theirishtimes--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: 15 new deaths reported in the Republic; new cases below 100 for first time since March

Newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Republic have dropped below 100 for the first time in almost two months .
A total of 92 new cases were reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) on Saturday .
This is the first time since March 18th that the daily figures of newly confirmed cases have been below 100 .
On that date in March , 74 new cases were recorded .
Numbers peaked on April 15th , when 1,068 new cases were reported .
The number of new cases has been below 200 for the last week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when 426 cases were recorded , though most of them were historical cases from the Mater hospital .
The increase in new cases has been below 1 per cent for the last 10 days , with the exception of May 13th .
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the last nine weeks had been difficult for everybody and especially for those who have been cocooning or have young children .
However , he said the latest numbers “ give reassurance that we have all learned and adopted new behaviours of handwashing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve us well as we work together to reopen retail , business and society ” .
A further 15 deaths from Covid-19 have been reported to the HPSC , bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths in the Republic to 1,533 .
There is now a total of 24,048 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the State .
Of those , 3,092 cases ( 13 per cent ) have been hospitalised , and of that cohort 389 have been admitted to ICU .
Other indicators suggest the virus is on the wane , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 419 on Friday to 390 on Saturday .
There were 71 Covid-19 patients in ICU units on Friday , May 8th , and 56 on Friday last .
The reproduction rate of the virus is currently between 0.4 and 0.6 .
This means it takes two Covid-19 patients to infect one other person on average .
At its height in early March , the reproduction rate was 3.7 and before Covid-19 restrictions were imposed it was 1.6 .
Dr Holohan said the R0 number , as the reproduction rate is called , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland over the last couple of weeks .
Minister for Health Simon Harris said on Saturday evening he wanted to say a “ huge thank you ” to everyone for getting the number of new cases down to below 100 for the first time in 60 days .
“ This has happened because of you , it has happened because of your incredible efforts , because of the sacrifices you and your family have made .
It is really making a remarkable difference in terms of suppressing this virus , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not gone away and people were still losing their lives every day amid the pandemic .
He said that “ this next phase we enter is crucial .
In many ways I think it ’ s the biggest test we have faced so far ” , trying to work out as the country reopened on a phased basis from Monday if we can find a way of living beside the virus , “ finding that sweet spot where we take the public health precautions that we need to but at the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to some degree of normality over the next number of weeks and months , or at least a new normal ” .
He appealed to the public to stay the course in abiding by public health advice .
“ Now is not the time for any of us to get sloppy in relation to following the public health advice because I want in three weeks ’ time for us to be able to come together and say , look we actually made a bit of progress here .
.
.
and hope we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That will only be possible to do if we continue to take extremely seriously all of the public health advice ” .
Mr Harris , in a video clip on Twitter , said that the “ big national test ” was “ can we get it right , can we gradually , slowly , carefully open up a bit of our country and start to do a few things that we haven ’ t been able to do and ensure at the same time the virus doesn ’ t get out of control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Department of Health has reported that the number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland has risen to 473 after a further four deaths .
Another 40 positive cases of Covid-19 were also confirmed in the region , taking the total number of confirmed cases there since the Covid-19 outbreak began to 4,357 .
Figures published on Friday by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) showed that a total of 599 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in Northern Ireland up to May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to May 13th ) .
The number of Covid-19-related care home deaths halved during the week ending May 8th compared with the week previously , the Nisra statistics showed .
A total of 36 residents died that week , down from 72 the week ending May 1st .
Almost half the 599 total have succumbed in care homes .
The 274 deaths in care homes and hospices involved 71 separate establishments .
Extra measures and funding have been put in place to bolster services in such homes , health minister Robin Swann has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who tested positive for the new coronavirus have now died in the UK , a rise of 468 in a 24-hour period , the UK health ministry said on Saturday .
The figures are as of 5pm on May 15th .
Including deaths due to suspected cases , the UK ’ s death toll from the virus is more than 40,000 .
Additional reporting : – PA/Reuters

Newly confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Republic have dropped below 100 for the first time in almost two months.
A total of 92 new cases were reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on Saturday.
This is the first time since March 18th that the daily figures of newly confirmed cases have been below 100. On that date in March, 74 new cases were recorded.
Numbers peaked on April 15th, when 1,068 new cases were reported. The number of new cases has been below 200 for the last week, with the exception of May 13th, when 426 cases were recorded, though most of them were historical cases from the Mater hospital.
READ MORE
The increase in new cases has been below 1 per cent for the last 10 days, with the exception of May 13th.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the last nine weeks had been difficult for everybody and especially for those who have been cocooning or have young children.
However, he said the latest numbers “give reassurance that we have all learned and adopted new behaviours of handwashing, respiratory etiquette and social distance that will serve us well as we work together to reopen retail, business and society”.
Death toll
A further 15 deaths from Covid-19 have been reported to the HPSC, bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths in the Republic to 1,533.
There is now a total of 24,048 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the State. Of those, 3,092 cases (13 per cent) have been hospitalised, and of that cohort 389 have been admitted to ICU.
Other indicators suggest the virus is on the wane, with the number in hospital from Covid-19 dropping from 419 on Friday to 390 on Saturday.
There were 71 Covid-19 patients in ICU units on Friday, May 8th, and 56 on Friday last.
The reproduction rate of the virus is currently between 0.4 and 0.6. This means it takes two Covid-19 patients to infect one other person on average. At its height in early March, the reproduction rate was 3.7 and before Covid-19 restrictions were imposed it was 1.6.
Dr Holohan said the R0 number, as the reproduction rate is called, has been “remarkably stable” in Ireland over the last couple of weeks.
‘Thank you’
Minister for Health Simon Harris said on Saturday evening he wanted to say a “huge thank you” to everyone for getting the number of new cases down to below 100 for the first time in 60 days.
“This has happened because of you, it has happened because of your incredible efforts, because of the sacrifices you and your family have made. It is really making a remarkable difference in terms of suppressing this virus,” he said.
However, he said the virus had not gone away and people were still losing their lives every day amid the pandemic.
He said that “this next phase we enter is crucial. In many ways I think it’s the biggest test we have faced so far”, trying to work out as the country reopened on a phased basis from Monday if we can find a way of living beside the virus, “finding that sweet spot where we take the public health precautions that we need to but at the same time we can begin to get back to some degree of normality over the next number of weeks and months, or at least a new normal”.
He appealed to the public to stay the course in abiding by public health advice.
“Now is not the time for any of us to get sloppy in relation to following the public health advice because I want in three weeks’ time for us to be able to come together and say, look we actually made a bit of progress here . . . and hope we move on to the next phase. That will only be possible to do if we continue to take extremely seriously all of the public health advice”.
Mr Harris, in a video clip on Twitter, said that the “big national test” was “can we get it right, can we gradually, slowly, carefully open up a bit of our country and start to do a few things that we haven’t been able to do and ensure at the same time the virus doesn’t get out of control”.
Northern Ireland
Meanwhile, the North's Department of Health has reported that the number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland has risen to 473 after a further four deaths.
Another 40 positive cases of Covid-19 were also confirmed in the region, taking the total number of confirmed cases there since the Covid-19 outbreak began to 4,357.
Figures published on Friday by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) showed that a total of 599 deaths involving Covid-19 had occurred in Northern Ireland up to May 8th (and had been registered up to May 13th).
The number of Covid-19-related care home deaths halved during the week ending May 8th compared with the week previously, the Nisra statistics showed.
A total of 36 residents died that week, down from 72 the week ending May 1st.
Almost half the 599 total have succumbed in care homes. The 274 deaths in care homes and hospices involved 71 separate establishments. Extra measures and funding have been put in place to bolster services in such homes, health minister Robin Swann has said.
A total of 34,466 people who tested positive for the new coronavirus have now died in the UK, a rise of 468 in a 24-hour period, the UK health ministry said on Saturday. The figures are as of 5pm on May 15th. Including deaths due to suspected cases, the UK’s death toll from the virus is more than 40,000. Additional reporting: – PA/Reuters


theirishtimes--2020-05-16--Firefighters attend large fire in Dublin where scrapped cars are ablaze

Dublin Fire Brigade crews are attending the scene of a large fire in Ballymun which is visible city wide .
@ @ @ @ @ they believe approximately 40 scrap cars are alight at the scene .
The fire is @ @ @ @ @ 4 of the M50 in Dublin .
Five fire engines and a water tanker have @ @ @ @ @ the fire .
The fire can be seen all over the city and has lead @ @ @ @ @ 999 calls , the fire brigade said .
Dublin Fire Brigade has advised members of @ @ @ @ @ the fire to keep their windows closed due to the large amount of smoke being @ @ @ @ @ The cause of the fire is not yet clear .

