theirishtimes--2020-05-04--Covid-19: Support group call for an end to the use of term ‘next of kin’

The misunderstood term “ next of kin ” should cease being used in a health and social care setting , especially in the context of the Covid-19 crisis , according to a patient support group .
Sage Advocacy , a support and advocacy service for vulnerable adults , older people and healthcare patients , said people should be encouraged to designate who they want as emergency and healthcare contacts , but that the misunderstood term next of kin , should not be used .
Many people believe that being nominated as a “ next of kin ” confers an increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare decisions , or even a patient ’ s assets , whereas really all it means is that the person is a point of contact , said Mervyn Taylor , executive director of Sage .
He said the group sometimes sees cases with families where there are divisions , or tensions , that some parties try to be declared next of kin , because of the false belief that it confers additional powers .
He said the misunderstandings associated with the term can also be shared by healthcare professionals .
Mr Taylor encouraged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to designate an emergency contact , and also to inform healthcare staff who they would like information about their condition to be shared with .
Often these are the same people , but sometimes they are not .
“ During this national public health emergency it is important that the care of patients is not compromised , or the time of healthcare staff wasted , by unnecessary disputes about ‘ next of kin ’ .
“ Most of these disputes arise because there is a widespread belief that being a next of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to healthcare decisions , or control of finances , in the event that a person loses the capacity to make decisions for themselves , ” he said .
However , the phrase has no legal standing and is simply someone to be contacted in an emergency .
Continued use of the term is giving rise to concerns about safeguarding of vulnerable adults , often linked to divisions within families , he said .
A recent poll commissioned by Sage found that 57 per cent of respondents wrongly understood that if they lacked decision-making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ could make healthcare decisions for them .
Almost a third believed a next of kin was entitled to access a person ’ s bank account and assets .
He said the HSE had a very good consent policy which makes clear what the role of a patient ’ s doctors and a patient ’ s family are , in the context of making medical decisions .
However , there are healthcare professionals that believe that the phrase next of kin confers powers to the nominated person , when in fact that is @ @ @ @

“During this national public health emergency it is important that the care of patients is not compromised, or the time of healthcare staff wasted, by unnecessary disputes about ‘next of kin’.” File photograph: Getty
The misunderstood term “next of kin” should cease being used in a health and social care setting, especially in the context of the Covid-19 crisis, according to a patient support group.
Sage Advocacy, a support and advocacy service for vulnerable adults, older people and healthcare patients, said people should be encouraged to designate who they want as emergency and healthcare contacts, but that the misunderstood term next of kin, should not be used.
Many people believe that being nominated as a "next of kin" confers an increased role for that person in terms of healthcare decisions, or even a patient's assets, whereas really all it means is that the person is a point of contact, said Mervyn Taylor, executive director of Sage.
He said the group sometimes sees cases with families where there are divisions, or tensions, that some parties try to be declared next of kin, because of the false belief that it confers additional powers.
READ MORE
He said the misunderstandings associated with the term can also be shared by healthcare professionals.
Mr Taylor encouraged people, particularly those who are vulnerable, to designate an emergency contact, and also to inform healthcare staff who they would like information about their condition to be shared with. Often these are the same people, but sometimes they are not.
Sage Advocacy, a support and advocacy service for vulnerable adults, older people and healthcare patients, said people should be encouraged to designate who they want as emergency and healthcare contacts. File photograph: Getty
“During this national public health emergency it is important that the care of patients is not compromised, or the time of healthcare staff wasted, by unnecessary disputes about ‘next of kin’.
“Most of these disputes arise because there is a widespread belief that being a next of kin confers decision making authority with regard to healthcare decisions, or control of finances, in the event that a person loses the capacity to make decisions for themselves,” he said.
However, the phrase has no legal standing and is simply someone to be contacted in an emergency.
Continued use of the term is giving rise to concerns about safeguarding of vulnerable adults, often linked to divisions within families, he said.
A recent poll commissioned by Sage found that 57 per cent of respondents wrongly understood that if they lacked decision-making capacity, a ‘next of kin’ could make healthcare decisions for them. Almost a third believed a next of kin was entitled to access a person’s bank account and assets.
He said the HSE had a very good consent policy which makes clear what the role of a patient’s doctors and a patient’s family are, in the context of making medical decisions. However, there are healthcare professionals that believe that the phrase next of kin confers powers to the nominated person, when in fact that is not the case.


theirishtimes--2020-05-04--How to learn a language in lockdown

How to learn a language in lockdown

Life in lockdown ?
I had an early taste of it in the summer of 2016 .
After finishing college for the year , I found myself at home with a gap in my schedule and a need to maintain my own sanity .
A language learning site had a 50 per cent sale , so , obviously , I decided to learn Greek .
And yet , more than teaching me about Plato ’ s cave or Alectryon turning into a rooster , I ended up intrigued at how much it schooled me about Irish , and how you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a class –or even be in a country – to learn a language .
I have a good level of Irish , despite never attending a Gaeltacht , Gaelscoil , getting grinds or studying it in college ; nor could my parents converse in the language .
Seeing that learning Irish is back on many of your bucket lists , after running through the mill of language pedagogy , mostly on the “ cheap ” and “ free ” end , I feel I have lessons to save you the hassle .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main method was been a mix of Rosetta Stone ( a paid language app ) , conversations with Greek friends online , watching some Greek Spongebob , reading a Mr Men book , some Skype tutorials included in my subscription , as well as a few trips to Greece for a film festival .
So , what are my key takeaways ?
After winning a raffle to represent my film camp at a youth media festival called Camera Zizanio at 16 , I fell headfirst into the rich world of Greek culture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that followed , and this gave me an urge to learn the intricate language – and be able to read its road signs after getting lost in the small town of Pyrgos on too many occasions .
Compared to earlier encounters , it was here I realised that language learning lives and dies upon the altar of motivation .
At school , languages seem to be taught in a pressure cooker , with the impetus being to pass an exam .
For Greek , it was different .
The idea of being able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference to my learning .
In writing this article , I spoke to Darach Ó Séaghdha , author of Motherfoclóir .
His book , Twitter and podcast look at snippets of Irish words , in what is usually an irreverent swipe .
“ The big thing is small achievable goals , ” he says .
“ It might be as simple as going to an ATM and using the Irish language service.
” 2 .
Be confident with your mediocrity or you ’ ll never get better There is a New Yorker cartoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your expertise with my confidence ” The special ingredient , it seems , is having the courage to look stupid .
The next time I met a speaker , I caught them off-guard with a cheery “ how are things ?
” in my best Greek and , naturally , got a big laugh for my pronunciation .
Yet , these awkward moments are where you learn the most .
They are even something to be proud of .
Well , maybe .
Ó Séaghdha adds : “ Once you ’ re in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t the end of the world – that ’ s when you start properly learning.
” On my next trip to Pyrgos , I got soaked in the rain and walked into a taverna where the waiting staff could not speak English .
So , I said , in my faltering Greek : “ My shoes are wet , do you have any old newspaper ?
” To my astonishment , it worked .
The staff were impressed , and also likely welcomed the free entertainment .
These innocuous interactions made months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long remember them where the people in question probably do not .
I do appreciate that in the current climate , this may not be an option .
I was an attendee at the first pop-up Gaeltacht in 2016 .
What began as an idea for Dublin ’ s Gaelgóirí to go for drinks on a Thursday night , turned into an open source idea used all over the world – and even in other languages including Manx , Scots Gaelic and Cornish .
It seemed to capture a zeitgeist of a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urban and connected through social media .
The pop-up Gaeltachtaí have been put on hold for the foreseeable future , but that ’ s not to stop it from moving into the cibear-Gaeltacht .
For the purposes of this article , I hosted an online pop-up Gaeltacht , helped along with a newfound adeptness in video conferencing .
Seven of us dialled in from a range of locations – Laois to Limerick , London , and Belfast .
I was unsure how people would react , pencilling in just 15 minutes for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up staying for over an hour .
Success !
There are certainly kinks to be smoothed out ; nonetheless , it has potential .
Besides transcending the need to share a physical space , online pop-up Gaeltachtaí have advantages that I overlooked .
Some callers remarked they hadn ’ t been able to attend pub-based pop-ups due to work or childcare , so this could be a new way to learn .
If you would like to do some passive learning , “ like ” or “ follow ” some of the gamut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly conquer your newsfeed .
These include TG4 ’ s youth channel Bloc , as well as RTÉ ’ s Beo ar Éigean podcast .
BBC ’ s Faduda is particularly good for learners , with a range of 60-second vlogs from Irish speakers around the world .
Musically , there has been a rise in Irish releases over the last five years .
You can now find original music in most genres as Gaeilge .
These range from the haunting vocals of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh , to the often controversial Belfast rap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resource here .
Duolingo , the lime green bird , now teaches 35 languages for English speakers .
Their press office tells me that demand is presently at an “ all time high ” during lockdown .
I first tried Duolingo in earnest in 2018 , completing a 30-day streak in Russian , returning two years later to try Scots Gaelic .
Overall , I found it to be very good .
Duolingo has improved how it “ gamifies ” its app by collecting badges and an in-app “ currency ” ’ to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My main critique is the way it teaches through translation to be problematic .
I think when you learn a language through the lens of another , it ’ s difficult to truly attain it .
Duolingo is similar to the paid Rosetta Stone app , which uses no direct translation , a method I preferred .
The main thing with both apps is to ritualise them before the novelty wears off - and it does .
I personally found it easiest to pair practice with a routine you already have , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sourdough bread .
Used with a mix of approaches , Duolingo can be a powerful and free resource .
Its press office says there are 969,000 Irish learners on the app worldwide .
This includes regular users as well as anyone who has tried the course in the last year .
They could not say how far people have taken their learning , or how many have completed the course since it launched in 2014 .
In Motherfoclóir , Darach ’ s late father , Dónal , who spoke seven languages , suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and languages were like differently-shaped glasses ; the liquid would take the shape of whatever glass it was poured into ’ ’ .
For me , I ’ ve found learning languages broadens my mind to see the same thing in so many ways .
Being able to speak Irish gives me a sense of pride , and is an inclusive expression of Irishness that can belong to anyone .
As well as Irish and Greek , I ’ ve had a go at a number of languages in a distinctly non-committed way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources .
Win , lose or draw , I never come back not having felt enriched – or with a slightly better understanding of a culture by learning how they express themselves .
For those of you with time to fill , this could be just what you ’ re looking for .
You don ’ t need to become fluent or gobble up gramadach gan stró , but when the pubs open again , maybe we ’ ll see you at a pop-up .

