .
Mandate said that it had put pressure on Dunnes to introduce such a scheme .
It said a petition calling for the premium payment had been signed by more than 3,000 workers .
Mandate said that Dunnes Stores had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 20 per cent .
The union said it also appeared that the company had agreed to a Covid-19 sick pay scheme .
Mandate general secretary John Douglas welcomed the move and said it was “ the minimum profitable retailers should do considering the sacrifices being made by retail workers during this pandemic .
There are thousands of retail workers all across the country who are putting their own health at risk during this public health crisis .
The very least they should expect is a 10 per cent premium on top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers got themselves organised and established a petition through Mandate trade union with three key demands : a fair premium for the hazards they ’ re enduring ; an increase in their staff discount scheme ; and a sick pay scheme that covers them if they contract the coronavirus and are required to isolate .
They ’ ve been successful on all three fronts .
“ That lesson should be learned by all other retail workers.
” Mr Douglas said retail workers “ deserved a premium for the hard work they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout this Covid-19 pandemic , and the best way this can be achieved is by standing together in their union.
” Dunnes Stores worker from Ballina , Co Mayo , Patrick Killeen said : “ Many of us are scared .
While the Government has told everyone to stay at home , it ’ s not possible for us .
We have to make sure there ’ s food on the shelves , and we ’ re not taking this lightly .
“ This premium payment we ’ ve won will help us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us in retail is that our employer ensures our health and safety is paramount .
“ If you work in retail and you ’ re working through this pandemic .
I can ’ t emphasise how important it is to be a member of your union and ensure that we ’ re all compensated fairly and that our health and safety is protected .
”

Trade union Mandate said Dunnes Stores had agreed to increase the staff discount card to 20%. File photograph: The Irish Times
Staff at Dunnes Stores are to receive a 10 per cent Covid-19 premium payment backdated to March 9th, according to trade union Mandate.
The union said on Monday that the move brought Dunnes into line with other retailers including Aldi and Tesco, who were the first retailer to agree to a premium payment nearly 10 days ago.
Mandate said that it had put pressure on Dunnes to introduce such a scheme. It said a petition calling for the premium payment had been signed by more than 3,000 workers.
Mandate said that Dunnes Stores had agreed to increase the staff discount card to 20 per cent. The union said it also appeared that the company had agreed to a Covid-19 sick pay scheme.
READ MORE
Mandate general secretary John Douglas welcomed the move and said it was "the minimum profitable retailers should do considering the sacrifices being made by retail workers during this pandemic. There are thousands of retail workers all across the country who are putting their own health at risk during this public health crisis. The very least they should expect is a 10 per cent premium on top of their current pay rates.
“Dunnes workers got themselves organised and established a petition through Mandate trade union with three key demands: a fair premium for the hazards they’re enduring; an increase in their staff discount scheme; and a sick pay scheme that covers them if they contract the coronavirus and are required to isolate. They’ve been successful on all three fronts.
“That lesson should be learned by all other retail workers.”
Mr Douglas said retail workers “deserved a premium for the hard work they’re putting in and continue to put in throughout this Covid-19 pandemic, and the best way this can be achieved is by standing together in their union.”
Dunnes Stores worker from Ballina, Co Mayo, Patrick Killeen said: "Many of us are scared. While the Government has told everyone to stay at home, it's not possible for us. We have to make sure there's food on the shelves, and we're not taking this lightly.
“This premium payment we’ve won will help us, but the most important thing for all of us in retail is that our employer ensures our health and safety is paramount.
“If you work in retail and you’re working through this pandemic. I can’t emphasise how important it is to be a member of your union and ensure that we’re all compensated fairly and that our health and safety is protected.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Big pharmacies move to support vulnerable customers

Some of the largest pharmacy retail chains in the State have rolled out new measures aimed at supporting vulnerable customers while limiting the need for physical contacts and ensuring people will not be left without essential medicines in the days and weeks ahead .
The McCauley Pharmacy chain , which has 35 branches countrywide , has launched a smartphone app service to facilitate existing customers who wish to order medicines for home delivery .
It will also allow doctors and new customers upload prescriptions directly to pharmacists .
The app can be downloaded from the app store or mccauleys.ie .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ordering and delivery system in to help people to “ stay at home ” to protect themselves and others and to slow the spread of Covid-19 .
First-time McCauley Pharmacy customers will need to download the app from the app store or the website - www.mccauley.ie - and register with their nearest pharmacist and upload their prescriptions while existing customers can view their medication history and order repeats once an account has been activated .
The pharmacy will also deliver prescription medications to telephone customers and will prioritise Covid-19 , isolation and at-risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the app and delivery rollout had been fast-tracked “ to enable everyone , especially older people , vulnerable people and carers to adhere to social distancing rules and to stay at home while still having access to essential medication ” .
The Meagher ’ s Pharmacy chain which has 10 stores in the Dublin area has started a helpline to deliver prescriptions nationwide to people in need as “ a direct result of listening to the fear in our elderly population these past two weeks ” .
The helpline will be manned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video call patients who may be at home and anxious .
People can make contact by emailing help @ meagherspharmacy.ie or calling 01-485309 The team are available to discuss queries people may have in relation to their medicines , give advice or signpost them in the correct direction to answer their calls – be that to their GP , HSE , Alone or any other appropriate organisation .
The pharmacists will aim to video calling patients “ so that they see a human face who can offer them the expert advice and reassurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worrying time for them ” .
Customers will also be able to get prescriptions filled remotely by sending photographs of their prescriptions to local branches who organise delivery , along with other items including toiletries , vitamins and hand sanitisers .
Many other smaller pharmacies have also been delivering to their vulnerable customers since the scale of the crisis became clear in recent weeks .
Managing director of online pharmacy Healthwave Shane O ’ Sullivansaid his company had seen a “ massive increase ” in demand for its delivery service and had employed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving their homes .

Many pharmacies have also been delivering to vulnerable customers since the scale of the crisis became clear in recent weeks. File photograph: Getty
Some of the largest pharmacy retail chains in the State have rolled out new measures aimed at supporting vulnerable customers while limiting the need for physical contacts and ensuring people will not be left without essential medicines in the days and weeks ahead.
The McCauley Pharmacy chain, which has 35 branches countrywide, has launched a smartphone app service to facilitate existing customers who wish to order medicines for home delivery. It will also allow doctors and new customers upload prescriptions directly to pharmacists. The app can be downloaded from the app store or mccauleys.ie. The service will operate alongside a telephone ordering and delivery system in to help people to "stay at home" to protect themselves and others and to slow the spread of Covid-19.
First-time McCauley Pharmacy customers will need to download the app from the app store or the website - www.mccauley.ie - and register with their nearest pharmacist and upload their prescriptions while existing customers can view their medication history and order repeats once an account has been activated.
The pharmacy will also deliver prescription medications to telephone customers and will prioritise Covid-19, isolation and at-risk patients.
READ MORE
McCauley chief executive Tony McEntee said the app and delivery rollout had been fast-tracked “to enable everyone, especially older people, vulnerable people and carers to adhere to social distancing rules and to stay at home while still having access to essential medication”.
The Meagher’s Pharmacy chain which has 10 stores in the Dublin area has started a helpline to deliver prescriptions nationwide to people in need as “a direct result of listening to the fear in our elderly population these past two weeks”.
The helpline will be manned by pharmacists who can talk to or video call patients who may be at home and anxious. People can make contact by emailing help@meagherspharmacy.ie or calling 01-485309
The team are available to discuss queries people may have in relation to their medicines, give advice or signpost them in the correct direction to answer their calls – be that to their GP, HSE, Alone or any other appropriate organisation.
The pharmacists will aim to video calling patients “so that they see a human face who can offer them the expert advice and reassurance they need at this very lonely and worrying time for them”.
Customers will also be able to get prescriptions filled remotely by sending photographs of their prescriptions to local branches who organise delivery, along with other items including toiletries, vitamins and hand sanitisers.
Many other smaller pharmacies have also been delivering to their vulnerable customers since the scale of the crisis became clear in recent weeks.
Managing director of online pharmacy Healthwave Shane O’Sullivansaid his company had seen a “massive increase” in demand for its delivery service and had employed extra drivers as people seek alternatives to leaving their homes.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Backers of Labour leadership contender Kelly split over entering government