Fire fighters fight a blaze in Ballymun, north Dublin where around 40 scrapped cars are on fire.
Dublin Fire Brigade crews are attending the scene of a large fire in Ballymun which is visible city wide.
Dublin Fire Brigade has said they believe approximately 40 scrap cars are alight at the scene.
Dublin Fire Brigade says smoke from the blaze can be seen across Dublin city leading to a large number of 999 calls.
Dublin Fire Brigade says five tenders are attending the blaze.
The fire is on a site off Junction 4 of the M50 in Dublin. Five fire engines and a water tanker have been sent to deal with the fire.
The fire can be seen all over the city and has lead to a large number of 999 calls, the fire brigade said.
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Dublin Fire Brigade has advised members of the public who live nearby the fire to keep their windows closed due to the large amount of smoke being emitted from the fire.
The cause of the fire is not yet clear.
More to follow


theirishtimes--2020-05-16--Covid-19: Woodies DIY to bar under-16s due to social distancing fears

Woodies hardware store , which is to open its doors for the first time in seven weeks on Monday , has announced that under-16s will not be permitted in their stores due to social distancing concerns .
The DIY chain announced the strict social distancing policy on Twitter : “ The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority .
For now , those under 16 are not permitted in our stores , as our colleagues have expressed concerns that social distancing is much harder to adhere to with children in our stores.
” Some customers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for single-parent families , saying that for solo parents , it is impossible to shop alone .
Speaking on RTÉ radio ’ s Ryan Tubridy show this week , CEO of Woodies Declan Ronayne said : “ Our primary focus when we reopen on Monday will be managing queues of people .
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We have a steely determination to keep everyone as safe as we can ” .
Mr Ronayne said he was both nervous and excited to reopen , as the recent closure was the longest Woodies had ever been closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday that hardware stores , garden centres and farmers markets could reopen from next week as part of the gradual lifting of restrictions .
Many homeware stores had also prepared for reopening on May 18th , including homeware retailer Ikea .
However , Ms Humphreys said shops offering homeware as their “ main line of business ” can not yet reopen .
Retail Ireland described the Government ’ s decision as “ disappointing ” .

Woodies DIY in Blanchardstown, Dublin. The chain will not allow under-16s into stores when they reopen on Monday. Photograph: Google Streetview
Woodies hardware store, which is to open its doors for the first time in seven weeks on Monday, has announced that under-16s will not be permitted in their stores due to social distancing concerns.
The DIY chain announced the strict social distancing policy on Twitter: “The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority. For now, those under 16 are not permitted in our stores, as our colleagues have expressed concerns that social distancing is much harder to adhere to with children in our stores.”
Some customers have expressed concern the decision does not account for single-parent families, saying that for solo parents, it is impossible to shop alone.
[1/3] The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority. For now those under 16 are not permitted in our stores, as our colleagues have expressed concerns that social distancing is much harder to adhere to with children in our stores. — Woodie's (@WoodiesIreland) May 15, 2020
Speaking on RTÉ radio's Ryan Tubridy show this week, CEO of Woodies Declan Ronayne said: "Our primary focus when we reopen on Monday will be managing queues of people. . . We have a steely determination to keep everyone as safe as we can".
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Mr Ronayne said he was both nervous and excited to reopen, as the recent closure was the longest Woodies had ever been closed.
Minister for Business Heather Humphreys confirmed on Friday that hardware stores, garden centres and farmers markets could reopen from next week as part of the gradual lifting of restrictions.
Many homeware stores had also prepared for reopening on May 18th, including homeware retailer Ikea. However, Ms Humphreys said shops offering homeware as their “main line of business” cannot yet reopen.
Retail Ireland described the Government’s decision as “disappointing”.


theirishtimes--2020-05-16--Covid-19 relief fund for Irish artists to receive additional €20,000

Ireland Performs , a short-term relief fund set up last month to pay professional Irish artists for presenting their work online , is now being extended and allocated additional funding .
The Culture Ireland online initiative , in partnership with Facebook Ireland , began on April 13th to run daily arts events and will reach its 100th performance this weekend .
Minister for Culture Josepha Madigan on Saturday announced the allocation of an additional €20,000 for the initiative to reach 120 performances and run daily events until May 24th .
The initiative covers music , theatre , visual arts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and storytelling .
Featured artists are given €1,000 for their performance .
Artists have used the scheme to launch their EPs and books from their living rooms , kitchens , workshops and camper vans .
Minister Madigan said she was aware there is “ no substitute for live experience of art ” but added that the initiative “ aims to provide an effective short-term solution while showcasing some of the best of Irish talent across the world ” .
To date , viewership has reached 530,000 and 497 applications have been received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of the scheme include musicians Alex Gough and Somebody ’ s Child .
Next week will see performances from acts such as Lemoncello , I Draw Slow , The Finns and Laoise Kelly .

Aoife Scott and Andy Meaney perform as part of the Ireland Performs initiative. Screenshot: Aoife Scott/Facebook
Ireland Performs, a short-term relief fund set up last month to pay professional Irish artists for presenting their work online, is now being extended and allocated additional funding.
The Culture Ireland online initiative, in partnership with Facebook Ireland, began on April 13th to run daily arts events and will reach its 100th performance this weekend.
Minister for Culture Josepha Madigan on Saturday announced the allocation of an additional €20,000 for the initiative to reach 120 performances and run daily events until May 24th.
The initiative covers music, theatre, visual arts, spoken word, poetry, circus, family and storytelling. Featured artists are given €1,000 for their performance. Artists have used the scheme to launch their EPs and books from their living rooms, kitchens, workshops and camper vans.
READ MORE
Minister Madigan said she was aware there is “no substitute for live experience of art” but added that the initiative “aims to provide an effective short-term solution while showcasing some of the best of Irish talent across the world”.
To date, viewership has reached 530,000 and 497 applications have been received. Previous artists who have performed online as part of the scheme include musicians Alex Gough and Somebody's Child.
Next week will see performances from acts such as Lemoncello, I Draw Slow, The Finns and Laoise Kelly.


theirishtimes--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Call for historic Cahirmee Horse Fair to be cancelled

One of the country ’ s oldest horse fairs should be cancelled this year to help curb the spread of Covid-19 , according to the County Cork mayor .
Cllr Ian Doyle said the annual Cahirmee Horse Fair in Buttevant , which takes place on July 12th and attracts thousands , is part of the cultural life of north Cork but that allowing it to go ahead this year would pose a serious risk to public health .
According to Cllr Doyle , a unique aspect of Cahirmee is that it has no organising committee – potentially posing a problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to the public that this year ’ s events should not go ahead .
“ This is primarily a horse fair , and I think that those involved in the equine and agricultural sectors will understand the concerns surrounding the coronavirus and already have it in their minds this year ’ s fair will not be going ahead .
“ I think when people sit down and look at this logically they will understand why the fair can not go ahead , but I do know there is concern in Buttevant and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may ignore advice and still turn up.
” According to the Buttevant Heritage website , Cahirmee Fair is believed to have roots back in Ireland ’ s prehistoric past , when Mee was a High King of Munster , and his royal seat was located just to the east of Buttevant .
The fair originally took place in the townland of Cahirmee , some three miles east of Buttevant , which is considered to be in the centre of Munster , and Napoleon ’ s famous charger Marengo is reputed to have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into Buttevant town at the beginning of the 1920s as buyers and sellers felt threatened by the political turmoil of the time during both the War of Independence and the Civil War .
According to the Buttevant Heritage website , Irish Travellers are ardent supporters of the horse fair and crowds gathered to buy and sell horses , meet family and friends and have weddings around the fair .
Cllr Doyle said that he has already been in touch with gardaí , and he plans to make contact with the IFA , various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming days to try and dissuade people coming to Buttevant in July .
“ There is no question people are concerned as social distancing will be impossible if large numbers of people do turn up for the fair .
Locals do enjoy the fair but this year the circumstances are different .
“ Hopefully , everyone involved will take the sensible option and stay away , ” said Cllr Doyle , adding that if necessary gardaí may have to block all roads leading into the town on fair day .