Life in lockdown? I had an early taste of it in the summer of 2016. After finishing college for the year, I found myself at home with a gap in my schedule and a need to maintain my own sanity. A language learning site had a 50 per cent sale, so, obviously, I decided to learn Greek.
And yet, more than teaching me about Plato’s cave or Alectryon turning into a rooster, I ended up intrigued at how much it schooled me about Irish, and how you don’t always need to attend a class –or even be in a country – to learn a language.
I have a good level of Irish, despite never attending a Gaeltacht, Gaelscoil, getting grinds or studying it in college; nor could my parents converse in the language.
Seeing that learning Irish is back on many of your bucket lists, after running through the mill of language pedagogy, mostly on the “cheap” and “free” end, I feel I have lessons to save you the hassle.
READ MORE
So how did I learn Greek? My main method was been a mix of Rosetta Stone (a paid language app), conversations with Greek friends online, watching some Greek Spongebob, reading a Mr Men book, some Skype tutorials included in my subscription, as well as a few trips to Greece for a film festival. So, what are my key takeaways?
1. Motivation is key
After winning a raffle to represent my film camp at a youth media festival called Camera Zizanio at 16, I fell headfirst into the rich world of Greek culture. I continued to be invited in years that followed, and this gave me an urge to learn the intricate language – and be able to read its road signs after getting lost in the small town of Pyrgos on too many occasions.
Compared to earlier encounters, it was here I realised that language learning lives and dies upon the altar of motivation. At school, languages seem to be taught in a pressure cooker, with the impetus being to pass an exam. For Greek, it was different.
The idea of being able to read and communicate made a huge difference to my learning. In writing this article, I spoke to Darach Ó Séaghdha, author of Motherfoclóir. His book, Twitter and podcast look at snippets of Irish words, in what is usually an irreverent swipe.
“The big thing is small achievable goals,” he says. “It might be as simple as going to an ATM and using the Irish language service.”
2. Be confident with your mediocrity or you’ll never get better
There is a New Yorker cartoon that goes, “Let me interrupt your expertise with my confidence”
The special ingredient, it seems, is having the courage to look stupid.
The next time I met a speaker, I caught them off-guard with a cheery “how are things?” in my best Greek and, naturally, got a big laugh for my pronunciation.
Yet, these awkward moments are where you learn the most. They are even something to be proud of. Well, maybe.
Ó Séaghdha adds: “Once you’re in a conversation and realise a mistake isn’t the end of the world – that’s when you start properly learning.”
On my next trip to Pyrgos, I got soaked in the rain and walked into a taverna where the waiting staff could not speak English. So, I said, in my faltering Greek: “My shoes are wet, do you have any old newspaper?” To my astonishment, it worked.
The staff were impressed, and also likely welcomed the free entertainment. These innocuous interactions made months of practice worth it, and I long remember them where the people in question probably do not.
I do appreciate that in the current climate, this may not be an option.
3. Chat with other learners online
I was an attendee at the first pop-up Gaeltacht in 2016. What began as an idea for Dublin’s Gaelgóirí to go for drinks on a Thursday night, turned into an open source idea used all over the world – and even in other languages including Manx, Scots Gaelic and Cornish. It seemed to capture a zeitgeist of a new generation of Gaelgóirí who were diverse, urban and connected through social media.
The pop-up Gaeltachtaí have been put on hold for the foreseeable future, but that’s not to stop it from moving into the cibear-Gaeltacht.
For the purposes of this article, I hosted an online pop-up Gaeltacht, helped along with a newfound adeptness in video conferencing.
Seven of us dialled in from a range of locations – Laois to Limerick, London, and Belfast. I was unsure how people would react, pencilling in just 15 minutes for our experiment, though most of us ended up staying for over an hour. Success!
There are certainly kinks to be smoothed out; nonetheless, it has potential.
Besides transcending the need to share a physical space, online pop-up Gaeltachtaí have advantages that I overlooked. Some callers remarked they hadn’t been able to attend pub-based pop-ups due to work or childcare, so this could be a new way to learn.
4. Embrace social media, TV and online
If you would like to do some passive learning, “like” or “follow” some of the gamut of Irish media and allow them to slowly conquer your newsfeed.
These include TG4’s youth channel Bloc , as well as RTÉ’s Beo ar Éigean podcast. BBC’s Faduda is particularly good for learners, with a range of 60-second vlogs from Irish speakers around the world.
Musically, there has been a rise in Irish releases over the last five years. You can now find original music in most genres as Gaeilge. These range from the haunting vocals of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, to the often controversial Belfast rap group Kneecap . Nos.ie is a good resource here.
5. Duolingo & Rosetta Stone
Duolingo, the lime green bird, now teaches 35 languages for English speakers. Their press office tells me that demand is presently at an “all time high” during lockdown.
I first tried Duolingo in earnest in 2018, completing a 30-day streak in Russian, returning two years later to try Scots Gaelic.
Overall, I found it to be very good. Duolingo has improved how it “gamifies” its app by collecting badges and an in-app “currency”’ to buy outfits for Duo and other perks.
My main critique is the way it teaches through translation to be problematic. I think when you learn a language through the lens of another, it’s difficult to truly attain it. Duolingo is similar to the paid Rosetta Stone app, which uses no direct translation, a method I preferred.
The main thing with both apps is to ritualise them before the novelty wears off - and it does. I personally found it easiest to pair practice with a routine you already have, such as making TikTok’s or sourdough bread. Used with a mix of approaches, Duolingo can be a powerful and free resource.
Its press office says there are 969,000 Irish learners on the app worldwide. This includes regular users as well as anyone who has tried the course in the last year. They could not say how far people have taken their learning, or how many have completed the course since it launched in 2014.
6. Enjoy broadening your mind
In Motherfoclóir, Darach’s late father, Dónal, who spoke seven languages, suggested “an idea was like a liquid and languages were like differently-shaped glasses; the liquid would take the shape of whatever glass it was poured into’’.
For me, I’ve found learning languages broadens my mind to see the same thing in so many ways. Being able to speak Irish gives me a sense of pride, and is an inclusive expression of Irishness that can belong to anyone.
As well as Irish and Greek, I’ve had a go at a number of languages in a distinctly non-committed way, all of this facilitated by free resources. Win, lose or draw, I never come back not having felt enriched – or with a slightly better understanding of a culture by learning how they express themselves.
For those of you with time to fill, this could be just what you’re looking for. You don’t need to become fluent or gobble up gramadach gan stró, but when the pubs open again, maybe we’ll see you at a pop-up.