Supporters of Labour leadership contender Alan Kelly are split on whether the party should enter government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in the weeks ahead .
Duncan Smith , the recently elected Dublin Fingal TD who helped launch Mr Kelly ’ s leadership campaign , said he believes Labour should go into opposition .
His view contradicts that of Cork East TD Seán Sherlock , another supporter of Mr Kelly , who said Labour should consider entering government .
Mr Smith said : “ We will do everything we can in the context of Covid-19 to tackle this crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this point we should go into government , and it doesn ’ t change the mandate we got in February.
” Mr Kelly , who earlier in the leadership contest with Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said Labour should go into opposition , did not return calls .
Mr Ó Ríordáin said he would not lead Labour into government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael , but that the party would play its part in helping the country through the coronavirus crisis .
The party has six TDs , having lost a seat in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political focus has shifted to Labour as the conclusion of its leadership contest approaches later this week .
The Green Party , which has 12 Dáil seats , has called for a national unity government .
It is understood its TDs will again discuss this week its government talks strategy if its unity government proposal fails .
Some , such as leader Eamon Ryan , are understood to be open to talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael , while others are opposed .
Opinion between the two options is said to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tánaiste Simon Coveney has also spoken to Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall in recent days .
Between them Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have 72 seats , eight short of a majority .
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Monday said he hoped that a “ common framework document which would sketch out how a government might work ” could be agreed between the two parties by next week .
“ Independents…wouldn ’ t be enough , so we will need a third party .
So the idea then if we can agree a common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greens , Social Democrats and Labour , ” he said .
Finian McGrath , the outgoing Minister of State for Disability Issues who attends Cabinet , criticised smaller parties , in particular the Social Democrats , for their approach to entering government .
The former Dublin Bay North TD , who did not stand at the general election but will remain a Minister until a new government is formed , said the Sláintercare plan to expand public healthcare favoured by the Social Democrats was being implemented as a result of the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring about their major policy , but the SocDems are missing in action at a time of national crisis.
” A spokeswoman for the Social Democrats said : “ We have been very proactive in supporting the Government during this health crisis .
We have been talking to everyone across the political spectrum regarding what might or might not be possible , and will continue to offer the support we have been doing all through this crisis .
”

Duncan Smith: “I don’t think at this point we should go into government, and it doesn’t change the mandate we got in February.” Photograph: Alan Betson
Supporters of Labour leadership contender Alan Kelly are split on whether the party should enter government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in the weeks ahead.
Duncan Smith, the recently elected Dublin Fingal TD who helped launch Mr Kelly's leadership campaign, said he believes Labour should go into opposition. His view contradicts that of Cork East TD Seán Sherlock, another supporter of Mr Kelly, who said Labour should consider entering government.
Mr Smith said: "We will do everything we can in the context of Covid-19 to tackle this crisis, but I don't think at this point we should go into government, and it doesn't change the mandate we got in February."
Mr Kelly, who earlier in the leadership contest with Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said Labour should go into opposition, did not return calls.
READ MORE
Mr Ó Ríordáin said he would not lead Labour into government with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, but that the party would play its part in helping the country through the coronavirus crisis.
Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly: The chief executive of Cork County Council said some opponents had decided the outcome before the establishment of an implementation group as proposed by Mr Kelly. Photograph: Dave Meehan
The party has six TDs, having lost a seat in February’s general election.
The political focus has shifted to Labour as the conclusion of its leadership contest approaches later this week.
The Green Party, which has 12 Dáil seats, has called for a national unity government. It is understood its TDs will again discuss this week its government talks strategy if its unity government proposal fails.
Some, such as leader Eamon Ryan, are understood to be open to talks with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, while others are opposed. Opinion between the two options is said to be roughly evenly divided in the Greens.
They have a golden opportunity to bring about their major policy, but the SocDems are missing in action at a time of national crisis
Tánaiste Simon Coveney has also spoken to Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall in recent days.
Between them Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have 72 seats, eight short of a majority. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Monday said he hoped that a "common framework document which would sketch out how a government might work" could be agreed between the two parties by next week.
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin: “I absolutely believe we will recover from this and we will have better days again,” he said
“Independents…wouldn’t be enough, so we will need a third party. So the idea then if we can agree a common framework document is to reach out to Greens, Social Democrats and Labour,” he said.
Smaller parties
Finian McGrath, the outgoing Minister of State for Disability Issues who attends Cabinet, criticised smaller parties, in particular the Social Democrats, for their approach to entering government.
The former Dublin Bay North TD, who did not stand at the general election but will remain a Minister until a new government is formed, said the Sláintercare plan to expand public healthcare favoured by the Social Democrats was being implemented as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
“They have a golden opportunity to bring about their major policy, but the SocDems are missing in action at a time of national crisis.”
A spokeswoman for the Social Democrats said: “We have been very proactive in supporting the Government during this health crisis. We have been talking to everyone across the political spectrum regarding what might or might not be possible, and will continue to offer the support we have been doing all through this crisis.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: The drug options come into sharp focus