One of the country's oldest horse fairs should be cancelled this year to help curb the spread of Covid-19, according to the County Cork mayor.
Cllr Ian Doyle said the annual Cahirmee Horse Fair in Buttevant, which takes place on July 12th and attracts thousands, is part of the cultural life of north Cork but that allowing it to go ahead this year would pose a serious risk to public health.
According to Cllr Doyle, a unique aspect of Cahirmee is that it has no organising committee – potentially posing a problem in tr ying to get the message out to the public that this year's events should not go ahead.
“This is primarily a horse fair, and I think that those involved in the equine and agricultural sectors will understand the concerns surrounding the coronavirus and already have it in their minds this year’s fair will not be going ahead.
READ MORE
“I think when people sit down and look at this logically they will understand why the fair cannot go ahead, but I do know there is concern in Buttevant and in north Cork generally that some people may ignore advice and still turn up.”
According to the Buttevant Heritage website, Cahirmee Fair is believed to have roots back in Ireland's prehistoric past, when Mee was a High King of Munster, and his royal seat was located just to the east of Buttevant.
The fair originally took place in the townland of Cahirmee, some three miles east of Buttevant, which is considered to be in the centre of Munster, and Napoleon’s famous charger Marengo is reputed to have been bought there.
But the fair moved into Buttevant town at the beginning of the 1920s as buyers and sellers felt threatened by the political turmoil of the time during both the War of Independence and the Civil War.
According to the Buttevant Heritage website, Irish Travellers are ardent supporters of the horse fair and crowds gathered to buy and sell horses, meet family and friends and have weddings around the fair.
Cllr Doyle said that he has already been in touch with gardaí, and he plans to make contact with the IFA, various horse organisations and Pavee Point in the coming days to try and dissuade people coming to Buttevant in July.
“There is no question people are concerned as social distancing will be impossible if large numbers of people do turn up for the fair. Locals do enjoy the fair but this year the circumstances are different.
“Hopefully, everyone involved will take the sensible option and stay away,” said Cllr Doyle, adding that if necessary gardaí may have to block all roads leading into the town on fair day.


theirishtimes--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Avoid visiting friends’ homes, de Gascun says ahead of lockdown easing

People should continue to avoid visiting friends ’ homes and only socialise in outdoor , public locations , the director of the national virus reference laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun said on Saturday .
From Monday , the State will begin the first stage of lifting the Covid-19 restrictions which have brought commercial and social life to a halt since March .
Under this first phase of re-opening the country , groups of four people may meet outdoors once they observe social distancing , according to Government guidelines .
However , Dr de Gascun urged people not to become complacent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that gathering in people ’ s gardens could lead to visitors using bathroom and kitchen facilities .
He also cautioned against using people ’ s glasses or cutlery when visiting friends .
“ If you ’ re handing me a beer that ’ s fine , it can go straight into the bin or you can leave it on the wall… but if you ’ re giving me utensils or delph from your house , I ’ m seeding the virus on it.
” People should avoid interactions over 15 minutes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one day , he said .
He also advised that people restrict their social interactions to a small circle of friends and family in the coming weeks .
Dr de Gascun said it was “ likely ” there would be an increase in cases following the lifting of restrictions due to people ’ s movement but that the full impact would not become clear for at least five days .
“ It ’ s going to be week two by the time we see what effect lifting restrictions has had .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period so we can analyse the first two weeks.
” “ The only way we can prevent people dying is by quenching virus activity in the community .
So the community really is where everything starts and that ’ s where we want people to stay at home and minimize their interactions because any increase in cases in the community will have a knock on effect to hospitalisation.
” Prof Gerry Killeen from UCC ’ s school of biological earth and environmental sciences , who has worked on malaria transmission control and methods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was “ absolutely ” too soon to be lifting restrictions and that they should remain in place until the end of the summer or early autumn .
International data indicates the death rate in Italy and New York is “ still the tip of the iceberg of what would happen if we just let this epidemic rip ” , he said .
Prof Killeen cautioned that while testing and treatment was a vital part of the response to the virus , it would not hold back the spread of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said it will continue to operate a revised timetable for bus , train and tram transport services from next Monday with extra capacity to be added across public transport as required .
All passengers are advised to wear face coverings when using public transport from next week following Government advice that people use facemasks in crowded indoor locations and when on public transportation as restrictions are lifted .
Asked why the wearing of masks on public transport had not been made compulsory , Dr de Gascun said certain people may have problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or allergies while others may need to see people ’ s mouths for lip reading .
Dr Holohan warned on Friday that “ we can not regard face coverings as some sort of magic shield .
.
.
It ’ s a supplement to the other measures we are recommending.
” “ This is an additional hygiene measure , it ’ s not a magic bullet for this disease , and that has to be understood.
” NTA chief executive Anne Graham urged people to only use public transport if their “ journey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycling or walking to their destination where feasible .
“ If public transport is their only option , they should follow public health guidance when travelling , ” Ms Graham said .
The NTA said any anticipated increase in passenger numbers would be “ closely monitored ” and that “ enhanced daily cleaning ” would continue to take place including the daily sanitising of frequently touched surfaces on board all vehicles and at depots and terminal points across the country .
Almost all buses , trains and trams are now receiving at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , a statement from the transport authority said .
The NTA said it would publish proposals “ shortly ” around the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government ’ s roadmap for reopening society and that any decisions would be guided by the National Public Health Emergency Team and advice from the chief medical officers .
The deaths of a further 16 people from Covid-19 were confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Friday night as well as an additional 129 cases .
There has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ descend on hardware stores and garden centres in large numbers ” once the rules are relaxed on Monday , resulting in a rise in rates of infection .
At a press conference in Government Buildings on Friday , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar – flanked by Minister for Health Simon Harris , Minister for Business Heather Humphreys and chief medical officer Tony Holohan – said it was a “ calculated evidence-based risk to ease the lockdown ” .
The first phase of the reopening of the country will see construction and other outdoor work permitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – but not homeware – shops allowed to open their doors .
Retailers expressed disappointment at the late exclusion of homeware stores but Mr Harris said “ now is not the time to decide I ’ m going to dicky up the house ” .
Dublin City Council has confirmed that from Monday , allotments , car parks associated with outdoor amenities , tennis courts and golf courses at Silloge and Tolka valley will re-open .
The causeway road to the Bull Island Nature Reserve will re-open to vehicles along with a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff at work across all service areas will increase .
Arrangements are also being made for people returning to work in construction , said the council .

NTA said any anticipated increase in passenger numbers would be ‘closely monitored’ and ‘enhanced daily cleaning’ would continue to take place. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
People should continue to avoid visiting friends’ homes and only socialise in outdoor, public locations, the director of the national virus reference laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun said on Saturday.
From Monday, the State will begin the first stage of lifting the Covid-19 restrictions which have brought commercial and social life to a halt since March.
Under this first phase of re-opening the country, groups of four people may meet outdoors once they observe social distancing, according to Government guidelines.
However, Dr de Gascun urged people not to become complacent about social distancing when meeting friends and warned that gathering in people’s gardens could lead to visitors using bathroom and kitchen facilities.
READ MORE
He also cautioned against using people’s glasses or cutlery when visiting friends.
“It’s just adding additional risk,” Dr De Gascún told RTÉ’s Saturday with Cormac Ó hEadra programme.
“If you’re handing me a beer that’s fine, it can go straight into the bin or you can leave it on the wall… but if you’re giving me utensils or delph from your house, I’m seeding the virus on it.”
People should avoid interactions over 15 minutes and not meet multiple groups of people in one day, he said. He also advised that people restrict their social interactions to a small circle of friends and family in the coming weeks.
Dr de Gascun said it was “likely” there would be an increase in cases following the lifting of restrictions due to people’s movement but that the full impact would not become clear for at least five days.
“It’s going to be week two by the time we see what effect lifting restrictions has had. That’s why we wanted a three week period so we can analyse the first two weeks.”
“The only way we can prevent people dying is by quenching virus activity in the community. So the community really is where everything starts and that’s where we want people to stay at home and minimize their interactions because any increase in cases in the community will have a knock on effect to hospitalisation.”
Prof Gerry Killeen from UCC’s school of biological earth and environmental sciences, who has worked on malaria transmission control and methods to combat the Zika virus, said it was “absolutely” too soon to be lifting restrictions and that they should remain in place until the end of the summer or early autumn.
International data indicates the death rate in Italy and New York is “still the tip of the iceberg of what would happen if we just let this epidemic rip”, he said.
Prof Killeen cautioned that while testing and treatment was a vital part of the response to the virus, it would not hold back the spread of the pandemic.
Public transport
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has said it will continue to operate a revised timetable for bus, train and tram transport services from next Monday with extra capacity to be added across public transport as required.
All passengers are advised to wear face coverings when using public transport from next week following Government advice that people use facemasks in crowded indoor locations and when on public transportation as restrictions are lifted.
Asked why the wearing of masks on public transport had not been made compulsory, Dr de Gascun said certain people may have problems wearing face coverings because of breathing difficulties or allergies while others may need to see people’s mouths for lip reading.
Dr Holohan warned on Friday that “we cannot regard face coverings as some sort of magic shield . . . It’s a supplement to the other measures we are recommending.”
“This is an additional hygiene measure, it’s not a magic bullet for this disease, and that has to be understood.”
NTA chief executive Anne Graham urged people to only use public transport if their “journey is essential” and to otherwise considering cycling or walking to their destination where feasible.
“If public transport is their only option, they should follow public health guidance when travelling,” Ms Graham said.
The NTA said any anticipated increase in passenger numbers would be “closely monitored” and that “enhanced daily cleaning” would continue to take place including the daily sanitising of frequently touched surfaces on board all vehicles and at depots and terminal points across the country.
Almost all buses, trains and trams are now receiving at least one additional cycle of cleaning during the day, a statement from the transport authority said.
The NTA said it would publish proposals “shortly” around the provision of enhanced public transport services in line with the Government’s roadmap for reopening society and that any decisions would be guided by the National Public Health Emergency Team and advice from the chief medical officers.
The deaths of a further 16 people from Covid-19 were confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Friday night as well as an additional 129 cases.
There has been anxiety in Government that people will “descend on hardware stores and garden centres in large numbers” once the rules are relaxed on Monday, resulting in a rise in rates of infection.
At a press conference in Government Buildings on Friday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar – flanked by Minister for Health Simon Harris, Minister for Business Heather Humphreys and chief medical officer Tony Holohan – said it was a “calculated evidence-based risk to ease the lockdown”.
The first phase of the reopening of the country will see construction and other outdoor work permitted, some retail outlets such as hardware – but not homeware – shops allowed to open their doors. Retailers expressed disappointment at the late exclusion of homeware stores but Mr Harris said “now is not the time to decide I’m going to dicky up the house”.
Dublin City Council has confirmed that from Monday, allotments, car parks associated with outdoor amenities, tennis courts and golf courses at Silloge and Tolka valley will re-open.
The causeway road to the Bull Island Nature Reserve will re-open to vehicles along with a new dedicate cycleway while the number of outdoor staff at work across all service areas will increase. Arrangements are also being made for people returning to work in construction, said the council.