theirishtimes--2020-05-04--Will Junior Cycle exam cancellation scupper my son’s plans to do an apprenticeship?

My son in third year has always wanted to be an electrician and is determined to leave school before the Leaving Cert and start an apprenticeship .
Given that the Junior Cycle has been cancelled , will he still be able to meet the minimum entry requirements ?
You are correct : the minimum entry requirement for apprenticeships – managed through the State training agency Solas – is for a a learner to have achieved the Junior Cert/Junior Cycle .
However , this year ’ s exams will not be State certified .
This is because teachers will be marking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit the traditional written papers in exam halls .
Instead of receiving a traditional State-issued Junior Certificate , students will received a school-issued Junior Cycle profile of achievement .
While original plans were for these tests to take place in September , it now looks as if most schools will be organising their own exams or assessments during May .
This has created a dilemma for Solas , as they would normally have a cohort of 16 year olds who apply to register as apprentices each year .
Given the almost total collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic crash in 2008/9 , the Construction Industry Federation ( CIF ) has gone to huge efforts to encourage young people to consider their industry as a worthwhile career pathway .
The last thing they want is a cohort of young people who want to commence apprenticeships in the construction-related trades but end up being blocked from doing so due to a lack of a State-certified Junior Cert .
Having sought guidance on your dilemma from Solas , I have been advised that they do not as yet have a formal policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which all Junior Cycle students will receive this year from their individual schools , as there are a range of stakeholders who will have to be consulted on how to manage this unprecedented situation .
However , they indicated that they are very conscious that a significant number of Junior Cycle students will be choosing to pursue apprenticeships after they reach the school-leaving age of 16 .
They say they are actively looking at ways to ensure that the third-year class of 2020 will not be impeded in registering for any apprenticeships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is eventually managed is a matter for Solas and all of the stakeholders involved .
However , I am assured from my discussions with them that your son , if he still wishes to , will be able to register as a apprentice electrician in 2021 when he reaches school-leaving age , using his school-based Junior Cycle profile of achievement to meet the minimum entry requirement .

The minimum entry requirement for apprenticeships – managed through the State training agency Solas – is for a a learner to have achieved the Junior Cert/Junior Cycle. Photograph: iStock
My son in third year has always wanted to be an electrician and is determined to leave school before the Leaving Cert and start an apprenticeship. Given that the Junior Cycle has been cancelled, will he still be able to meet the minimum entry requirements?
You are correct: the minimum entry requirement for apprenticeships – managed through the State training agency Solas – is for a a learner to have achieved the Junior Cert/Junior Cycle. However, this year’s exams will not be State certified.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has gone to huge efforts to encourage young people to consider their industry as a worthwhile career pathway
This is because teachers will be marking their own students and students will not sit the traditional written papers in exam halls. Instead of receiving a traditional State-issued Junior Certificate, students will received a school-issued Junior Cycle profile of achievement.
While original plans were for these tests to take place in September, it now looks as if most schools will be organising their own exams or assessments during May.
READ MORE
This has created a dilemma for Solas, as they would normally have a cohort of 16 year olds who apply to register as apprentices each year.
Given the almost total collapse in the numbers seeking construction-related apprenticeships following the economic crash in 2008/9, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has gone to huge efforts to encourage young people to consider their industry as a worthwhile career pathway. The last thing they want is a cohort of young people who want to commence apprenticeships in the construction-related trades but end up being blocked from doing so due to a lack of a State-certified Junior Cert.
Having sought guidance on your dilemma from Solas, I have been advised that they do not as yet have a formal policy on how to view the school-based certificates, which all Junior Cycle students will receive this year from their individual schools, as there are a range of stakeholders who will have to be consulted on how to manage this unprecedented situation.
Not impeded
However, they indicated that they are very conscious that a significant number of Junior Cycle students will be choosing to pursue apprenticeships after they reach the school-leaving age of 16.
They say they are actively looking at ways to ensure that the third-year class of 2020 will not be impeded in registering for any apprenticeships managed through the Solas structures.
How this is eventually managed is a matter for Solas and all of the stakeholders involved. However, I am assured from my discussions with them that your son, if he still wishes to, will be able to register as a apprentice electrician in 2021 when he reaches school-leaving age, using his school-based Junior Cycle profile of achievement to meet the minimum entry requirement.


theirishtimes--2020-05-04--The Secret Teacher: Young people suffer as school rites of passage disappear