A cacophony of drug hopefuls for Covid-19 has bombarded news headlines and bounced around social media for weeks .
There have been incendiary announcements about “ game changers ” bamboozling experts and non-experts .
It is not all noise though .
There are drugs , new and old , hitting the right notes in terms of anecdotal reports and early studies – bolstered by a scientific rationale as to why they may work .
Right now , remdesivir is the most promising drug in tackling the virus head-on .
This experimental drug developed by Gilead was first used on patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potent anti-viral agent that directly kills the virus , ” says Prof Luke O ’ Neill , immunologist at Trinity College Dublin .
It gums up a critical enzyme that the virus needs to replicate , tricking it into thinking it is a piece of viral RNA .
A US study in 2017 showed it was effective against multiple corona viruses , including the diseases SARS and MERS in lab mice .
It was shown in January to be highly effective at controlling the new virus ( SARS-CoV-2 ) in human cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are now patient trials underway in China .
Prof O ’ Neill predicts remdesivir will be the first drug to make a big difference in patients .
It is a broad-spectrum antiviral , which is a rarity .
“ Most antiviral drugs are specific to a single type of virus , ” says Dr Kim Roberts , virologist at Trinity College Dublin .
“ We don ’ t have many broad-spectrum antivirals that inhibit replication for many different types.
” Viruses have intimate relationships with ourselves , hijacking our cellular machinery to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stymie the virus without hurting our own cells and triggering side effects is therefore challenging .
Remdesivir is an experimental drug , not yet approved for any disease .
Scientists will be on the lookout for side effects .
At the start of March , a large trial of Remdesivir began with 400 patients across 38 medical centres around the world , including in the United States , South Korea , Singapore , Denmark , Spain and Italy .
One way to avoid unanticipated side effects is to retool an old drug .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , chloroquine has blazed across twitter as a cure to Covid-19 .
More certain is that it has been used to treat malaria for decades .
It was derived from quinine , itself extracted from the bark of a South American tree in the 1820s – and was first made in the 1930s .
A study with hydroxychloroquine ( a form with less severe side effects ) in 24 patients in southern France found a significant reduction in the virus .
Adding an antibiotic boosted the effect .
There were criticisms that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no patients got placebo for comparison .
Prof O ’ Neill counters that this approach can be justified with a lethal disease .
“ The end point in that trial was death , and that is a pretty clear end point , ” he adds .
The benefit was not something difficult to quantify like pain reduction , but survival .
It remains unproven for Covid-19 and larger trials are needed .
One is underway in New York .
“ This is your dream scenario .
You repurpose an old drug , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chloroquine has been used in millions of people.
” It can cause serious side effects , but these are known .
Scientists have studied why it works against malaria , and there is a rationale as to why it might work against SARS-CoV-2 .
The virus enters a cell wrapped within part of the cell membrane .
Cocooned there , it needs acidic surroundings for an enzyme that preps it for release .
“ What chloroquine does is prevents acidification of the endosome , keeps it alkaline , which means it [ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not clip the spike protein , ” O ’ Neill explains .
The virus remains stuck and can not replicate .
Chloroquine has been used to treat non-malaria fevers , lupus and rheumatoid arthritis .
This relates to a second effect ; it dampens inflammation .
As does the antibiotic it was used with .
“ Azithromycin does kill bacteria , but it is anti-inflammatory as well , ” he notes .
A successful treatment does not have to kill viruses .
Tackling inflammation can save Covid-19 patients ’ lives .
As we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflammation becomes worn .
This is linked to a decline in the performance of immune cells , such as the T cells that terminate infected cells .
This cellular arm of the immune system helps control levels of inflammation , but it underperforms as people age .
So , paradoxically , inflammation is more vigorous in older people .
“ Once inflammation begins , you can not put out the fire as you could when you were younger , which is why older people are more at risk.
” Small proteins called cytokines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ) , stokes fever and acts as a clarion call for macrophage cells to move in and kill foreign invaders .
“ The trouble is , as Covid-19 gets severe , you make far too much IL-6 , ” O ’ Neill says , “ and the inflammation goes out of control.
” Macrophages flood the lung tissue and ignite an inflammatory storm , inflicting injury to the lungs .
A group of drugs previously approved for other medical conditions may help out here – IL-6 blockers .
One prompting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roche , used to treat rheumatoid arthritis for many years .
This IL-6 inhibitor is being tried out in China in Covid-19 patients to arrest their cytokine storm .
Roche is recruiting around 330 patients for a trial expected to start in April .
Regeneron and Sanofi began a large trial involving 400 patients with their IL-6 blocker , sarilumab , in March , after it showed promise in China .
Yet another strategy against the virus is to use the serum from recovered patients , who harbour antibodies .
Companies can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also , under investigation , is an anti-viral combination , lopinavir/ritonavir , developed to block an enzyme in HIV .
The duo was being tested in people infected with MERS coronavirus , before the Covid-19 outbreak .
Prof O ’ Neill describes the push towards therapies as unprecedented .
“ Talk about shots on goal , ” he says .
“ I ’ ve never seen anything like this .
There are loads of different approaches being explored.
” Once a person has recovered from Covid-19 , their blood serum retains antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as convalescent plasma can treat people with the disease .
“ Taking convalescent serum – so antibodies – from someone who has recovered from infection is a long-established treatment used for all sorts of viruses , ” says virologist Dr Kim Roberts , based in Trinity College .
This approach was used on some patients in Wuhan early in the outbreak .
“ It can be a powerful way to treat someone who is sick , but it is incredibly difficult to scale up , ” she says .
A recent report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convalescent plasma improved the condition of five patients .
Neutralising antibodies bind to the virus and stop it entering cells .
Researchers globally are seeking such antibodies from Covid-19 patients .
Companies then hope to manufacture synthetic versions at scale .
Regeneron is a US biotech with a large production facility in Limerick that has isolated hundreds of antibodies against the Covid-19 virus and is developing an antibody cocktail that could be available by the end of the summer .
“ Antibodies are powerful , and this virus can be neutralised by antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Neill .
“ There is optimism there .
It is much quicker than making a vaccine.
” Others agree .
Prof Lin-Fa Wang , coronavirus scientist at Duke Global Health Institute in Singapore , says he would favour an antibody-based therapy over other options .
“ We know how and why a monoclonal antibody-based therapy works .
”