theirishtimes--2020-05-17--Investigator pledges to work to find truth behind Dublin-Monaghan bombings

A former English chief constable who is also investigating the British army agent known as Stakeknife and the loyalist Glennane Gang has pledged to do all in his power to uncover the truth behind the Dublin-Monaghan bombings .
Jon Boutcher , ex head of Bedfordshire police , said on Sunday – the 46th anniversary of the UVF bombings – that his Operation Kenova team of officers , which is investigating Stakeknife and the Glennane Gang , was also inquiring into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of May 17th , 1974 .
“ This series of coordinated blasts killed 34 people going about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full term unborn child , an entire family and tore countless other families apart , ” said Mr Boutcher .
“ The events were cowardly and evil beyond comprehension – targeting innocent people as they went about their lawful business that Friday afternoon , ” he added .
While Sunday is the calendar anniversary of the bombings , for the first time the families were unable to hold their annual commemorations due to the Covid-19 lockdown .
Instead Fr Tom Clowe celebrated a special Mass in St Agnes ’ s Church in Crumlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families and others were able to view remotely .
The bombings are widely regarded to have been carried out by the Glennane Gang that operated in mid-Ulster , and is believed to have been involved in more than 120 murders , most of them carried out during the 1970s .
Its members comprised Ulster Volunteer Force members and also members of the RUC and British army , leading to allegations there was British state collusion in the Dublin-Monaghan attacks 46 years ago .
As the bombings happened in the Republic in strict jurisdictional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under Mr Boutcher ’ s remit .
However , he told The Irish Times he is investigating the killings on the basis many of the files relating to the bombings are in Northern Ireland and therefore come under his purview .
Moreover , he added , he is in regular contact with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris about his investigation and is liaising with the Dublin-Monaghan families .
He was due to meet them in Dublin next month , but that meeting was put back due to the coronavirus .
“ It is only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus at any of those people from that gang that may have been involved in the Dublin-Monaghan bombings , and also other offences committed in Dundalk and south of the Border , ” said Mr Boutcher .
“ In doing that I will be working with An Garda Síochána and Commissioner Drew Harris , as we already have been working together in relation to the investigation into the alleged agent Stakeknife , ” he added .
Freddie Scappaticci , known as Stakeknife , was one of the British army ’ s most senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been implicated in up to 50 alleged murders , particularly when he was head of the IRA ’ s internal security unit , the “ Nutting Squad ” that shot dead many alleged informers .
Mr Boutcher spoke about how he was hugely impressed with the Dublin-Monaghan families .
“ To listen to the heartbreaking stories of each of these remarkable families would make everyone realise that they deserve answers as to what happened ; who was responsible , who knew what , and all agencies and stakeholders with information disclosing what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There is no justification in you being prevented from knowing everything there is to know about what happened .
.
.
.
You are not forgotten , nor will you be , ” he promised .
Minister of Justice Charlie Flanagan , in marking the anniversary , said the Government was strongly “ committed to developing and establishing effective ways to address the legacy of the Troubles ” .
“ Dealing effectively with the legacy of the past will be one way to honour the memory of all those killed and injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including those victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings who are foremost in our thoughts today , ” said Mr Flanagan .

The Nassau Street bombing aftermath in Dublin, 1974. Three bombs exploded in Dublin and one in Monaghan in May 1974. Photograph: Pat Langan/The Irish Times
A former English chief constable who is also investigating the British army agent known as Stakeknife and the loyalist Glennane Gang has pledged to do all in his power to uncover the truth behind the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.
Jon Boutcher, ex head of Bedfordshire police, said on Sunday – the 46th anniversary of the UVF bombings – that his Operation Kenova team of officers, which is investigating Stakeknife and the Glennane Gang, was also inquiring into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of May 17th, 1974.
“This series of coordinated blasts killed 34 people going about their normal everyday lives – including a full term unborn child, an entire family and tore countless other families apart,” said Mr Boutcher.
“The events were cowardly and evil beyond comprehension – targeting innocent people as they went about their lawful business that Friday afternoon,” he added.
READ MORE
While Sunday is the calendar anniversary of the bombings, for the first time the families were unable to hold their annual commemorations due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Instead Fr Tom Clowe celebrated a special Mass in St Agnes's Church in Crumlin in Dublin on Saturday afternoon that the families and others were able to view remotely.
The bombings are widely regarded to have been carried out by the Glennane Gang that operated in mid-Ulster, and is believed to have been involved in more than 120 murders, most of them carried out during the 1970s.
Its members comprised Ulster Volunteer Force members and also members of the RUC and British army, leading to allegations there was British state collusion in the Dublin-Monaghan attacks 46 years ago.
As the bombings happened in the Republic in strict jurisdictional terms those killings don’t come under Mr Boutcher’s remit.
However, he told The Irish Times he is investigating the killings on the basis many of the files relating to the bombings are in Northern Ireland and therefore come under his purview.
Moreover, he added, he is in regular contact with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris about his investigation and is liaising with the Dublin-Monaghan families. He was due to meet them in Dublin next month, but that meeting was put back due to the coronavirus.
"It is only right that I will look with great focus at any of those people from that gang that may have been involved in the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and also other offences committed in Dundalk and south of the Border," said Mr Boutcher.
"In doing that I will be working with An Garda Síochána and Commissioner Drew Harris, as we already have been working together in relation to the investigation into the alleged agent Stakeknife," he added.
Freddie Scappaticci, known as Stakeknife, was one of the British army's most senior moles in the IRA. He may have been implicated in up to 50 alleged murders, particularly when he was head of the IRA's internal security unit, the "Nutting Squad" that shot dead many alleged informers.
Mr Boutcher spoke about how he was hugely impressed with the Dublin-Monaghan families. “To listen to the heartbreaking stories of each of these remarkable families would make everyone realise that they deserve answers as to what happened; who was responsible, who knew what, and all agencies and stakeholders with information disclosing what they hold,” he said.
“There is no justification in you being prevented from knowing everything there is to know about what happened. . . . You are not forgotten, nor will you be,” he promised.
Minister of Justice Charlie Flanagan, in marking the anniversary, said the Government was strongly "committed to developing and establishing effective ways to address the legacy of the Troubles".
“Dealing effectively with the legacy of the past will be one way to honour the memory of all those killed and injured in the dark days of the Troubles, including those victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings who are foremost in our thoughts today,” said Mr Flanagan.


theirishtimes--2020-05-17--Surrogacy legislation ‘urgently’ needed in Ireland, says campaigner