2020 BC ( Before Coronavirus ) : Until 12th March it was just like any other school year and we were all in it together .
Literally .
Sandwiched into the classrooms like ( or , so it now seems ) sardines .
We had the craic and got on each other ’ s nerves in pretty much equal measure .
You may not hear much about the laughs we have in school , but most schools really are fun places to be .
Teachers are human too and can get the funny side of things – we can even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into weeks and then months have until now been fuelled by human contact and energy .
After Easter each year we start to trundle towards the finish-line , which brings with it summer tests and State exams .
We all anticipate the notching up of another school year feeling both the fatigue of the months past and an unmistakable intimation of the onset of summer .
Bare limbs appear and start to bronze , and young and old alike whinge about the injustice of the sunshine when we have to study and correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know it , but there ’ s an implicit understanding of each other and how we are feeling .
There ’ s a distinctive loveliness in the school air at this time of year .
Or there was .
And we are all missing it .
2020 AD ( After Distancing ) : schools are not re-opening – except they are .
Leaving Cert students are now in their final half-term of secondary school , one which is brimful of activity .
As always , it ’ s an amalgam of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s not quite over but will never be again ( schooldays ) , and a final stage of preparation for what still claims the top spot for the most important exam they will ever take .
Graduation masses need planning and teacher vs student events take place in many schools as the lines in the teacher-student relationship start to blur ever so slightly .
Everyone anticipates the rite of passage that is school-leaving , but how can our hearts be in it when physically we are forced to be so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school should be heading back to get ready for their own gigantic leap forward .
They should be enjoying their final weeks as the oldest and coolest in the school and looking forward to whatever it is their individual school does to mark the occasion .
Where celebrated , there are Confirmation and First Communion events now suspended in the vast space that social distancing has created .
These are only two examples of the array of significant life events which are taking place – except they aren ’ t .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but on so many levels it isn ’ t unlike one either .
We all know this isn ’ t a time for a loved one to die , and the rituals surrounding death in Ireland are now taking place – except they aren ’ t .
It is this simultaneous taking place and yet not happening that coronavirus has brought into all our lives and consciousnesses , and it applies to work , school , parties , weddings and funerals Unlike first kiss , first love , first job , passing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where our young people might look to us for tips and advice , what is happening now is our first time too .
It may well present something of a crisis to us as adults , but we are better placed both in terms of emotional intelligence and life experience to understand why life can not motor on as we had expected .
This is inevitably a significantly bigger ask of youngsters .
For them the global impact is genuinely further away from their own immediate experience and priorities .
Why their big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to take this strange form of both happening and not happening , is much harder for them to accept , let alone understand .
On a cognitive level , at some time in the future , some degree of understanding will come , but how they are feeling now about what they must forcibly miss out on will on some level forever remain .
And so we as adults stick to the script and continue to remind young people of why all the missing out is necessary : there simply isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admit that many of us are still also trying to comprehend what is happening , and that navigating even our own way is an enormous challenge .
And alongside that we need to pause and feel our way into those young hearts , and try our best to empathise , even though we can not possibly comprehend their pain because it is a pain none of us ever knew .
So , every little effort made by today ’ s young people , every step forward however small , must be celebrated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort costs we can not know , but we can have no doubt that young people are suffering .
We never fail to feel for the toddler when the top of his ice cream cone falls to the ground – a scene we are all familiar with .
All of a sudden a little world is shattered ; disbelief and dismay are swiftly followed by heart-breaking cries as the poor confused child tries to make sense of the mess and mourns his lost ice-cream .
What he ’ s left with isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had planned .
That grief is real , and adults understand it .
A whole new version of grief is real for many of our young people in 2020 AD .

Everyone anticipates the rite of passage that is school-leaving, but how can our hearts be in it when physically we are forced to be so far apart? Photograph: iStock
2020 BC (Before Coronavirus): Until 12th March it was just like any other school year and we were all in it together. Literally. Sandwiched into the classrooms like (or, so it now seems) sardines. We had the craic and got on each other’s nerves in pretty much equal measure. You may not hear much about the laughs we have in school, but most schools really are fun places to be.
Teachers are human too and can get the funny side of things – we can even make jokes. The schooldays which roll into weeks and then months have until now been fuelled by human contact and energy.
After Easter each year we start to trundle towards the finish-line, which brings with it summer tests and State exams. We all anticipate the notching up of another school year feeling both the fatigue of the months past and an unmistakable intimation of the onset of summer.
There's a distinctive loveliness in the school air at this time of year
Bare limbs appear and start to bronze, and young and old alike whinge about the injustice of the sunshine when we have to study and correct. We are all exaggerating, and we know it, but there’s an implicit understanding of each other and how we are feeling. There’s a distinctive loveliness in the school air at this time of year.
READ MORE
Or there was. And we are all missing it.
2020 AD (After Distancing): schools are not re-opening – except they are. Leaving Cert students are now in their final half-term of secondary school, one which is brimful of activity. As always, it's an amalgam of two entirely contrasting events: a celebration of what's not quite over but will never be again (schooldays), and a final stage of preparation for what still claims the top spot for the most important exam they will ever take.
Graduation masses need planning and teacher vs student events take place in many schools as the lines in the teacher-student relationship start to blur ever so slightly. Everyone anticipates the rite of passage that is school-leaving, but how can our hearts be in it when physically we are forced to be so far apart?
Sixth class students in primary school should be heading back to get ready for their own gigantic leap forward. They should be enjoying their final weeks as the oldest and coolest in the school and looking forward to whatever it is their individual school does to mark the occasion. Where celebrated, there are Confirmation and First Communion events now suspended in the vast space that social distancing has created.
These are only two examples of the array of significant life events which are taking place – except they aren't. Of course it isn't like a funeral, but on so many levels it isn't unlike one either. We all know this isn't a time for a loved one to die, and the rituals surrounding death in Ireland are now taking place – except they aren't.
Unlike first kiss, first job and so on, where young people might look to us for advice, what is happening now is our first time too
It is this simultaneous taking place and yet not happening that coronavirus has brought into all our lives and consciousnesses, and it applies to work, school, parties, weddings and funerals
Unlike first kiss, first love, first job, passing the driving test and so on, where our young people might look to us for tips and advice, what is happening now is our first time too. It may well present something of a crisis to us as adults, but we are better placed both in terms of emotional intelligence and life experience to understand why life cannot motor on as we had expected. This is inevitably a significantly bigger ask of youngsters.
For them the global impact is genuinely further away from their own immediate experience and priorities. Why their big event cannot take place, or has to take this strange form of both happening and not happening, is much harder for them to accept, let alone understand.
On a cognitive level, at some time in the future, some degree of understanding will come, but how they are feeling now about what they must forcibly miss out on will on some level forever remain.
And so we as adults stick to the script and continue to remind young people of why all the missing out is necessary: there simply isn’t any other option. We must admit that many of us are still also trying to comprehend what is happening, and that navigating even our own way is an enormous challenge.
And alongside that we need to pause and feel our way into those young hearts, and try our best to empathise, even though we cannot possibly comprehend their pain because it is a pain none of us ever knew. So, every little effort made by today’s young people, every step forward however small, must be celebrated and treated as a victory. What that effort costs we cannot know, but we can have no doubt that young people are suffering.
We never fail to feel for the toddler when the top of his ice cream cone falls to the ground – a scene we are all familiar with. All of a sudden a little world is shattered; disbelief and dismay are swiftly followed by heart-breaking cries as the poor confused child tries to make sense of the mess and mourns his lost ice-cream. What he’s left with isn’t enough, and certainly not what he had planned. That grief is real, and adults understand it. A whole new version of grief is real for many of our young people in 2020 AD.


theirishtimes--2020-05-04--Limerick journalist wins Pulitzer for Syrian investigation

Limerick journalist Malachy Browne has been named as one of the winners of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize .
Mr Browne , a senior story producer with the New York Times , was part of a team of journalists awarded the prize in the international reporting category for a series of stories “ exposing the predations of Vladimir Putin ’ s regime ” , the Pulitzer committee said .
The series of articles and videos traced the actions of the Russian regime in destabilising African , European and Middle Eastern countries and bombing citizens in Syria .
As part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the intentional bombing of Syrian hospitals by Russian aircraft , a story which lead to widespread condemnation of the Putin regime .
The Limerick man , who is a nephew of well-known broadcaster Vincent Browne , is from the village of Broadford .
He studied engineering in UCD and international relations in UL before entering journalism .
Last year Mr Browne and his team at the New York Times won an Emmy for their work documenting the Las Vegas massacre of 2017 .
Other winners of Pulitzers this year include The Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flaws in Boeing , which led to two deadly crashes , and the Washington Post for its work on climate change .