Senior physician Henrik Nielsen receives the drug remdesivir in a cooling box, to test on COVID-19 patients, at Aalborg University Hospital in Copenhagen. Photograph: Henning Bagger/EPA
A cacophony of drug hopefuls for Covid-19 has bombarded news headlines and bounced around social media for weeks. There have been incendiary announcements about "game changers" bamboozling experts and non-experts.
It is not all noise though. There are drugs, new and old, hitting the right notes in terms of anecdotal reports and early studies – bolstered by a scientific rationale as to why they may work.
Right now, remdesivir is the most promising drug in tackling the virus head-on. This experimental drug developed by Gilead was first used on patients with Ebola virus.
"Remdesivir is a potent anti-viral agent that directly kills the virus," says Prof Luke O'Neill, immunologist at Trinity College Dublin. It gums up a critical enzyme that the virus needs to replicate, tricking it into thinking it is a piece of viral RNA.
READ MORE
A US study in 2017 showed it was effective against multiple corona viruses, including the diseases SARS and MERS in lab mice. It was shown in January to be highly effective at controlling the new virus (SARS-CoV-2) in human cells. That was in a lab. There are now patient trials underway in China. Prof O'Neill predicts remdesivir will be the first drug to make a big difference in patients.
It is a broad-spectrum antiviral, which is a rarity.
"Most antiviral drugs are specific to a single type of virus," says Dr Kim Roberts, virologist at Trinity College Dublin. "We don't have many broad-spectrum antivirals that inhibit replication for many different types."
Viruses have intimate relationships with ourselves, hijacking our cellular machinery to make copies of themselves. Trying to stymie the virus without hurting our own cells and triggering side effects is therefore challenging.
Remdesivir is an experimental drug, not yet approved for any disease. Scientists will be on the lookout for side effects. At the start of March, a large trial of Remdesivir began with 400 patients across 38 medical centres around the world, including in the United States, South Korea, Singapore, Denmark, Spain and Italy.
One way to avoid unanticipated side effects is to retool an old drug. Fuelled by hyperbole from US president Donald Trump, chloroquine has blazed across twitter as a cure to Covid-19. More certain is that it has been used to treat malaria for decades. It was derived from quinine, itself extracted from the bark of a South American tree in the 1820s – and was first made in the 1930s.
A study with hydroxychloroquine (a form with less severe side effects) in 24 patients in southern France found a significant reduction in the virus. Adding an antibiotic boosted the effect. There were criticisms that it was a small study, and no patients got placebo for comparison. Prof O'Neill counters that this approach can be justified with a lethal disease.
Dream scenario
“The end point in that trial was death, and that is a pretty clear end point,” he adds. The benefit was not something difficult to quantify like pain reduction, but survival. It remains unproven for Covid-19 and larger trials are needed. One is underway in New York.
“This is your dream scenario. You repurpose an old drug,” enthuses Prof O’Neill. “Chloroquine has been used in millions of people.”
It can cause serious side effects, but these are known. Scientists have studied why it works against malaria, and there is a rationale as to why it might work against SARS-CoV-2.
The virus enters a cell wrapped within part of the cell membrane. Cocooned there, it needs acidic surroundings for an enzyme that preps it for release. “What chloroquine does is prevents acidification of the endosome, keeps it alkaline, which means it [the enzyme] does not work and cannot clip the spike protein,” O’Neill explains. The virus remains stuck and cannot replicate.
Chloroquine has been used to treat non-malaria fevers, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This relates to a second effect; it dampens inflammation. As does the antibiotic it was used with.
“Azithromycin does kill bacteria, but it is anti-inflammatory as well,” he notes. A successful treatment does not have to kill viruses. Tackling inflammation can save Covid-19 patients’ lives.
As we advance in years, our brake on inflammation becomes worn. This is linked to a decline in the performance of immune cells, such as the T cells that terminate infected cells. This cellular arm of the immune system helps control levels of inflammation, but it underperforms as people age. So, paradoxically, inflammation is more vigorous in older people.
“Once inflammation begins, you cannot put out the fire as you could when you were younger, which is why older people are more at risk.”
Small proteins called cytokines kindle inflammation. One of these, interleukin-6 (IL-6), stokes fever and acts as a clarion call for macrophage cells to move in and kill foreign invaders.
“The trouble is, as Covid-19 gets severe, you make far too much IL-6,” O’Neill says, “and the inflammation goes out of control.” Macrophages flood the lung tissue and ignite an inflammatory storm, inflicting injury to the lungs.
Recovered patients
A group of drugs previously approved for other medical conditions may help out here – IL-6 blockers. One prompting a lot of excitement is tocilizumab from Roche, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis for many years. This IL-6 inhibitor is being tried out in China in Covid-19 patients to arrest their cytokine storm.
Roche is recruiting around 330 patients for a trial expected to start in April. Regeneron and Sanofi began a large trial involving 400 patients with their IL-6 blocker, sarilumab, in March, after it showed promise in China.
Yet another strategy against the virus is to use the serum from recovered patients, who harbour antibodies. Companies can also copy these antibodies [see below].
Also, under investigation, is an anti-viral combination, lopinavir/ritonavir, developed to block an enzyme in HIV. The duo was being tested in people infected with MERS coronavirus, before the Covid-19 outbreak.
Prof O’Neill describes the push towards therapies as unprecedented.
“Talk about shots on goal,” he says. “I’ve never seen anything like this. There are loads of different approaches being explored.”
***
Antibodies – quicker than vaccine
Once a person has recovered from Covid-19, their blood serum retains antibodies to neutralise the virus. These antibodies known as convalescent plasma can treat people with the disease.
“Taking convalescent serum – so antibodies – from someone who has recovered from infection is a long-established treatment used for all sorts of viruses,” says virologist Dr Kim Roberts, based in Trinity College.
This approach was used on some patients in Wuhan early in the outbreak. "It can be a powerful way to treat someone who is sick, but it is incredibly difficult to scale up," she says. A recent report in the medical journal JAMA reported that convalescent plasma improved the condition of five patients.
Neutralising antibodies bind to the virus and stop it entering cells. Researchers globally are seeking such antibodies from Covid-19 patients. Companies then hope to manufacture synthetic versions at scale. Regeneron is a US biotech with a large production facility in Limerick that has isolated hundreds of antibodies against the Covid-19 virus and is developing an antibody cocktail that could be available by the end of the summer.
“Antibodies are powerful, and this virus can be neutralised by antibodies,” says immunologist Prof Luke O’Neill. “There is optimism there. It is much quicker than making a vaccine.”
Others agree. Prof Lin-Fa Wang, coronavirus scientist at Duke Global Health Institute in Singapore, says he would favour an antibody-based therapy over other options. "We know how and why a monoclonal antibody-based therapy works."


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Women’s Aid group concerned at impact of coronavirus on abuse

Particular effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are being felt in Carlow , according to the county ’ s Women ’ s Aid support service , which has expressed fears that court-ordered safety orders will be harder to get .
The organisation , which deals with Carlow and parts of Laois and Wicklow , was told on Monday by the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána that judges will be appointed to hear protection order applications .
“ People are anxious .
These are families who were in complicated situations beforehand , so this [ the pandemic ] only adds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen away , it ’ s much more difficult , ” said Anton Scheele of Carlow Women ’ s Aid .
The Government ’ s movement restrictions are creating further concerns .
“ That ’ s throwing up loads and loads of complexities .
The number of calls we ’ re getting is also growing , ” said Mr Scheele .
The restrictions are forcing the abuser and abused together : “ When people don ’ t get on , it ’ s messy .
People are holed up in the one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trauma already there .
” Some victims are no longer living with their abuser but are now sharing homes with teenage boys who “ have grown used to seeing their mother treated with disrespect , ” he added .
“ Some of those boys have seen how their fathers were to their mother .
If you ’ re surviving or trying to cope with trauma , then having a strapping 14-year-old in the home can be challenging , ” he went on .
The closure of creches has caused issues : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one less space to get away from traumatic homes , ” said Mr Scheele .

Calls to Carlow Women’s Aid have increased since the start of the coronavirus crisis, according to a spokesperson for the organisation. File photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA
Particular effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are being felt in Carlow, according to the county’s Women’s Aid support service, which has expressed fears that court-ordered safety orders will be harder to get.
The organisation, which deals with Carlow and parts of Laois and Wicklow, was told on Monday by the Courts Service and An Garda Síochána that judges will be appointed to hear protection order applications.
"People are anxious. These are families who were in complicated situations beforehand, so this [the pandemic] only adds to it. But when all the supports have fallen away, it's much more difficult," said Anton Scheele of Carlow Women's Aid.
The Government’s movement restrictions are creating further concerns.
READ MORE
“That’s throwing up loads and loads of complexities. The number of calls we’re getting is also growing,” said Mr Scheele.
‘Holed up’
The restrictions are forcing the abuser and abused together: “When people don’t get on, it’s messy. People are holed up in the one space and there’s a lot of trauma already there. ”
Some victims are no longer living with their abuser but are now sharing homes with teenage boys who “have grown used to seeing their mother treated with disrespect,” he added.
“Some of those boys have seen how their fathers were to their mother. If you’re surviving or trying to cope with trauma, then having a strapping 14-year-old in the home can be challenging,” he went on.
The closure of creches has caused issues: “Without the creche, it’s one less space to get away from traumatic homes,” said Mr Scheele.


theirishtimes--2020-03-31--Medics concerned some over-70s ‘don’t understand concept’ of cocooning

Doctors and pharmacists have raised concerns about a lack of cocooning among some over-70s who do not not understand or are not adhering to the stay at home message .
Dr Mary Favier , president of the Irish College of General Practitioners , said over-70s were generally very good at cocooning since the introduction of measures on Saturday to stop the spread of coronavirus .
However , “ some don ’ t understand the concept ” .
“ It needs a lot of further messaging and advice both nationally and within families , ” she said .
In Kanturk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she still had many patients coming in who should be at home .
“ All seem to have a good reason as to why they should be the exception ...
If everyone thinks like this as themselves as the exception I fear for a generation.
” She said older people should “ not be too proud to ask for help ” .
Dr Tomás Breslin , emergency medicine consultant at the Mater Hospital , said he was concerned about the “ lack of clarity and apparent lack of understanding around cocooning ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in shops , he thought : “ These apparently now well older people could turn up in an emergency department extremely unwell in two to three weeks , when they may have irreversible respiratory failure which could easily be avoided if they had got someone else to do their messages for them.
” Jack Shanahan , a community pharmacist in Castleisland , Co Kerry , was “ extremely worried ” that some over-70s are not hearing the message after his pharmacy saw a “ procession ” of vulnerable over-70s on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t made the connection .
.
.
Some were worried they would be left behind , ” he said .
The Irish Pharmacy Union ( IPU ) has called on the Government to temporarily suspend the prescription charge as volunteers are finding it difficulty to maintain social distancing while collecting it when delivering .
Alone , a charity which supports older people , received more than 1,100 calls to its Covid-19 helpline on Saturday , and is adding further staff to meet the increasing demand .
It welcomed the introduction of practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but urged communities , family members and neighbours to also step up .
Meanwhile , concern about the impact of a lack of exercise on the mental and physical health of cocooning over-70s was highlighted by advocacy group Age Action .
Chief executive Paddy Connolly said the new regulations were presenting difficulties for many older people “ who jealously guard their independence and don ’ t see themselves as vulnerable ” .
An exercise routine for such people was “ hugely important ” , he said .
Mr Connolly said he would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older people as just 3 per cent of over-70s are online .
Meanwhile , the Irish Men ’ s Sheds Association ( IMSA ) has warned that cocooning must not socially isolate Ireland ’ s older population .
“ We ask the public to pick up the phone and call someone at risk in social isolation , ” chief executive Barry Sheridan said .