The Government should prioritise the legalisation of surrogacy in this country so couples who have struggled to have a baby no longer need to travel abroad to access the service , a leading international campaigner on surrogacy has said .
Sam Everingham , founder of the Growing Families charity , says the legal uncertainty around surrogacy in Ireland should be “ urgently addressed ” and called for assisted human reproduction legislation to be introduced .
His comments follow reports that dozens of babies born to surrogate mothers in the Ukraine were being cared for by nurses in hotels and hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country to collection them due to Covid-19 border restrictions .
Irish family law solicitor Annette Hickey confirmed none of the babies who appeared in Friday ’ s BBC report were Irish but said she was conscious that the images were “ horrifically upsetting ” for parents going through surrogacy .
A number of Irish families are currently trying to secure permission to enter Ukraine ahead of the birth of their child while around ten Irish couples have successfully travelled to the country during lockdown .
Mr Everingham , who lives in Australia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expects thousands of babies will be left in Ukraine without parents within six weeks if the international community does not negotiate clear travel measures to enable parents to collect their infant .
Mr Everingham , whose charity provides guidance to Irish families going through surrogacy , commended the Department of Foreign Affairs for the support it had offered couples trying to get to Ukraine during the pandemic for the birth of their child .
However , he warned that forcing couples to go abroad for surrogacy was “ no longer sustainable ” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrogacy , it ’ s probably the most popular destination for heterosexual couples in Ireland .
But Ukraine does not confer Ukrainian citizenship on these babies so they remain stateless until they have Irish citizenship .
“ The arrangements for doing surrogacy abroad are very tenuous and Covid has left these delicate arrangements open to many problems.
” In Ireland there is currently no legislation around human reproduction and under Irish law , the surrogate mother is considered the legal mother of the child .
The Government has approved the drafting of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to be passed in 2021 .
Sarah Jane Ryan from the National Infertility Support and Information Clinic ( NISIC ) hopes the recent media coverage around surrogacy during the pandemic will prompt the Government to push forward legislation in this area .
The recent reports from Ukraine have been “ extremely distressing ” for Irish families going through surrogacy , said Ms Ryan , adding that the charity has advised families with any worries about the process to contact their solicitor .
“ There ’ s a huge emotional impact with surrogacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this lightly ; it ’ s generally something they consider after they ’ ve had a pretty hard time in their journey to parenthood .
Surrogacy is complicated and you just wish it could be easier for them .
Now Covid has further complicated the process.
” Brian Egan and his wife Kathy travelled to Ukraine in May 2019 to meet their son Luke who was born to a surrogate mother .
After giving birth to her first son Harry , Kathy suffered seven miscarriages .
“ It ’ s not a situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Irish Times .
“ You plan to have a certain number of kids and life ’ s not like that .
It ’ s not a decision you take easily , it ’ s so uncertain.
” The Egans started to research surrogacy in Ukraine after they discovered the high cost of the process in the United States .
They say the clinic in Ukraine was extremely professional and that they are “ forever grateful ” to the team for baby Luke .
Mr Egan says he was relieved to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plate ” in supporting parents trying to get to Ukraine during the pandemic and urged policy makers to continue this support through the introduction of legislation .
One year on from Luke ’ s birth , Kathy is still not legally recognised as his mother .

The Government should prioritise the legalisation of surrogacy in this country so couples who have struggled to have a baby no longer need to travel abroad to access the service, a leading international campaigner on surrogacy has said.
Sam Everingham, founder of the Growing Families charity, says the legal uncertainty around surrogacy in Ireland should be "urgently addressed" and called for assisted human reproduction legislation to be introduced.
His comments follow reports that dozens of babies born to surrogate mothers in the Ukraine were being cared for by nurses in hotels and hospitals because their parents cannot enter the country to collection them due to Covid-19 border restrictions.
Irish family law solicitor Annette Hickey confirmed none of the babies who appeared in Friday’s BBC report were Irish but said she was conscious that the images were “horrifically upsetting” for parents going through surrogacy.
READ MORE
A number of Irish families are currently trying to secure permission to enter Ukraine ahead of the birth of their child while around ten Irish couples have successfully travelled to the country during lockdown.
Mr Everingham, who lives in Australia and has two daughters born via surrogacy, expects thousands of babies will be left in Ukraine without parents within six weeks if the international community does not negotiate clear travel measures to enable parents to collect their infant.
Mr Everingham, whose charity provides guidance to Irish families going through surrogacy, commended the Department of Foreign Affairs for the support it had offered couples trying to get to Ukraine during the pandemic for the birth of their child.
However, he warned that forcing couples to go abroad for surrogacy was “no longer sustainable”
“For Ireland, Ukraine is huge for surrogacy, it’s probably the most popular destination for heterosexual couples in Ireland.
But Ukraine does not confer Ukrainian citizenship on these babies so they remain stateless until they have Irish citizenship.
“The arrangements for doing surrogacy abroad are very tenuous and Covid has left these delicate arrangements open to many problems.”
In Ireland there is currently no legislation around human reproduction and under Irish law, the surrogate mother is considered the legal mother of the child. The Government has approved the drafting of a Bill on assisted human reproduction which is scheduled to be passed in 2021.
Sarah Jane Ryan from the National Infertility Support and Information Clinic (NISIC) hopes the recent media coverage around surrogacy during the pandemic will prompt the Government to push forward legislation in this area.
The recent reports from Ukraine have been “extremely distressing” for Irish families going through surrogacy, said Ms Ryan, adding that the charity has advised families with any worries about the process to contact their solicitor.
“There’s a huge emotional impact with surrogacy. Couples don’t embark on this lightly; it’s generally something they consider after they’ve had a pretty hard time in their journey to parenthood. Surrogacy is complicated and you just wish it could be easier for them. Now Covid has further complicated the process.”
Brian Egan and his wife Kathy travelled to Ukraine in May 2019 to meet their son Luke who was born to a surrogate mother. After giving birth to her first son Harry, Kathy suffered seven miscarriages.
“It’s not a situation anyone dreams of,” Mr Egan told The Irish Times. “You plan to have a certain number of kids and life’s not like that. It’s not a decision you take easily, it’s so uncertain.”
The Egans started to research surrogacy in Ukraine after they discovered the high cost of the process in the United States. They say the clinic in Ukraine was extremely professional and that they are "forever grateful" to the team for baby Luke.
Mr Egan says he was relieved to see the Irish Government "step up to the plate" in supporting parents trying to get to Ukraine during the pandemic and urged policy makers to continue this support through the introduction of legislation. One year on from Luke's birth, Kathy is still not legally recognised as his mother.


theirishtimes--2020-05-17--Coronavirus pandemic will expose bad governments, Robinson says

The coronavirus pandemic is going to expose bad governments in a very raw and very cruel way , the former president , Mary Robinson , has said .
The per-capita death rate in countries that are badly managing the crisis will show that “ government matters ” , she said on Sunday , when listing a number of lessons that could be be drawn from the pandemic .
She said we are also now learning that “ science matters ” , with society rightly listening to the health experts who are guiding government policy .
“ But we should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have been following them more rigorously up to now , and we must in the future.
” Society was also learning that “ human behaviour matters ” , with people ’ s willingness to act collectively in terms of social distancing and cocooning being an important element of the fight against the virus .
The crisis was also leading to an “ opening up of compassion and empathy ” with people being reminded of the need for solidarity and for caring about others .
The pandemic “ reminds us of our fragility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when being interviewed by Miriam O ’ Callaghan on RTÉ Radio 1 .
Ms Robinson , who is the chair of the global Elders group , founded by the late Nelson Mandela , said that as countries emerge from the lockdown period people must bear in mind the climate challenge .
“ I ’ m going to travel much less , there is no doubt about that , because I ’ ve become very adept at zooming .
I can be places with my voice and my face , my presence , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physically .
That ’ s a good thing.
” She said she had been flying too much prior to the crisis .
Earlier this year , she said , she was “ in a sort of despair ” because governments , including the Irish government , were not being ambitious enough in terms of reducing carbon emissions in line with what climate scientists have recommended .
Ms Robinson noted that female political leaders were performing well around the globe in terms of leading their governments in the context of the pandemic .

Former Irish president Mary Robinson said the crisis was leading to an ‘opening up of compassion and empathy’. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
The coronavirus pandemic is going to expose bad governments in a very raw and very cruel way, the former president, Mary Robinson, has said.
The per-capita death rate in countries that are badly managing the crisis will show that “government matters”, she said on Sunday, when listing a number of lessons that could be be drawn from the pandemic.
She said we are also now learning that “science matters”, with society rightly listening to the health experts who are guiding government policy.
“But we should have been listening to climate scientists, we should have been following them more rigorously up to now, and we must in the future.”
READ MORE
Society was also learning that “human behaviour matters”, with people’s willingness to act collectively in terms of social distancing and cocooning being an important element of the fight against the virus.
The crisis was also leading to an “opening up of compassion and empathy” with people being reminded of the need for solidarity and for caring about others.
The pandemic “reminds us of our fragility as humankind,” she said, when being interviewed by Miriam O’Callaghan on RTÉ Radio 1.
Ms Robinson, who is the chair of the global Elders group, founded by the late Nelson Mandela, said that as countries emerge from the lockdown period people must bear in mind the climate challenge.
“I’m going to travel much less, there is no doubt about that, because I’ve become very adept at zooming. I can be places with my voice and my face, my presence, I don’t have to be there physically. That’s a good thing.”
She said she had been flying too much prior to the crisis.
Earlier this year, she said, she was “in a sort of despair” because governments, including the Irish government, were not being ambitious enough in terms of reducing carbon emissions in line with what climate scientists have recommended.
Ms Robinson noted that female political leaders were performing well around the globe in terms of leading their governments in the context of the pandemic.


theirishtimes--2020-05-17--HSE says 98% of Covid-19 test results will be delivered within two days