Malachy Browne was part of a team of journalists awarded the prize in the international reporting category for a series of stories “exposing the predations of Vladimir Putin’s regime”, the Pulitzer committee said. Photograph: Earl Wilson/New York Times
Limerick journalist Malachy Browne has been named as one of the winners of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
Mr Browne, a senior story producer with the New York Times, was part of a team of journalists awarded the prize in the international reporting category for a series of stories “exposing the predations of Vladimir Putin’s regime”, the Pulitzer committee said.
The series of articles and videos traced the actions of the Russian regime in destabilising African, European and Middle Eastern countries and bombing citizens in Syria.
As part of the team, Mr Browne led an investigation into the intentional bombing of Syrian hospitals by Russian aircraft, a story which lead to widespread condemnation of the Putin regime.
READ MORE
The Limerick man, who is a nephew of well-known broadcaster Vincent Browne, is from the village of Broadford. He studied engineering in UCD and international relations in UL before entering journalism.
Last year Mr Browne and his team at the New York Times won an Emmy for their work documenting the Las Vegas massacre of 2017.
Other winners of Pulitzers this year include The Seattle Times for its reporting on the design flaws in Boeing, which led to two deadly crashes, and the Washington Post for its work on climate change.


theirishtimes--2020-05-04--Near-full flight without social distancing prompts Aer Lingus review

Aer Lingus is to conduct a review after pictures emerged of an almost full flight with no apparent evidence of @ @ @ @ @ airline said any process changes required would be implemented as a “ matter of urgency @ @ @ @ @ as pictures were shared from inside the cabin of a Belfast-London Heathrow flight on Monday @ @ @ @ @ row filled with passengers .
“ I would say there was about 95 per cent @ @ @ @ @ the flight , ” he said .
In a statement , Aer Lingus said : @ @ @ @ @ unexpectedly high loads on the Belfast-London Heathrow service this morning and the level of demand @ @ @ @ @ Lingus is reviewing its processes and procedures applicable to the operation of this service .
@ @ @ @ @ of Aer Lingus ’ s customers and crew is our top priority and any process @ @ @ @ @ being required will be implemented as a matter of urgency.
” – Press Association

“The safety and security of Aer Lingus’s customers and crew is our top priority and any process changes that are identified as being required will be implemented as a matter of urgency.” Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
Aer Lingus is to conduct a review after pictures emerged of an almost full flight with no apparent evidence of social distancing measures.
The airline said any process changes required would be implemented as a “matter of urgency”.
The move came as pictures were shared from inside the cabin of a Belfast-London Heathrow flight on Monday morning, showing row after row filled with passengers.
Passenger Sean Mallon told BBC Radio Ulster there was "no social distancing whatsoever".
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“I would say there was about 95 per cent of the seats taken on the flight,” he said.
In a statement, Aer Lingus said: “In light of the unexpectedly high loads on the Belfast-London Heathrow service this morning and the level of demand for the route, Aer Lingus is reviewing its processes and procedures applicable to the operation of this service.
“The safety and security of Aer Lingus’s customers and crew is our top priority and any process changes that are identified as being required will be implemented as a matter of urgency.” – Press Association


theirishtimes--2020-05-04--Covid-19: Raising funds for charity under pandemic restrictions

Saturday was to be a very special day for 8-year-old Eloise McDonnell from Kilmovee , Co Mayo .
She was to receive her First Holy Communion , but it was not to be .
Along with thousands of other young people , her big day was postponed owing to Covid-19restrictions .
But , she decided to make it a big day anyhow , in a Communion dress as well .
Ok , it was borrowed from her older sister Lucia ( 10 ) who made her First Communion in those distant days , now described as “ normal ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of such a thing as a coronavirus .
Eloise decided to run a 10km on Saturday in the borrowed Communion dress set off by a pair of runners , as you do , to raise funds for the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice in memory of her father Michael ( 34 ) .
He died of a brain tumour in 2012 when she was a few months old .
She ran five times around a 2km circuit near her home , assisted by Lucia , their mother Caitriona , neighbours , friends , and raised over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Each year since their father died the girls have presented the Michael McDonnell Memorial Shield at the annual 10km race in Kilmovee which raises funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice .
Palliative teams from there eased Michael McDonnell ’ s final days .
This year that annual Kilmovee 10km took place virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic and raised enough funds to cover costs for 10,000 face masks for frontline health care workers .
At the other end of the age scale , on Sunday , Pierce Purcell ( 80 ) ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s carpark in Clonmel Co Tipperary , which equates to 10km .
It was part of a fund-raising effort for Crumlin Children ’ s Hospital in Dublin and had received donations of over €18,500 by Monday night .
Described as Ireland ’ s first full indoor Ironman triathlon , it was organised by Mr Purcell ’ s son Ian ( 37 ) and friend Kevin Ryan ( 38 ) .
Both latter men are experienced iron distance triathletes , with Mr Ryan the current Clonmel Tri Club chairman .
He completed the Hardman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken arm .
Sunday was the first time both attempted anything like this however .
“ We , along with thousands of other Irish families , have experienced Crumlin Children ’ s Hospital at first hand over the last few months and are forever in their debt for the Trojan and inspirational work they do every day , ” Ian Purcell said .
Their marathon took place at their Endless pool in Clonmel .
It is like a treadmill for swimming where one swims against a variable speed current .
It took them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday to complete the 226.3kms ( 140.6 miles ) in total while sticking rigidly to the Government ’ s guidelines on social distancing .
They streamed the event on social media .
“ Kev started at 5.20 am and continued for 15 hours until 8.20pm while I did exactly 12 hours from 6.45 am to 6.45pm , ” Ian Purcell said .
“ It was as if the whole population of Clonmel was behind us and one highlight was when maybe 30 or 40 cars passed by beeping their horns in support ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised he said “ we ’ re delighted .
There have been over 500 donations and we hoped to raise about €5,000.
” he said .
Meanwhile fundraisers for native Americans dealing with the coronavirus pandemic have thanked Irish donors .
In a message on the GoFundMe web page , Vanessa Tulley said “ several of our recent donations for our GoFundMe campaign have been inspired by the Great Hunger Famine in Ireland .
” Recalling how “ in 1847 , the Choctaw Nation provided $ 170 of relief aid to the Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equivalent of $ 5,000 ) ” she said “ 173 years later to today , the favor is returned through generous donations from the Irish people to the Navajo Nation during our time of crisis.
” She quoted one Irish donor as saying : “ From Ireland , 170 years later , the favour is returned !
To our Native American brothers and sisters in your moment of hardship.
” She concluded : “ Thank you , Ireland , for showing solidarity and being here for us .
”