Eight more patients diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, the National Public Health Emergency Team reported. Video: RTÉ
Doctors and pharmacists have raised concerns about a lack of cocooning among some over-70s who do not not understand or are not adhering to the stay at home message.
Dr Mary Favier, president of the Irish College of General Practitioners, said over-70s were generally very good at cocooning since the introduction of measures on Saturday to stop the spread of coronavirus. However, “some don’t understand the concept”.
“It needs a lot of further messaging and advice both nationally and within families,” she said.
In Kanturk, Co Cork, community pharmacist Sarah Magner said she still had many patients coming in who should be at home. “All seem to have a good reason as to why they should be the exception... If everyone thinks like this as themselves as the exception I fear for a generation.” She said older people should “not be too proud to ask for help”.
READ MORE
Dr Tomás Breslin, emergency medicine consultant at the Mater Hospital, said he was concerned about the “lack of clarity and apparent lack of understanding around cocooning”. When he recently saw older people out in shops, he thought: “These apparently now well older people could turn up in an emergency department extremely unwell in two to three weeks, when they may have irreversible respiratory failure which could easily be avoided if they had got someone else to do their messages for them.”
‘Procession’
Jack Shanahan, a community pharmacist in Castleisland, Co Kerry, was “extremely worried” that some over-70s are not hearing the message after his pharmacy saw a “procession” of vulnerable over-70s on Monday. “In most cases they simply hadn’t made the connection . . . Some were worried they would be left behind,” he said.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has called on the Government to temporarily suspend the prescription charge as volunteers are finding it difficulty to maintain social distancing while collecting it when delivering.
Alone, a charity which supports older people, received more than 1,100 calls to its Covid-19 helpline on Saturday, and is adding further staff to meet the increasing demand.
It welcomed the introduction of practical supports for older people by local authorities but urged communities, family members and neighbours to also step up.
Exercise
Meanwhile, concern about the impact of a lack of exercise on the mental and physical health of cocooning over-70s was highlighted by advocacy group Age Action. Chief executive Paddy Connolly said the new regulations were presenting difficulties for many older people "who jealously guard their independence and don't see themselves as vulnerable".
An exercise routine for such people was “hugely important”, he said. Mr Connolly said he would like to see exercise programmes on television for older people as just 3 per cent of over-70s are online.
Meanwhile, the Irish Men's Sheds Association (IMSA) has warned that cocooning must not socially isolate Ireland's older population. "We ask the public to pick up the phone and call someone at risk in social isolation," chief executive Barry Sheridan said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--‘Start really small’: Teachers share their top tips for remote learning

Sarah-Jayne Carey ICT , and Leaving Cert computer science teacher at Coláiste Bríde Presentation Secondary School Start small and use the method of remote learning that you are most comfortable with .
It all depends on your students , your school set-up , your home set-up .
You could send work by email , record short video or audio clips with instructions and explanations , or you could direct your students to the many excellent online resources already available , eg Scoilnet.ie .
Whatever you do , start small , but do start .
If you are doing a live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some tips to consider : Record a small clip of yourself first .
This will allow you to test what the sound is like and also allow you to get used to the sound of your own voice .
Decide what you are going to say to the students in advance – not a script as such , but have a definite direction .
Get all students to turn off their mics and cameras .
If they can all see and chat to each other it will distract them .
Turn off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more comfortable .
If you don ’ t know how to , a piece of paper placed over the camera does the trick .
They probably won ’ t like sitting and listening to you talking for an hour .
Normal classrooms are engaging interactive places with lots going on : group work , individual learning , as well as teaching .
The virtual classroom should , in so far as possible , try to be the same .
Top tip We are all learning , it will take time and some things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t .
Go easy on yourself .
‘ We have ground rules .
When they log in they are in school ’ Michael Hallissy is a former primary teacher involved in a digital learning project enabling students in remote Gaeltacht areas access Leaving Cert subject tuition online We have two physics teachers ; one is based in Dingle the other is based in Galway .
They teach in their own schools , face-to- face , but they have time from the Department of Education to prepare and teach to remote areas online .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ They learn online using Zoom and a mix of other platforms like OneNote and Teams .
For the students , some of their classes are live while at other times they are working on their own and the teachers are checking on them .
It has been hugely successful .
We have students who would not be able to study physics if this project was not in place .
Top tip We have ground rules which the students must follow .
They may be at home but when they log in and use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
‘ The online silence will seem very new and strange at first ’ Dr Yvonne Crotty Associate professor in DCU ’ s school of Stem education , innovation and global studies and a former secondary school teacher If you can use a smartphone and book a service online , then there is no need to worry whether you can teach online .
You can .
You already have your teaching skills and your subject knowledge .
You already have a relationship with your students and classes .
Now it is just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a new way of teaching or lecturing .
Many educators have been creating fantastic online resources for years , but these valuable technological resources are only part of the story .
Teachers already know how to teach and understand how their students think and learn .
What they need to ask themselves now is how best to transfer these skills online in an engaging way .
How do they deal , for example , with the challenge of teaching without eye contact and body language ?
My practical advice is that educators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their lessons .
Varying tasks for students is important .
Encouraging collaboration between students through online tools such as Google or Microsoft apps enables them to work together in real time .
Top tip Teachers should remember to be natural and bring humour and creativity to lessons , just as they would in any classroom .
The online silence will seem very new and strange at first after the usual shuffling and noise of a classroom .
Don ’ t be afraid of it because we are all in this together !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Due to the hands-on and practical nature of teaching and learning at primary level , finding and using an effective means for remote learning and communication will be challenging as online tools may not have been established and tested .
If possible , use systems that are already in place in the school that teachers , parents and students are familiar with , for example Microsoft Teams , Aladdin Connect , the school website and the school/class Twitter page .
Support is vital in these uncertain times .
Keep up collegial support and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community on Twitter ( # edchatie and # edshareie ) for advice and ideas on teaching and learning during this unknown time .
Fortunately , we were able to set work for our students in a short space of time when schools closed initially by sending home suggested work for the coming weeks to maintain structure to their education .
Students have also been set-up with online users for reading free ebooks , with a facility for teachers to set reading and assignments using the application .
Top tip Keep lines of communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school application ( Aladdin Connect ) .
Using this application , I can set daily work for my students with resources to assist them .
Our school website and Twitter page will be updated with information for students and suggested online/offline resources .
‘ Don ’ t reinvent the wheel – look for resources already out there ’ Conor Power History , CSPE and computer science teacher at Coláiste Chiaráin , Croom , Co Limerick At my school we are long-time users of G Suite and Google Classroom .
All our students are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using it extensively to support teaching and learning .
It has now moved from being a powerful way to enhance learning to being absolutely central to the continuity of learning .
Students are very comfortable with using technology to learn just about anything so schoolwork should be no different .
From a teacher ’ s point of view , rather than explaining the topic repeatedly , you can produce it in video which can then be revisited .
Top tip My advice for teachers is to be realistic in setting work .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assigned in line with your normal timetabled hours .
Don ’ t reinvent the wheel , look for resources already out there that you can customise or curate for your students .
Valerie King Primary school autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) class teacher The boys in my class range from the ages of five to seven years old , and I know a virtual classroom would not work for us and will instead be using online tools .
I highly recommend the Seesaw App , a student-driven digital portfolio which empowers students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , collaborate and share .
I use it as a means of communicating with the parents in my class and to share photos of what we get up to throughout the day .
It is very straightforward and parents are very familiar with it .
SeeSaw can also be used as a means of portfolio learning and assessment for children , where they can upload work samples , and get feedback from their teacher on it .
I hope to continue using this app throughout the next few weeks to keep in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to answer any questions they may have .
If schools close for longer , teachers may need to re-evaluate and look towards other options such as Google classrooms .
I also have a number of free resources on my website , www.muinteoirvalerie.com to assist with learning at home .
Top tip For parents with students who have additional learning needs , I would simply encourage them to try keeping their children calm and happy during this disruptive time .
Try having a routine and structure in place for your child , work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are doing in school , and in consultation with their teacher where possible .
‘ Take it step by step .
Don ’ t bite off more than you can chew ’ John Gavin Second level Irish teacher and founder of LeavingCertIrish.com I send recorded lessons or webinars to my students .
I ’ m essentially screencasting from my computer .
Jing is basic free version , while Camtasia is a more advanced screen recorder and video editor .
The class is normally no more than 10 to 15 minutes , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students to apply what they ’ ve learned .
It allows students to control the pace of their learning and understanding , to pause and take notes .
I also use Quizlet , a free app , to reinforce the learning of language and vocabulary .
It divides the class up into teams where they can compete against each other .
We normally do it in class and it ’ s great craic ; they ’ re knocking down chairs and tables to compete .
It ’ s very engaging .
Live-streaming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to bite off more than you can chew unless you ’ re very experienced in remote teaching .
Top tip Start off with a low-tech solution like an audio file , explaining a section in the textbook , and let students send in emails or set up a class conversation on MS Teams .
Teachers were interviewed by Barry O ’ Rourke , Michelle McBride and Carl O ’ Brien