The vast majority of Covid-19 testing and contact tracing will be completed within the target time of three days from tomorrow , according to HSE chief executive Paul Reid .
Last week , 80 per cent of tests were being completed from swabbing to completion of contact tracing within four days , against a target of 85 per cent within five days , he said .
From next week , the HSE expects to be able to complete “ end to end ” testing and contact tracing within three days in 90 per cent of cases , Mr Reid told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent of people tested for Covid-19 will get the result by text in two days or less , he said , as the process of informing people of negative results is automated .
The positivity rate has fallen to 2.4 per cent , down from a high of 24 per cent at an earlier stage of the pandemic , meaning no contact tracing is needed for the vast majority of people tested .
Mr Reid said on Sunday swabbing tests were now being scheduled “ practically always ” on the same day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was now geared up to provide 100,000 tests a week , in 41 labs in Ireland and Germany , according to Mr Reid , had an average turnaround time of two days or less .
With a limited reopening set to start on Monday Mr Reid urged the public to continue to “ stay safe ” and said everyone still had a collective duty of care through their actions to protect loved ones and healthcare workers .
He said the health service can go into next week and the easing of restrictions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The number of Covid-19 patients in ICU , at 54 , is 67 per cent compared to early April and there had been a “ significant downward climb ” in confirmed cases in hospital .
The HSE now wants to scale up non-Covid services but this would be happening in an “ unpredictable environment ” , he said .
In relation to the controversy over the reporting of cases by the Mater hospital , Mr Reid said the HSE has received a draft outline report on the issue .
Mr Reid said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met by the hospital , and that contact tracing there has been completed .
However , the information from the hospital that was submitted to the labs did not have full details - including full names of cases .
‘ ’ Therefore it did not allow the HSE to compile a complete correlation of the data at the appropriate time , ’ ’ Mr Reid said .
HSE chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry has sought assurances from all hospitals that the data submitted to labs is complete .
Currently , the HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day .
Chief operations officer Anne O ’ Connor said a testing sweep in nursing homes and mental health units has been completed .

The vast majority of Covid-19 testing and contact tracing will be completed within the target time of three days from tomorrow, according to HSE chief executive Paul Reid. Video: RTÉ
The vast majority of Covid-19 testing and contact tracing will be completed within the target time of three days from tomorrow, according to HSE chief executive Paul Reid.
Last week, 80 per cent of tests were being completed from swabbing to completion of contact tracing within four days, against a target of 85 per cent within five days, he said.
From next week, the HSE expects to be able to complete “end to end” testing and contact tracing within three days in 90 per cent of cases, Mr Reid told the weekly HSE briefing.
Almost 98 per cent of people tested for Covid-19 will get the result by text in two days or less, he said, as the process of informing people of negative results is automated.
READ MORE
The positivity rate has fallen to 2.4 per cent, down from a high of 24 per cent at an earlier stage of the pandemic, meaning no contact tracing is needed for the vast majority of people tested.
Mr Reid said on Sunday swabbing tests were now being scheduled “practically always” on the same day as they were sought.
The system was now geared up to provide 100,000 tests a week, in 41 labs in Ireland and Germany, according to Mr Reid, had an average turnaround time of two days or less.
With a limited reopening set to start on Monday Mr Reid urged the public to continue to “stay safe” and said everyone still had a collective duty of care through their actions to protect loved ones and healthcare workers.
He said the health service can go into next week and the easing of restrictions with “a level of confidence”. The number of Covid-19 patients in ICU, at 54, is 67 per cent compared to early April and there had been a “significant downward climb” in confirmed cases in hospital.
The HSE now wants to scale up non-Covid services but this would be happening in an “unpredictable environment”, he said.
In relation to the controversy over the reporting of cases by the Mater hospital, Mr Reid said the HSE has received a draft outline report on the issue.
Mr Reid said the legal requirement to report data had been met by the hospital, and that contact tracing there has been completed.
However, the information from the hospital that was submitted to the labs did not have full details - including full names of cases.
‘’Therefore it did not allow the HSE to compile a complete correlation of the data at the appropriate time,’’ Mr Reid said.
HSE chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry has sought assurances from all hospitals that the data submitted to labs is complete.
Currently, the HSE is performing an average of 4,000 tests per day. Chief operations officer Anne O’Connor said a testing sweep in nursing homes and mental health units has been completed.


theirishtimes--2020-05-17--Reopening preparations under way as Harris warns of action if firms open illegally

Some businesses and employers are preparing for the partial easing tomorrow of restrictions on commercial and social activity that have been in force for two months to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland .
Hardware shops , garden centres , garages and bicycle-repair shops are among the premises reopening from Monday in the first phase of easing restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
Last night it emerged that another 15 people had died from Covid-19 in the Republic , bringing the death toll to 1,533 .
However , the number of new reported cases was below 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , suggesting the restrictions are succeeding in curbing the spread of the virus .
Public transport services will continue to operate a revised timetable for bus , train and tram , and social distancing rules will remain in place .
However , the National Transport Authority has urged people to only use public transport if their “ journey is essential ” and to cycle or walk to their destination where feasible .
All passengers are advised to wear face coverings when using public transport from Monday , following Government advice that people use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Health Simon Harris said updated regulations listing those business that can and can not reopen from tomorrow would be signed over the weekend .
He said these meant it would be illegal for businesses to open unless they have permission to do so .
“ We do have a list of who can and who can ’ t open .
People have been really compliant , but technically there will be legal mechanism if businesses open when they should be closed , ” he said on Saturday .
Mr Harris acknowledged there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in some locations , such as hardware shops that sell homeware , even though homeware stores are not among the outlets allowed to reopen .
He advised shop owners not to open up unless they were sure they were able to comply with new regulations .
“ It is worth taking your time to make sure your business is ready .
If it takes a couple of days , it is worth taking those days , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t want a situation where businesses open and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t comply with public health guidance.
” Mr Harris also warned against complacency and said it was important people “ do not get ahead of the plan .
If we get into that mindset , we will end up in a very dangerous place ” .
He advised the public , in phase one , to keep to meeting people who are not from their households outdoors and to continue to observe social distancing .
Hospital admissions and admissions to intensive care due to Covid-19 have also continued to fall .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easing of restrictions was likely lead to some increase in cases and Mr Harris said the next three weeks would be crucial in determining whether restrictions could continue to be eased .
Dr Cillian de Gascun , director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory , said the fact that case numbers and the reproductive rate of the virus had been pushed so low gave much-needed wriggle room to deal with an increase .
Dr de Gascun also explained the wearing of masks on public transport had not been made compulsory .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings because of breathing difficulties or allergies while others may need to see people ’ s mouths for lip reading .
Regarding the advice around meeting other people from outside the home Dr de Gascun said people could meet up to four people once social-distancing rules were maintained , but he said interactions should be restricted to a small number of friends and family for at least the next three weeks .
This means people can add up to four others to their family group but should not meet with a succession of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups .

Staff at Woodies in Carrickmines, Dublin are seen preparing for the reopening of the store on Monday. Photograph: Laura Hutton/The Irish Times
Some businesses and employers are preparing for the partial easing tomorrow of restrictions on commercial and social activity that have been in force for two months to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Ireland.
Hardware shops, garden centres, garages and bicycle-repair shops are among the premises reopening from Monday in the first phase of easing restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last night it emerged that another 15 people had died from Covid-19 in the Republic, bringing the death toll to 1,533. However, the number of new reported cases was below 100 for the first time in two months, suggesting the restrictions are succeeding in curbing the spread of the virus.
Customer notices are seen in Woodies in Carrickmines, Dublin ahead of the reopening of the store tomorrow. Photograph: Laura Hutton/The Irish Times
Public transport services will continue to operate a revised timetable for bus, train and tram, and social distancing rules will remain in place.
READ MORE
However, the National Transport Authority has urged people to only use public transport if their “journey is essential” and to cycle or walk to their destination where feasible.
All passengers are advised to wear face coverings when using public transport from Monday, following Government advice that people use facemasks in crowded indoor locations.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said updated regulations listing those business that can and cannot reopen from tomorrow would be signed over the weekend.
He said these meant it would be illegal for businesses to open unless they have permission to do so.
“We do have a list of who can and who can’t open. People have been really compliant, but technically there will be legal mechanism if businesses open when they should be closed,” he said on Saturday.
Mr Harris acknowledged there will be always be “grey areas” in some locations, such as hardware shops that sell homeware, even though homeware stores are not among the outlets allowed to reopen.
He advised shop owners not to open up unless they were sure they were able to comply with new regulations.
“It is worth taking your time to make sure your business is ready. If it takes a couple of days, it is worth taking those days,” he said.
“We don’t want a situation where businesses open and then have to close because they don’t comply with public health guidance.”
Mr Harris also warned against complacency and said it was important people “do not get ahead of the plan. If we get into that mindset, we will end up in a very dangerous place”.
He advised the public, in phase one, to keep to meeting people who are not from their households outdoors and to continue to observe social distancing.
Hospital admissions and admissions to intensive care due to Covid-19 have also continued to fall.
However, health experts have warned that the easing of restrictions was likely lead to some increase in cases and Mr Harris said the next three weeks would be crucial in determining whether restrictions could continue to be eased.
Dr Cillian de Gascun, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, said the fact that case numbers and the reproductive rate of the virus had been pushed so low gave much-needed wriggle room to deal with an increase.
Dr de Gascun also explained the wearing of masks on public transport had not been made compulsory. He said some people may have problems wearing face coverings because of breathing difficulties or allergies while others may need to see people’s mouths for lip reading.
Regarding the advice around meeting other people from outside the home Dr de Gascun said people could meet up to four people once social-distancing rules were maintained, but he said interactions should be restricted to a small number of friends and family for at least the next three weeks.
This means people can add up to four others to their family group but should not meet with a succession of different people, even if within small groups.