Saturday was to be a very special day for 8-year-old Eloise McDonnell from Kilmovee, Co Mayo. She was to receive her First Holy Communion, but it was not to be. Along with thousands of other young people, her big day was postponed owing to Covid-19restrictions.
But, she decided to make it a big day anyhow, in a Communion dress as well.
Ok, it was borrowed from her older sister Lucia (10) who made her First Communion in those distant days, now described as “normal”, before most of us had even heard of such a thing as a coronavirus.
Eloise decided to run a 10km on Saturday in the borrowed Communion dress set off by a pair of runners, as you do, to raise funds for the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice in memory of her father Michael (34). He died of a brain tumour in 2012 when she was a few months old.
READ MORE
She ran five times around a 2km circuit near her home, assisted by Lucia, their mother Caitriona, neighbours, friends, and raised over €25,000: “Real Communion money!”
Eloise McDonnell’s First Holy Communion was postponed due to Covid-19, so she ran 10km in a borrowed Communion dress
Each year since their father died the girls have presented the Michael McDonnell Memorial Shield at the annual 10km race in Kilmovee which raises funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Palliative teams from there eased Michael McDonnell’s final days.
This year that annual Kilmovee 10km took place virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic and raised enough funds to cover costs for 10,000 face masks for frontline health care workers.
Details at gofundme.com/f/eloises-first-10k-in-communion-dress
Iron men
At the other end of the age scale, on Sunday, Pierce Purcell (80) ran 65 laps at his next-door neighbour's carpark in Clonmel Co Tipperary, which equates to 10km.
Pierce Purcell (80) ran 65 laps at his next-door neighbour’s carpark in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, which equates to 10km.
It was part of a fund-raising effort for Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin and had received donations of over €18,500 by Monday night.
Described as Ireland's first full indoor Ironman triathlon, it was organised by Mr Purcell's son Ian (37) and friend Kevin Ryan (38).
A fundraising effort for Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin had received donations of over €18,500 by Monday night. Described as Ireland’s first full indoor Ironman triathlon, it was organised by son Ian Purcell (37, left) and friend Kevin Ryan (38).
Both latter men are experienced iron distance triathletes, with Mr Ryan the current Clonmel Tri Club chairman. He completed the Hardman Iron Distance race last August with a broken arm. Sunday was the first time both attempted anything like this however.
"We, along with thousands of other Irish families, have experienced Crumlin Children's Hospital at first hand over the last few months and are forever in their debt for the Trojan and inspirational work they do every day," Ian Purcell said.
Their marathon took place at their Endless pool in Clonmel. It is like a treadmill for swimming where one swims against a variable speed current.
It took them each between 12 and 15 hours on Sunday to complete the 226.3kms (140.6 miles) in total while sticking rigidly to the Government’s guidelines on social distancing. They streamed the event on social media.
“Kev started at 5.20 am and continued for 15 hours until 8.20pm while I did exactly 12 hours from 6.45 am to 6.45pm,” Ian Purcell said. “It was as if the whole population of Clonmel was behind us and one highlight was when maybe 30 or 40 cars passed by beeping their horns in support” he said.
As to the amount raised he said “we’re delighted. There have been over 500 donations and we hoped to raise about €5,000.” he said.
Details at justgiving.com/fundraising/ironman4crumlin2020
Navajo nation
Meanwhile fundraisers for native Americans dealing with the coronavirus pandemic have thanked Irish donors. In a message on the GoFundMe web page, Vanessa Tulley said "several of our recent donations for our GoFundMe campaign have been inspired by the Great Hunger Famine in Ireland. "
Recalling how “in 1847, the Choctaw Nation provided $170 of relief aid to the Irish to help them (today that is the equivalent of $5,000)” she said “173 years later to today, the favor is returned through generous donations from the Irish people to the Navajo Nation during our time of crisis.”
She quoted one Irish donor as saying: “From Ireland, 170 years later, the favour is returned! To our Native American brothers and sisters in your moment of hardship.”
She concluded: “Thank you, Ireland, for showing solidarity and being here for us.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-04--PSNI investigate video allegedly showing Shankill bomber

A video which appears to show Shankill bomber Sean Kelly being restrained during an incident in a shopping centre in North Belfast is being investigated by police .
The footage emerged on social media over the weekend .
“ Police are aware of a video posted on a social media platform on Saturday May 2nd , ” a Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) spokesman said .
“ An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident has commenced , ” he said .
“ Inquiries are continuing.
” The North ’ s justice minister , Naomi Long , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident to the police .
Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle on Monday , she said an investigation was “ appropriate ” because “ the context , time and when it was filmed is not clear from the tweet ” .
“ But what is clear is that there was a violent altercation and I think it is important the police look into it and try to work out what happened and when , ” she said .
Kelly was convicted of the IRA bombing of Frizzell ’ s fish shop on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which killed nine people , including two children .
Another bomber , Thomas Begley , was also killed in the explosion .
Kelly received nine life sentences for his role in the bombing , but was released in July 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement .
The families of some of the victims of the bombing have called for the Secretary of State to revoke his licence and return him to prison .

PSNI said they were aware of footage that had emerged on social media over the weekend. Photograph: Stephen Davison/PSNI/PA Wire
A video which appears to show Shankill bomber Sean Kelly being restrained during an incident in a shopping centre in North Belfast is being investigated by police.
The footage emerged on social media over the weekend.
"Police are aware of a video posted on a social media platform on Saturday May 2nd," a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesman said.
“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident has commenced,” he said. “Inquiries are continuing.”
READ MORE
The North's justice minister, Naomi Long, said on Twitter that she had reported the incident to the police.
Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle on Monday, she said an investigation was “appropriate” because “the context, time and when it was filmed is not clear from the tweet”.
“But what is clear is that there was a violent altercation and I think it is important the police look into it and try to work out what happened and when,” she said.
Kelly was convicted of the IRA bombing of Frizzell’s fish shop on the Shankill Road in Belfast in 1993, which killed nine people, including two children.
Another bomber, Thomas Begley, was also killed in the explosion.
Kelly received nine life sentences for his role in the bombing, but was released in July 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
The families of some of the victims of the bombing have called for the Secretary of State to revoke his licence and return him to prison.


theirishtimes--2020-05-04--Gardaí seize dozens of dogs at Dublin Port

Gardaí at Dublin Port have questioned two people caught bringing 26 puppies and 12 adult dogs into the country .
Several of the animals were in poor health or underfed , leading gardaí to seize them and hand them over to the DSPCA .
The dogs were discovered on Sunday evening by the Garda immigration Unit following a search of two vehicles .
Gardaí were concerned about the health of the dogs , and the manner in which they were being transported .
The drivers of the vehicles could not produce any proof of ownership , pet passports , vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the puppies were as young as two weeks old .
It is illegal to transport pups under six months old between countries .
“ Following further investigation all the dogs were seized and are now in the care of the DSPCA , and have been undergoing extensive heath checks and follow-up veterinary treatment , ” a DSPCA spokeswoman said .
The seizure included two litters of puppies and a heavily pregnant bitch .
Some of the dogs are infested with fleas and underweight .
One of the puppies has an infected umbilical cord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the Jack Russel puppies have had their tails docked .
Garda photos show the animals being transported in a car and a van .
“ The DSPCA would like to thank the gardaí at Dublin Port for their diligence and would like to remind the public that we are still working to care for animals in these difficult times , ” it said .
The animals can not be fostered or rehomed for now as an investigation is ongoing .
Gardaí have questioned the drivers of the vehicles on their reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came from the UK .

Gardaí at Dublin Port have questioned two people caught bringing 26 puppies and 12 adult dogs into the country. Several of the animals were in poor health or underfed, leading gardaí to seize them and hand them over to the DSPCA.
The dogs were discovered on Sunday evening by the Garda immigration Unit following a search of two vehicles. Gardaí were concerned about the health of the dogs, and the manner in which they were being transported.
The drivers of the vehicles could not produce any proof of ownership, pet passports, vaccination certificates or microchip certificates. Some of the puppies were as young as two weeks old. It is illegal to transport pups under six months old between countries.
“Following further investigation all the dogs were seized and are now in the care of the DSPCA, and have been undergoing extensive heath checks and follow-up veterinary treatment,” a DSPCA spokeswoman said.
READ MORE
The seizure included two litters of puppies and a heavily pregnant bitch. Some of the dogs are infested with fleas and underweight. One of the puppies has an infected umbilical cord, and the DSPCA is concerned that some of the Jack Russel puppies have had their tails docked.
Garda photos show the animals being transported in a car and a van.
“The DSPCA would like to thank the gardaí at Dublin Port for their diligence and would like to remind the public that we are still working to care for animals in these difficult times,” it said.
The animals cannot be fostered or rehomed for now as an investigation is ongoing. Gardaí have questioned the drivers of the vehicles on their reason for travelling. It is understood they came from the UK.


theirishtimes--2020-05-05--Over-70s advised not to stop and talk when outside exercising