‘Start really small’
Sarah-Jayne Carey
ICT, and Leaving Cert computer science teacher at Coláiste Bríde Presentation Secondary School
Start small and use the method of remote learning that you are most comfortable with.
It all depends on your students, your school set-up, your home set-up. You could send work by email, record short video or audio clips with instructions and explanations, or you could direct your students to the many excellent online resources already available, eg Scoilnet.ie. Whatever you do, start small, but do start.
If you are doing a live class or recording a session, there are some tips to consider:
Record a small clip of yourself first. This will allow you to test what the sound is like and also allow you to get used to the sound of your own voice.
READ MORE
Decide what you are going to say to the students in advance – not a script as such, but have a definite direction.
Get all students to turn off their mics and cameras. If they can all see and chat to each other it will distract them.
Turn off your own camera too if you feel more comfortable. If you don’t know how to, a piece of paper placed over the camera does the trick.
They probably won’t like sitting and listening to you talking for an hour. Normal classrooms are engaging interactive places with lots going on: group work, individual learning, as well as teaching. The virtual classroom should, in so far as possible, try to be the same.
Top tip We are all learning, it will take time and some things will work and some things won't. Go easy on yourself.
‘We have ground rules. When they log in they are in school’
Michael Hallissy is a former primary teacher involved in a digital learning project enabling students in remote Gaeltacht areas access Leaving Cert subject tuition online
We have two physics teachers; one is based in Dingle the other is based in Galway. They teach in their own schools, face-to- face, but they have time from the Department of Education to prepare and teach to remote areas online.
We have eight students in total. They learn online using Zoom and a mix of other platforms like OneNote and Teams. For the students, some of their classes are live while at other times they are working on their own and the teachers are checking on them.
It has been hugely successful. We have students who would not be able to study physics if this project was not in place.
Top tip We have ground rules which the students must follow. They may be at home but when they log in and use their e-hub email they are in school.
‘The online silence will seem very new and strange at first’
Dr Yvonne Crotty
Associate professor in DCU's school of Stem education, innovation and global studies and a former secondary school teacher
If you can use a smartphone and book a service online, then there is no need to worry whether you can teach online.
You can. You already have your teaching skills and your subject knowledge. You already have a relationship with your students and classes. Now it is just a question of bringing that familiar classroom dynamic to a new way of teaching or lecturing.
Many educators have been creating fantastic online resources for years, but these valuable technological resources are only part of the story.
Teachers already know how to teach and understand how their students think and learn. What they need to ask themselves now is how best to transfer these skills online in an engaging way. How do they deal, for example, with the challenge of teaching without eye contact and body language?
My practical advice is that educators need to look at the pedagogical design of their lessons. Varying tasks for students is important. Encouraging collaboration between students through online tools such as Google or Microsoft apps enables them to work together in real time.
Top tip Teachers should remember to be natural and bring humour and creativity to lessons, just as they would in any classroom. The online silence will seem very new and strange at first after the usual shuffling and noise of a classroom. Don't be afraid of it because we are all in this together!
‘Keep lines of communication open with parents’
Ailbhe Forde
Second class primary school teacher
Due to the hands-on and practical nature of teaching and learning at primary level, finding and using an effective means for remote learning and communication will be challenging as online tools may not have been established and tested.
If possible, use systems that are already in place in the school that teachers, parents and students are familiar with, for example Microsoft Teams, Aladdin Connect, the school website and the school/class Twitter page.
Support is vital in these uncertain times. Keep up collegial support and use outlets such as the Irish educational community on Twitter (#edchatie and #edshareie) for advice and ideas on teaching and learning during this unknown time.
Fortunately, we were able to set work for our students in a short space of time when schools closed initially by sending home suggested work for the coming weeks to maintain structure to their education.
Students have also been set-up with online users for reading free ebooks, with a facility for teachers to set reading and assignments using the application.
Top tip Keep lines of communication open with parents/guardians via email and our school application (Aladdin Connect). Using this application, I can set daily work for my students with resources to assist them. Our school website and Twitter page will be updated with information for students and suggested online/offline resources.
‘Don’t reinvent the wheel – look for resources already out there’
Conor Power
History, CSPE and computer science teacher at Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, Co Limerick
At my school we are long-time users of G Suite and Google Classroom. All our students are experienced users and our teachers were already using it extensively to support teaching and learning. It has now moved from being a powerful way to enhance learning to being absolutely central to the continuity of learning.
Students are very comfortable with using technology to learn just about anything so schoolwork should be no different. From a teacher’s point of view, rather than explaining the topic repeatedly, you can produce it in video which can then be revisited.
Top tip My advice for teachers is to be realistic in setting work. If possible, schedule work so it is assigned in line with your normal timetabled hours. Don't reinvent the wheel, look for resources already out there that you can customise or curate for your students.
‘The Seesaw app empowers pupils to create, reflect, collaborate and share’
Valerie King
Primary school autism spectrum disorder (ASD) class teacher
The boys in my class range from the ages of five to seven years old, and I know a virtual classroom would not work for us and will instead be using online tools. I highly recommend the Seesaw App, a student-driven digital portfolio which empowers students of any age to create, reflect, collaborate and share.
I use it as a means of communicating with the parents in my class and to share photos of what we get up to throughout the day. It is very straightforward and parents are very familiar with it.
SeeSaw can also be used as a means of portfolio learning and assessment for children, where they can upload work samples, and get feedback from their teacher on it.
I hope to continue using this app throughout the next few weeks to keep in contact, to share links and activities, and to answer any questions they may have. If schools close for longer, teachers may need to re-evaluate and look towards other options such as Google classrooms.
I also have a number of free resources on my website, www.muinteoirvalerie.com to assist with learning at home.
Top tip For parents with students who have additional learning needs, I would simply encourage them to try keeping their children calm and happy during this disruptive time. Try having a routine and structure in place for your child, work on activities similar in nature to what they are doing in school, and in consultation with their teacher where possible.
‘Take it step by step. Don’t bite off more than you can chew’
John Gavin
Second level Irish teacher and founder of LeavingCertIrish.com
I send recorded lessons or webinars to my students. I'm essentially screencasting from my computer. Jing is basic free version, while Camtasia is a more advanced screen recorder and video editor.
The class is normally no more than 10 to 15 minutes, because you’re building in time for students to apply what they’ve learned. It allows students to control the pace of their learning and understanding, to pause and take notes.
I also use Quizlet, a free app, to reinforce the learning of language and vocabulary. It divides the class up into teams where they can compete against each other.
We normally do it in class and it’s great craic; they’re knocking down chairs and tables to compete. It’s very engaging.
Live-streaming a class is very demanding – you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew unless you’re very experienced in remote teaching.
Top tip Start off with a low-tech solution like an audio file, explaining a section in the textbook,and let students send in emails or set up a class conversation on MS Teams.
Teachers were interviewed by Barry O’Rourke, Michelle McBride and Carl O’Brien