theirishtimes--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: 15 new deaths reported in the Republic


theirishtimes--2020-05-19--Joy unconfined amid lockdown easing as golfers get back in the swing of things

Since early morning , they have been out on the course .
Their outlines dot the landscape , silhouetted against the grey of Lough Swilly and the clouds gathering above ; there is nothing but sea , sky and golfers – each with a clear two metres between them .
The anticipation at North West Golf Club in Lisfannon , Co Donegal , has been evident since Saturday , when members arrived to pay their year ’ s fees .
“ The buzz about the place was great , ” says club captain Paul O ’ Hea .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting .
It was amazing.
” Golf courses reopened yesterday , under strict social distancing guidelines , part of the first easing of the lockdown imposed two months ago to limit the spread of coronavirus .
Out on the course , the golfers ’ joy is palpable .
“ I ’ m bursting with excitement at being back , ” admits Joe McGinley from nearby Buncrana .
A golfer for 40 years , this is the longest he ’ s ever been away from the game .
“ I love my golf , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me –out with my male mates , in the fresh air , there ’ s a bit of banter , and you ’ re keeping mentally and physically well , ” he explains .
Lockdown had been a strain on family life : “ I was about the house a lot more .
My wife ’ s glad to see me going out again.
” “ Just to get out on the course again and to be out in the fresh air is fantastic , ” says Gerard Kelly , who is playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s brilliant , just great to get out , ” adds Bosco .
“ I ’ ve been having to dig the garden , paint the fence .
I had to escape.
” John Spence agrees .
“ It ’ s been a long couple of months .
It ’ s so good to be out , even the bad shots , you don ’ t mind them.
” Playing alongside him is Dermot Fullerton .
“ There ’ s also a lot of catching up to do .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14th.
” Others are of the same mind .
“ It ’ s the busiest we ’ ve ever been on a Monday , ” says O ’ Hea .
Advance booking is just one of the measures introduced to comply with social distancing regulations .
Golfers must arrive no more than 15 minutes ahead of their tee time ; they check in at the shop and then go straight to the course ; the clubhouse remains closed .
Tee times have been changed , to limit the numbers on the course at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erected to remind people to observe social distancing , and a special device – a putt buddy – has been installed at every hole to allow hands-free removal of the ball .
As with all outdoor exercise , the 5km limit still applies , though the Golfing Union of Ireland ( GUI ) has said its members will not police this .
“ Could I go out there and say , ‘ you got past the guards , but I want you to go home ?
’ , ” asks O ’ Hea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a pity that this issue has been created .
Garden centres are open .
Are people going to be asked if they travelled 5k to garden centres ?
” Roughly 50 per cent of the club ’ s membership is from the North ; the 5k restriction can not be enforced against them .
Charlie Kelly , from Derry , was stopped at a Garda checkpoint on his way to pay his fees on Saturday .
“ They asked me where I was going , and they said I was from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it.
” O ’ Hea is also from Derry , though as captain he has decided he should not play until the 5k restriction is relaxed .
“ I am jealous , but I don ’ t begrudge them getting out .
I ’ ll wait until the 8th [ of June ] .
” While the Government schemes have helped , O ’ Hea estimates the club has lost around € 60,000 in revenue .
Much of this will be impossible to recoup , as will the missed opportunities and cancelled plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the priority ; one of the club ’ s officials lost two members of their family to coronavirus .
Yet as the club reopens , there is also a sense of hope .
New members have joined ; among them Justin MacLochlainn .
“ I haven ’ t played golf in six years but I was cracking up indoors .
This is good for your mental health .
At least out here you can pass someone and say hello .
”

Three brothers, (from left) Bosco, Gerard and Charlie Kelly from Derry tee off on the 12th hole at North West GC, Lisfannon, Co Donegal. Photograph: Joe Dunne
Since early morning, they have been out on the course. Their outlines dot the landscape, silhouetted against the grey of Lough Swilly and the clouds gathering above; there is nothing but sea, sky and golfers – each with a clear two metres between them.
The anticipation at North West Golf Club in Lisfannon, Co Donegal, has been evident since Saturday, when members arrived to pay their year's fees.
“The buzz about the place was great,” says club captain Paul O’Hea. “It was like Christmas Eve, with everybody waiting. It was amazing.”
Golf courses reopened yesterday, under strict social distancing guidelines, part of the first easing of the lockdown imposed two months ago to limit the spread of coronavirus. Out on the course, the golfers’ joy is palpable.
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"I'm bursting with excitement at being back," admits Joe McGinley from nearby Buncrana. A golfer for 40 years, this is the longest he's ever been away from the game.
“I love my golf, and it’s precious time for me –out with my male mates, in the fresh air, there’s a bit of banter, and you’re keeping mentally and physically well,” he explains.
Lockdown had been a strain on family life: “I was about the house a lot more. My wife’s glad to see me going out again.”
"Just to get out on the course again and to be out in the fresh air is fantastic," says Gerard Kelly, who is playing with his brothers Bosco and Charlie. "It's brilliant, just great to get out," adds Bosco. "I've been having to dig the garden, paint the fence. I had to escape."
John Spence agrees. "It's been a long couple of months. It's so good to be out, even the bad shots, you don't mind them."
Playing alongside him is Dermot Fullerton. "There's also a lot of catching up to do. The last time I saw him was March 14th."
Others are of the same mind.
“It’s the busiest we’ve ever been on a Monday,” says O’Hea.
Advance booking is just one of the measures introduced to comply with social distancing regulations. Golfers must arrive no more than 15 minutes ahead of their tee time; they check in at the shop and then go straight to the course; the clubhouse remains closed.
Tee times have been changed, to limit the numbers on the course at any one time; signs have been erected to remind people to observe social distancing, and a special device – a putt buddy – has been installed at every hole to allow hands-free removal of the ball.
As with all outdoor exercise, the 5km limit still applies, though the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) has said its members will not police this.
“Could I go out there and say, ‘you got past the guards, but I want you to go home?’,” asks O’Hea.
Garden centres
“In a way it’s a pity that this issue has been created. Garden centres are open. Are people going to be asked if they travelled 5k to garden centres?”
Roughly 50 per cent of the club’s membership is from the North; the 5k restriction cannot be enforced against them.
Charlie Kelly, from Derry, was stopped at a Garda checkpoint on his way to pay his fees on Saturday.
“They asked me where I was going, and they said I was from the North so they could do nothing about it.”
O’Hea is also from Derry, though as captain he has decided he should not play until the 5k restriction is relaxed.
“I am jealous, but I don’t begrudge them getting out. I’ll wait until the 8th [of June].”
While the Government schemes have helped, O’Hea estimates the club has lost around € 60,000 in revenue. Much of this will be impossible to recoup, as will the missed opportunities and cancelled plans, though he emphasises that this is not the priority; one of the club’s officials lost two members of their family to coronavirus.
Yet as the club reopens, there is also a sense of hope. New members have joined; among them Justin MacLochlainn. “I haven’t played golf in six years but I was cracking up indoors. This is good for your mental health. At least out here you can pass someone and say hello.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-19--No big jump in traffic as Phoenix Park reopens its carparks