People over the age of 70 who have been asked to cocoon have been advised not to stop and talk with friends or neighbours when they are exercising under the new 5km rule which came into force today .
At the Government ’ s Covid-19 briefing on Tuesday morning , assistant secretary general at the Department of Taoiseach Liz Canavan said “ the key message is to avoid all contact with other people , maintain a no touch policy and wash your hands on returning home.
” “ It is still recommended that people cocooning avoid the shops , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s roadmap to exit restrictions which was published last Friday , Ms Canavan said it was a “ flexible framework based on an assessment of risk.
” She said it was a gradual and stepped plan towards reopening the economy .
“ Our ability to open the economy and society will be entirely dependent on our success in slowing down the virus.
” Ms Canavan said in deciding if more restrictions can be lifted the Government will be informed by regular reports from the Department of Health on the progression of the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ an assessment of the risk of other deaths and illness as a consequence of the restrictions.
” Social and economic considerations will also form part of that discussion , she said .
The Government has also urged the public to abide by restrictions at funerals where attendance is currently limited to ten people .
“ Some of the ceremonies , traditions and rituals that are fundamental to the grieving process are no longer available to us and we have to find new ways of doing things .
It has been necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with social distancing of at least two meters .
For those who can not attend we would encourage you to connect via the various communication channels that are available .
“ This restriction on numbers is hard but we would urge people to please adhere to it to protect all those involved from Covid-19 , mourners , funeral directors , the religious and others who officiate services , ” Ms Canavan said .
In terms of business , around 52,120 employers are now registered with Revenue the temporary wage subsidy scheme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least one payment under the scheme .
Ms Canavan said on Tuesday that approximately 598,000 people will receive their weekly Covid-19 pandemic payment after the “ smallest week on week increase in the number of payments.
” Some 73,000 people have now contacted the Department of Social Protection to close their claim .

Liz Canavan Assistant Secretary to the Department of An Taoiseach said on Tuesday ’it is still recommended that people cocooning avoid the shops’.
People over the age of 70 who have been asked to cocoon have been advised not to stop and talk with friends or neighbours when they are exercising under the new 5km rule which came into force today.
At the Government's Covid-19 briefing on Tuesday morning, assistant secretary general at the Department of Taoiseach Liz Canavan said "the key message is to avoid all contact with other people, maintain a no touch policy and wash your hands on returning home."
“It is still recommended that people cocooning avoid the shops,” she said.
On the Government’s roadmap to exit restrictions which was published last Friday, Ms Canavan said it was a “flexible framework based on an assessment of risk.”
READ MORE
She said it was a gradual and stepped plan towards reopening the economy.
“Our ability to open the economy and society will be entirely dependent on our success in slowing down the virus.”
Ms Canavan said in deciding if more restrictions can be lifted the Government will be informed by regular reports from the Department of Health on the progression of the disease, the capacity of the health service and "an assessment of the risk of other deaths and illness as a consequence of the restrictions."
Social and economic considerations will also form part of that discussion, she said.
The Government has also urged the public to abide by restrictions at funerals where attendance is currently limited to ten people.
“Some of the ceremonies, traditions and rituals that are fundamental to the grieving process are no longer available to us and we have to find new ways of doing things. It has been necessary to limit attendance at funerals to ten people with social distancing of at least two meters. For those who cannot attend we would encourage you to connect via the various communication channels that are available.
“This restriction on numbers is hard but we would urge people to please adhere to it to protect all those involved from Covid-19, mourners, funeral directors, the religious and others who officiate services,” Ms Canavan said.
In terms of business, around 52,120 employers are now registered with Revenue the temporary wage subsidy scheme. More than 427,000 employees have now received at least one payment under the scheme.
Ms Canavan said on Tuesday that approximately 598,000 people will receive their weekly Covid-19 pandemic payment after the "smallest week on week increase in the number of payments." Some 73,000 people have now contacted the Department of Social Protection to close their claim.
Adjustments
Separately, the Government has confirmed that Cabinet made adjustments to the National Public Health Emergency Team’s (NPHET) roadmap for easing Covid-19 restrictions by removing references to over-70s ‘cocooning’ after August.
In the NPHET ‘roadmap’ document presented to Ministers last Friday morning, it recommended that some cocooning restrictions would continue to apply to over 70s during the fifth and final stage of the framework’s timeframe (due to start in August). The rationale used was they remained at higher risk of contracting the virus.
However, at its Cabinet meeting some hours later, the Cabinet decided to remove the reference, which did not appear in its own roadmap document, published on Friday evening.
Asked at last Friday’s briefing on the plan whether the Government had implemented NPHET’s recommendations “without any tweaking or variation”, Minister for Health Simon Harris said it had, though there were textual changes.
“The Government has published a road-map that is entirely consistent with the advice given by NPHET,” he said.
On Tuesday night, Dr Holohan acknowledged there were “textual differences” between NPHET’s recommendations and the plan published by Goverment, but said “the whole of the advice” provided by public health officials had been accepted, including specific measures relating to cocooning.
Also on Tuesday, Government figures described the change as a “tweak” and “textual”, and disagreed that it amounted to a substantive change.
“Cabinet colleagues raised concern as you would expect them to in terms of the impact of cocooning on over 70s,” said Tánaiste Simon Coveney on Tuesday.
“NPHET gave a very good public health explanation as to why it was necessary and the Government came to a decision on it,” he said on RTÉ Radio One.
While conceding that a change had been made, Mr Coveney denied there was any significant tensions between Government Ministers and NPHET on the matter.
According to sources, some Cabinet members were of the opinion that reference to over 70s still “cocooning” in August might lead to confusion, given that a decision had already been taken to ease the effective 24-hour lockdown restrictions from Tuesday.


theirishtimes--2020-05-05--Dry April resulted in drought conditions in areas, says Met Éireann

Very dry weather in the month of April resulted in “ absolute ” and “ partial ” drought conditions in various areas around the country , Met Éireann has said .
In its monthly climate statement , the national forecaster said that rainfall was below average in every part of the country while temperature and sunshine levels were above average countrywide .
It was cool and cloudy at times , especially at the start of the month , but there were also “ numerous ” warm , sunny days , especially during the mid-week periods .
It was warmest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these periods , as the winds were mostly from the east off a cool Irish Sea .
The weather broke on April 29th as a complex area of low pressure brought active weather fronts across the country from the south and southwest , followed by showers on the 30th .
Rainfall totals across the country were below the long-term average ( LTA ) , with the lowest levels of rain being recorded in the east and northwest of the country .
Cork Airport had the highest rainfall total for the month with 72.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its LTA , while Dublin airport had the lowest total with 12.8 mm , or 24 per cent of its LTA .
The highest daily rainfall was recorded at both Sherkin Island and Athenry on Wednesday 29th of April , when 25.6 mm of rain fell .
Temperatures were high across the board , with Newport , Co Mayo having the highest average temperature for the month at 11 degrees , 2 degrees higher than its LTA .
Dublin airport recorded the lowest average temperature for the month at 8.5 degrees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its normal average .
The highest air temperature was also recorded at Newport Co Mayo when it reached 21.6 degrees on Friday April 24th , while the lowest air temperature was recorded at Mount Dillon , Co Roscommon , when it reached -3.2 degrees on Tuesday April 14th .
Malin Head in Co Donegal had the highest monthly total of sunshine with 204.4 hours , meaning a daily average of 6.81 hours per day .
On Monday April 20th , Malin Head recorded a total of 13.9 hours of sunshine , the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cork Airport had the lowest total with 162.4 hours of sunshine over the month , meaning an average of 5.47 hours of sun per day .
The monthly climate report comes after Irish Water last week urged the public not to water gardens or to undertake “ cosmetic ” washing of cars and patios .
The utility said the water system was experiencing a “ period of high demand ” following an “ unseasonably dry month ” .
“ The balance between the amount of water we can sustainably produce and the demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the Greater Dublin Area , is an ongoing challenge , ” Irish Water said .