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Bridge Notes: CBAI closes office as pandemic puts events on hold

The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland has announced that its office and shop in Templeogue , Dublin will remain closed until further notice in line with the Government ’ s advice on non-essential businesses .
The office email ( info @ cbai.ie ) and chief executive Paul Porteous ’ s personal email ( paul @ cbai.ie ) will be monitored regularly during this time so that contact with members and clubs can be maintained .
In addition , Porteous ( 087-6996686 ) , Dermot O ’ Brien ( 087-9075663 ) and Bernard Higgins ( 099-4499098 ) will be contactable by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governing body for the home-international championships , has announced that the women ’ s championship for the Lady Milne trophy and the seniors ’ contest for the Teltcher trophy will not take place on the originally planned dates - April 17th to 19th and May 15th to 17th respectively .
The intention is to reschedule them for later in the year and to hold the two competitions at the same time and at the same venue in England .
The seniors ’ event was to be held in Gormanstown , Co Meath .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not yet made a decision with regard to the European Team Championships , which are due to be held in Funchal , Madeira in June .
However , signals from the EBL suggest there is doubt that they will go ahead at that time .
One EBL announcement said everything within reason would be done to stage the Madeira event as intended , but it added that avoiding booking non-refundable travel or accommodation would be prudent until the picture becomes clearer .
The most recent announcement , dated March 24th , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We are prepared to cancel the June championships if the forecast does not dramatically improve in the near future.
” Plan B is to postpone the championships , retaining the Madeira location , until November 11th to 21st .
Most national-team players are amateurs who use part of their annual holidays to participate in these events .
The All-Ireland Pairs Championship for the Moylan cup will not take place at Malahide next weekend as planned .
The Dungloe , Co Donegal open cup competition , scheduled for April 5th , has been @ @

The European Bridge League (EBL) has not yet made a decision with regard to the European Team Championships, which are due to be held in Funchal, Madeira in June.
The Contract Bridge Association of Ireland has announced that its office and shop in Templeogue, Dublin will remain closed until further notice in line with the Government’s advice on non-essential businesses.
The office email (info@cbai.ie) and chief executive Paul Porteous’s personal email (paul@cbai.ie) will be monitored regularly during this time so that contact with members and clubs can be maintained.
In addition, Porteous (087-6996686), Dermot O’Brien (087-9075663) and Bernard Higgins (099-4499098) will be contactable by telephone.
Bridge Great Britain, the governing body for the home-international championships, has announced that the women’s championship for the Lady Milne trophy and the seniors’ contest for the Teltcher trophy will not take place on the originally planned dates - April 17th to 19th and May 15th to 17th respectively.
READ MORE
The intention is to reschedule them for later in the year and to hold the two competitions at the same time and at the same venue in England. The seniors’ event was to be held in Gormanstown, Co Meath.
The European Bridge League (EBL) has not yet made a decision with regard to the European Team Championships, which are due to be held in Funchal, Madeira in June. However, signals from the EBL suggest there is doubt that they will go ahead at that time.
One EBL announcement said everything within reason would be done to stage the Madeira event as intended, but it added that avoiding booking non-refundable travel or accommodation would be prudent until the picture becomes clearer. The most recent announcement, dated March 24th, from Swedish EBL president Jan Kamras stated: “We are prepared to cancel the June championships if the forecast does not dramatically improve in the near future.”
Plan B is to postpone the championships, retaining the Madeira location, until November 11th to 21st. Most national-team players are amateurs who use part of their annual holidays to participate in these events.
The All-Ireland Pairs Championship for the Moylan cup will not take place at Malahide next weekend as planned. The Dungloe, Co Donegal open cup competition, scheduled for April 5th, has been postponed.


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--How can I motivate my children to study during the school closures?

With the level of uncertainty concerning when schools will resume and whether there will be State exams , how can I motivate my children to continue to work on their school subjects ?
Nobody could have imagined the world we now live in a few short weeks ago – and where it will all lead is still a mystery .
Speculating about what may or may not happen is pointless for both parents and students , as it only leads to mental and psychological exhaustion .
What we do know is this : students finishing off their second-level education this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a formal written exam based on the curriculum which they have been studying in their various subjects over the past two years .
The oral and some practicals may have been abandoned , but this can not be repeated when it comes to the written papers as the CAO application process needs some criteria through which the allocation of places on every third-level programme are allocated in a fair and transparent way .
Students who are not facing transitions from second level to further and higher education face lesser challenges when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have to be in a position to restart well when the time arrives to move back to class .
In life nothing ever stands still .
We are either going backwards , losing skills or moving forward and acquiring them .
In an age-appropriate fashion , every parent should try to impress on their children that worrying about this is a waste of time and the only course of action is to continue to move forward with their education in a structured manner every day .
Most teachers are working hard from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide their students with day-to-day support and guidance in their education .
Where IT issues in a teacher ’ s home or that of a student make that impossible , ( remember : we are still only beginning to bring broadband to over 500,000 homes ) , all students have their school books to draw on in continuing to engage with their academic work on a daily basis .
Whereas in sport physical fitness is everything , mental fitness is key in education .
As our brains develop we need to engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parents need to impress on their children that continuing to learn daily is as essential a part of living as eating and sleeping , and can not be abandoned just because the learning environment is radically different to what they have come to know through schooling .