Car parks in Dublin ’ s Phoenix Park reopened on Monday morning , but drivers appeared cautious about taking advantage of the facilities .
Cars were never banned from the park – the gates at Castleknock and Parkgate Street remained open to traffic throughout the pandemic – but since the end of March drivers could only use this route as a throughway , and were prohibited from parking .
Four car parks have now been reopened : at the Papal Cross , the camogie grounds , the football club , and Upper Glen Road .
The Visitor Centre car park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and parking is banned on Chesterfield Avenue , with the hard shoulder reserved for cyclists .
All gates , except the Castleknock and Parkgate Street entrances , remain shut , and parking is only permitted in the designated car parks .
While the drizzly weather may have been a factor in dampening drivers ’ enthusiasm , the relatively small numbers who did use the car parks on Monday morning were certainly not gung-ho about their return .
“ I ’ m nervous about it , ” said a Glasnevin resident who brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seven to the park .
“ There ’ s a lot of space here , and I want them to be able to run around without being on top of people , particularly old people , but if it gets much busier I ’ d be reluctant to come back.
” Another woman who had driven to the park to meet her daughter and grandson said she was glad the weather was poor .
“ If it was sunny there ’ d be 10 times as many people here .
And then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both get out of the cars at the same time , where is the distancing ?
Apart from today , I ’ m staying in.
” Elaine Walsh , who drove her son Sam ( 5 ) to the park to meet a friend , said she did think there should be some parking facilities , but would not like to see a return to widespread parking .
“ I would love to see traffic restricted .
The park has been beautiful in recent times without traffic and shows what it could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drive into a car park not too far from an entrance is really handy with a small child and bicycles or scooters , and elderly people like my parents would find it harder to walk in from outside.
” Sisters Gerardine Maguire and Bernie McCarthy had driven to Dublin from Wexford to take Ms Maguire ’ s husband for chemotherapy treatment , and were stopping off in the park for a picnic while they waited .
“ It ’ s absolutely fabulous with the deer and the ducks , ” Ms McCarthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve seen today , they should keep a small number of car parks open that you can access off the main road , but pedestrianise the rest.
” Dennis Connolly , who was cycling , said he was disappointed the cars were back on the park ’ s perimeter roads .
“ It ’ s been a joy to see children out on their bikes with no dangers around them .
Obviously we need to have access for cars to places like the zoo , but maybe the side roads could be kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online petition , set up on Thursday night , calling for the end of the use the park as a throughway for motorists .
However , the Office of Public Works said , on the advice of gardaí , Chesterfield Avenue was being kept open for emergency services , essential workers and access for workers within the park .
Local communities have previously opposed the closure of the park to commuters , as they say it would increase traffic in residential areas .

‘The park has been beautiful in recent times without traffic and shows what it could be like.’ Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
Car parks in Dublin's Phoenix Park reopened on Monday morning, but drivers appeared cautious about taking advantage of the facilities.
Cars were never banned from the park – the gates at Castleknock and Parkgate Street remained open to traffic throughout the pandemic – but since the end of March drivers could only use this route as a throughway, and were prohibited from parking.
Four car parks have now been reopened: at the Papal Cross, the camogie grounds, the football club, and Upper Glen Road. The Visitor Centre car park is open to “cocooners” only, and parking is banned on Chesterfield Avenue, with the hard shoulder reserved for cyclists. All gates, except the Castleknock and Parkgate Street entrances, remain shut, and parking is only permitted in the designated car parks.
While the drizzly weather may have been a factor in dampening drivers’ enthusiasm, the relatively small numbers who did use the car parks on Monday morning were certainly not gung-ho about their return.
READ MORE
“I’m nervous about it,” said a Glasnevin resident who brought her three boys aged two, five and seven to the park. “There’s a lot of space here, and I want them to be able to run around without being on top of people, particularly old people, but if it gets much busier I’d be reluctant to come back.”
Weather
Another woman who had driven to the park to meet her daughter and grandson said she was glad the weather was poor. “If it was sunny there’d be 10 times as many people here. And then if someone parks beside me and we both get out of the cars at the same time, where is the distancing? Apart from today, I’m staying in.”
Obviously we need to have access for cars to places like the zoo, but maybe the side roads could be kept car-free
Elaine Walsh, who drove her son Sam (5) to the park to meet a friend, said she did think there should be some parking facilities, but would not like to see a return to widespread parking.
“I would love to see traffic restricted. The park has been beautiful in recent times without traffic and shows what it could be like. However, to be able to drive into a car park not too far from an entrance is really handy with a small child and bicycles or scooters, and elderly people like my parents would find it harder to walk in from outside.”
Picnic
Sisters Gerardine Maguire and Bernie McCarthy had driven to Dublin from Wexford to take Ms Maguire’s husband for chemotherapy treatment, and were stopping off in the park for a picnic while they waited.
“It’s absolutely fabulous with the deer and the ducks,” Ms McCarthy said. “From what I’ve seen today, they should keep a small number of car parks open that you can access off the main road, but pedestrianise the rest.”
Dennis Connolly, who was cycling, said he was disappointed the cars were back on the park’s perimeter roads.
“It’s been a joy to see children out on their bikes with no dangers around them. Obviously we need to have access for cars to places like the zoo, but maybe the side roads could be kept car-free.”
Thousands of people signed an online petition, set up on Thursday night, calling for the end of the use the park as a throughway for motorists.
However, the Office of Public Works said, on the advice of gardaí, Chesterfield Avenue was being kept open for emergency services, essential workers and access for workers within the park.
Local communities have previously opposed the closure of the park to commuters, as they say it would increase traffic in residential areas.


theirishtimes--2020-05-19--Trade ‘brisk but manageable’ as DIY shops, garden centres reopen

Long queues formed outside some hardware shops and garden centres on Monday morning as an easing of restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19 meant thousands of retail outlets in specific categories were able to reopen for the first time in seven weeks .
Retail Ireland , the Ibec group that represents thousands of shop owners , said the first phase of the reopening of Irish retail had “ gone very well , with stores successfully implementing social-distancing requirements ” .
The umbrella group ’ s director , Arnold Dillon , said its members had been reporting “ brisk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there had been “ sizeable queues in places , but these are being well managed and customers have been understanding and co-operative ” .
“ Everyone wants to get this right , ” he said .
Although the reopening timetable , as it has been outlined by the Government , will leave many retailers closed until much later in the summer , Mr Dillon expressed hope that if public health objectives could be met , “ the timeline for the safe reopening of the entire sector can be brought forward ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ centres around the country varied wildly , and although many shops were relatively quiet yesterday morning , shoppers outside other DIY shops had to stand in line for more than an hour before being granted admission .
There were no reports of any issues or significant breaches of social-distancing rules in those queues .
Fears that the first easing of Covid-19 restrictions would lead to chaotic scenes outside some shops did not materialise , although data from transport authorities pointed to a significant increase in movement compared with a week previously .
Vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed increases of up to 38 per cent in the morning rush , with vehicle numbers increasing more then 25 per cent across most roads .
Transport Infrastructure Ireland said Monday ’ s traffic volume was “ significantly higher ” than in recent weeks but noted car numbers were still down by 49-68 per cent compared with this time last year .
Woodies has resumed trading at all 35 of its shops , with some local managers deciding to open shortly after 7am , a full two hours ahead of schedule , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief executive Declan Ronayne said yesterday felt “ like the right time to reopen and he suggested that DIY and gardening had “ an important role to play in the mental health for most of us who remain largely confined to our homes and gardens ” .
Mr Ronayne stressed that its supply chain was strong and he urged people not to “ rush to your local store or to bulk buy .
In that way we can ensure the safest possible DIY shopping environment for everyone .
”

Long queues formed outside some hardware shops and garden centres on Monday morning as an easing of restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19 meant thousands of retail outlets in specific categories were able to reopen for the first time in seven weeks.
Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents thousands of shop owners, said the first phase of the reopening of Irish retail had "gone very well, with stores successfully implementing social-distancing requirements".
The umbrella group's director, Arnold Dillon, said its members had been reporting "brisk but manageable trade" and he added that there had been "sizeable queues in places, but these are being well managed and customers have been understanding and co-operative".
“Everyone wants to get this right,” he said.
READ MORE
Although the reopening timetable, as it has been outlined by the Government, will leave many retailers closed until much later in the summer, Mr Dillon expressed hope that if public health objectives could be met, “the timeline for the safe reopening of the entire sector can be brought forward”.
The experience outside hardware shops and garden centres around the country varied wildly, and although many shops were relatively quiet yesterday morning, shoppers outside other DIY shops had to stand in line for more than an hour before being granted admission. There were no reports of any issues or significant breaches of social-distancing rules in those queues.
Traffic increase
Fears that the first easing of Covid-19 restrictions would lead to chaotic scenes outside some shops did not materialise, although data from transport authorities pointed to a significant increase in movement compared with a week previously.
Vehicle counters along key national routes and motorways showed increases of up to 38 per cent in the morning rush, with vehicle numbers increasing more then 25 per cent across most roads.
Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Treasa Dunne shopping in Woodies, Bray, Co Wicklow. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Transport Infrastructure Ireland said Monday’s traffic volume was “significantly higher” than in recent weeks but noted car numbers were still down by 49-68 per cent compared with this time last year.
Woodies has resumed trading at all 35 of its shops, with some local managers deciding to open shortly after 7am, a full two hours ahead of schedule, as queues had already started to form.
Chief executive Declan Ronayne said yesterday felt "like the right time to reopen and he suggested that DIY and gardening had "an important role to play in the mental health for most of us who remain largely confined to our homes and gardens".
Mr Ronayne stressed that its supply chain was strong and he urged people not to “rush to your local store or to bulk buy. In that way we can ensure the safest possible DIY shopping environment for everyone.”