It can be easy to lose the motivation to study during these disuptive times. Photograph: iStock
With the level of uncertainty concerning when schools will resume and whether there will be State exams, how can I motivate my children to continue to work on their school subjects?
Nobody could have imagined the world we now live in a few short weeks ago – and where it will all lead is still a mystery.
Speculating about what may or may not happen is pointless for both parents and students, as it only leads to mental and psychological exhaustion.
What we do know is this: students finishing off their second-level education this year will be assessed at some stage in a formal written exam based on the curriculum which they have been studying in their various subjects over the past two years.
READ MORE
The oral and some practicals may have been abandoned, but this cannot be repeated when it comes to the written papers as the CAO application process needs some criteria through which the allocation of places on every third-level programme are allocated in a fair and transparent way.
Challenges
Students who are not facing transitions from second level to further and higher education face lesser challenges when they re-engage with the education system, but they have to be in a position to restart well when the time arrives to move back to class.
In life nothing ever stands still. We are either going backwards, losing skills or moving forward and acquiring them.
In an age-appropriate fashion, every parent should try to impress on their children that worrying about this is a waste of time and the only course of action is to continue to move forward with their education in a structured manner every day.
Most teachers are working hard from home where they have the IT facilities to provide their students with day-to-day support and guidance in their education.
Where IT issues in a teacher’s home or that of a student make that impossible, (remember: we are still only beginning to bring broadband to over 500,000 homes), all students have their school books to draw on in continuing to engage with their academic work on a daily basis.
Whereas in sport physical fitness is everything, mental fitness is key in education. As our brains develop we need to engage them constantly with new learning challenges. Parents need to impress on their children that continuing to learn daily is as essential a part of living as eating and sleeping, and cannot be abandoned just because the learning environment is radically different to what they have come to know through schooling.
Email queries to askbrian@irishtimes.com


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Children’s hospital site exempt from coronavirus restrictions, Bam says

The builder of the National Children ’ s Hospital have said it kept its construction site at James ’ Hospital campus open , because it believed as one of the State ’ s “ very large construction projects ” , it was exempt from coronavirus restrictions .
Bam Ireland said it also kept its construction at Intel in Co Kildare open because it considered the plant to be critical infrastructure .
However it said on Monday night that it had “ received clarification that the work at Intel is to cease ” until further notice .
The company said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential facilities management , operating “ in line with official guidance and following instruction from the relevant employers ” .
On Saturday the Government set out restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus .
The restrictions stipulate that those continuing to travel to work must be employed only where the work is an essential service .
Bam Ireland clarified arrangements at its James ’ Street and Intel sites after Paul Murphy TD issued a statement on Monday accusing it of “ putting lives at risk ” by “ damanding ” that staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was awaiting a decision from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board ( NPHDB ) .
Work in its motorway maintenance and facilities management divisions is considered “ essential ” it said .
Essential works are exempt from the latest restrictions .
Bam is also undertaking separate Covid-19 related work on the main campus at the request of St James ’ Hospital .
The company said “ most ” of its other sites around the country had already close

The builder of the National Children’s Hospital have said it kept its construction site at James’ Hospital campus open, because it believed as one of the State’s “very large construction projects”, it was exempt from coronavirus restrictions.
Bam Ireland said it also kept its construction at Intel in Co Kildare open because it considered the plant to be critical infrastructure. However it said on Monday night that it had “received clarification that the work at Intel is to cease” until further notice.
The company said it also kept its motorway maintenance work and essential facilities management, operating “in line with official guidance and following instruction from the relevant employers”.
On Saturday the Government set out restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The restrictions stipulate that those continuing to travel to work must be employed only where the work is an essential service.
READ MORE
Bam Ireland clarified arrangements at its James’ Street and Intel sites after Paul Murphy TD issued a statement on Monday accusing it of “putting lives at risk” by “damanding” that staff continue working.
In a statement Bam said it was awaiting a decision from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) . Work in its motorway maintenance and facilities management divisions is considered “essential” it said. Essential works are exempt from the latest restrictions.
Bam is also undertaking separate Covid-19 related work on the main campus at the request of St James’ Hospital. The company said “most” of its other sites around the country had already close


theirishtimes--2020-03-30--Coronavirus: Equipment shortages continue to stall HSE testing schedule

The Health Service Executive could not run a full Covid-19 testing programme for the second day in a row on Monday due to equipment shortages , it has emerged .
Several centres were closed initially on Sunday , including the largest in the State , at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork .
A spokeswoman for the HSE confirmed that it is “ replenishing stocks and while not all centres will have sufficient supplies to recommence testing today [ Monday ] , we hope to be fully operational across all sites tomorrow.
” The HSE did not respond to a query @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The health service indicated that shortages of supplies for testing laboratories , which run the analysis on the samples collected at the centres around the country , are also becoming a major issue .
“ We have also had challenges in terms of supplies of reagent for testing laboratories .
This is a global challenge with major suppliers having to ration provision across the world .
We are making every effort to procure new stocks .
“ However provision of reagent and extraction kits will remain a major challenge for the foreseeable future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the spokeswoman said .
The HSE also indicated that it planned to reduce the number of testing centres as the number of people needing testing also reduces , after a change in the criteria to be eligible for testing introduced last week .
“ As the total number of people requiring testing reduces , there will be a change in the number of locations required to offer testing , ” the spokeswoman said .
The stated goal of the Department of Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15,000 per day .
On Sunday , the HSE said testing capacity was currently about 5,000 per day .
Since community testing started on March 16th , some 38,000 people had been offered testing dates in the sampling centres .
Tests were originally only analysed at the National Virus Reference Laboratory ( NVRL ) , but since then , 12 hospital labs have been brought onstream , as well as a HSE lab and another in the Department of Agriculture .
“ Discussions are ongoing with other laboratories to increase capacity , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , priority for testing has been given to those displaying two symptoms of Covid-19 , who are also in one of several vulnerable groups .
Testing of healthcare workers and patients in acute hospitals is largely being carried out in hospitals ’ own labs , whereas community tests are being sent to the NVRL .

Coronavirus testing: the goal is to increase capacity to 15,000 per day. On Sunday, the HSE said capacity was about 5,000 per day. Photograph: Alan Betson
The Health Service Executive could not run a full Covid-19 testing programme for the second day in a row on Monday due to equipment shortages, it has emerged.
Several centres were closed initially on Sunday, including the largest in the State, at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork.
A spokeswoman for the HSE confirmed that it is “replenishing stocks and while not all centres will have sufficient supplies to recommence testing today [Monday], we hope to be fully operational across all sites tomorrow.”
The HSE did not respond to a query about which testing centres were affected.
READ MORE
The health service indicated that shortages of supplies for testing laboratories, which run the analysis on the samples collected at the centres around the country, are also becoming a major issue.
Supply procurement
“We have also had challenges in terms of supplies of reagent for testing laboratories. This is a global challenge with major suppliers having to ration provision across the world. We are making every effort to procure new stocks.
“However provision of reagent and extraction kits will remain a major challenge for the foreseeable future until the major suppliers ramp up production,” the spokeswoman said.
The HSE also indicated that it planned to reduce the number of testing centres as the number of people needing testing also reduces, after a change in the criteria to be eligible for testing introduced last week. “As the total number of people requiring testing reduces, there will be a change in the number of locations required to offer testing,” the spokeswoman said.
The stated goal of the Department of Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is to increase testing capacity to 15,000 per day. On Sunday, the HSE said testing capacity was currently about 5,000 per day.
Laboratory capacity
Since community testing started on March 16th, some 38,000 people had been offered testing dates in the sampling centres. Tests were originally only analysed at the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), but since then, 12 hospital labs have been brought onstream, as well as a HSE lab and another in the Department of Agriculture.
“Discussions are ongoing with other laboratories to increase capacity,” the spokeswoman said. Since last week, priority for testing has been given to those displaying two symptoms of Covid-19, who are also in one of several vulnerable groups. Testing of healthcare workers and patients in acute hospitals is largely being carried out in hospitals’ own labs, whereas community tests are being sent to the NVRL.