Very dry weather in the month of April resulted in "absolute" and "partial" drought conditions in various areas around the country, Met Éireann has said.
In its monthly climate statement, the national forecaster said that rainfall was below average in every part of the country while temperature and sunshine levels were above average countrywide.
It was cool and cloudy at times, especially at the start of the month, but there were also “numerous” warm, sunny days, especially during the mid-week periods.
It was warmest in the western half of the country during these periods, as the winds were mostly from the east off a cool Irish Sea.
READ MORE
The weather broke on April 29th as a complex area of low pressure brought active weather fronts across the country from the south and southwest, followed by showers on the 30th.
Rainfall totals across the country were below the long-term average (LTA), with the lowest levels of rain being recorded in the east and northwest of the country.
Cork Airport had the highest rainfall total for the month with 72.3 mm, which is 95 per cent of its LTA, while Dublin airport had the lowest total with 12.8 mm, or 24 per cent of its LTA.
The highest daily rainfall was recorded at both Sherkin Island and Athenry on Wednesday 29th of April, when 25.6 mm of rain fell.
Temperatures were high across the board, with Newport, Co Mayo having the highest average temperature for the month at 11 degrees, 2 degrees higher than its LTA.
Dublin airport recorded the lowest average temperature for the month at 8.5 degrees, which was still 0.4 degrees higher than its normal average.
The highest air temperature was also recorded at Newport Co Mayo when it reached 21.6 degrees on Friday April 24th, while the lowest air temperature was recorded at Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon, when it reached -3.2 degrees on Tuesday April 14th.
Malin Head in Co Donegal had the highest monthly total of sunshine with 204.4 hours, meaning a daily average of 6.81 hours per day.
On Monday April 20th, Malin Head recorded a total of 13.9 hours of sunshine, the highest daily total recorded over the month.
Cork Airport had the lowest total with 162.4 hours of sunshine over the month, meaning an average of 5.47 hours of sun per day.
The monthly climate report comes after Irish Water last week urged the public not to water gardens or to undertake “cosmetic” washing of cars and patios.
The utility said the water system was experiencing a “period of high demand” following an “unseasonably dry month”.
“The balance between the amount of water we can sustainably produce and the demand on water required in some regions, including the Greater Dublin Area, is an ongoing challenge,” Irish Water said.


theirishtimes--2020-05-05--Numbers receiving Covid-19 unemployment payment rises to 598,000

There are now 598,000 people receiving the special Covid-19 unemployment payment - an increase of about 7,000 in the last week , the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection said on Tuesday .
The department said this was on top of about 205,000 people on the live register who were receiving job seeker benefit .
In addition workers in 52,000 companies or businesses are having their pay funded in full or in part under the Government ’ s temporary Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme .
It is understood that about 427,000 workers who have received at least one subsidised payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million workers relying on State support for all or part of their income .
The Department of Employment Affairs said about 11,000 people are receiving the special €350 Covid-19 unemployment payment for the first time this week .
Other people are likely to have come off the scheme in the meantime .
The department said that since it was established in mid March , over 73,000 people had contacted it to close their Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment .
It said many of these requests were because employers had taken the workers concerned back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wage Subsidy Scheme It said overall this week it would pay out over €209 million in Covid-19 unemployment payment to 598,000 people .
Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection , Regina Doherty said : “ The Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment was introduced at speed for maximum impact so that we could help as many people as possible during what is an unprecedented , once in a century , health emergency .
“ The fact that so many have been moved into payment so quickly is a testimony to the agility and innovation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis .
“ We need to respond to the post-pandemic challenge with the same qualities and with a similar impact .
Already , on Saturday , the Government announced a suite of measures to further support small , medium and larger businesses to restart , reconnect and rehire staff who have been laid off or furloughed.
” However , Ms Doherty said that some sectors , particularly retail and hospitality - had suffered more than most .
She said Government officials were “ now planning the necessary further supports and initiatives we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that the thousands of workers who have been displaced can return to work as quickly as possible ” .
“ We are determined that this short term health crisis will not be a long-term economic one for all those workers and families who have been affected .
”

Regina Doherty said some 598,000 people would receive a Covid-19 unemployment payment this week, at a cost of over €209 million.
There are now 598,000 people receiving the special Covid-19 unemployment payment - an increase of about 7,000 in the last week, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection said on Tuesday.
The department said this was on top of about 205,000 people on the live register who were receiving job seeker benefit.
In addition workers in 52,000 companies or businesses are having their pay funded in full or in part under the Government’s temporary Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme.
It is understood that about 427,000 workers who have received at least one subsidised payment.
READ MORE
This means there are about 1.23 million workers relying on State support for all or part of their income.
The Department of Employment Affairs said about 11,000 people are receiving the special €350 Covid-19 unemployment payment for the first time this week.
Other people are likely to have come off the scheme in the meantime.
The department said that since it was established in mid March, over 73,000 people had contacted it to close their Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment.
It said many of these requests were because employers had taken the workers concerned back onto their payroll under the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme
It said overall this week it would pay out over €209 million in Covid-19 unemployment payment to 598,000 people.
Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty said: "The Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment was introduced at speed for maximum impact so that we could help as many people as possible during what is an unprecedented, once in a century, health emergency.
“The fact that so many have been moved into payment so quickly is a testimony to the agility and innovation my department has demonstrated to respond to this crisis.
“We need to respond to the post-pandemic challenge with the same qualities and with a similar impact. Already, on Saturday, the Government announced a suite of measures to further support small, medium and larger businesses to restart, reconnect and rehire staff who have been laid off or furloughed.”
However, Ms Doherty said that some sectors, particularly retail and hospitality - had suffered more than most.
She said Government officials were “now planning the necessary further supports and initiatives we will need to put in place to ensure that the thousands of workers who have been displaced can return to work as quickly as possible”.
“ We are determined that this short term health crisis will not be a long-term economic one for all those workers and families who have been affected.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-05--John Waters and Gemma O’Doherty’s challenge to Covid-19 laws adjourned

A High Court challenge brought by John Waters and Gemma O ’ Doherty against laws introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been adjourned to this afternoon .
In judicial review proceedings against the State and the Minister for Health they are seeking to have various pieces of recently enacted legislation quashed by a judge of the High Court .
As was the case when the matter was before the court last week there was tight security and a large Garda presence around the Four Courts complex .
Supporters of the two remained outside barriers erected by gardaí close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being heard .
Only a limited number of persons were allowed in due to the pandemic .
Their application for permission to bring the challenge came before Mr Justice Charles Meenan at the High Court on Tuesday morning .
However , at the outset of the hearing , counsel for the State , Patrick McCann SC , appearing with Gerard Meehan BL , asked the court to adjourn the matter to 2pm .
This was to allow the State consider a sworn statement from the applicants in support of their claim which counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only received shortly before the hearing was due to commence .
Mr Waters and Ms O ’ Doherty said they were anxious that the application be heard as soon as possible , and opposed the adjournment .
Mr Waters told the court it was not possible to have the statement done any earlier .
He said they had received a mountain of a paper in response to their action from the Department of Health on Sunday night , which they needed to consider .
Mr Justice Meenan said he was agreeing to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter to 2pm .
In their action Ms O ’ Doherty and Mr Waters have challenged legislation including the 2020 Health Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act , the 2020 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act Covid-19 Act , The 1947 Health Act ( Affected Areas ) Order .
Their proceedings are also aimed at striking down temporary restriction regulations brought due to Covid-19 under the 1947 Health Act .
The High Court had previously directed that the application for permission to bring the challenge be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The State is opposing the application for leave , and says that the claims are not arguable .
The Dáil , the Seanad and the Ceann Comhairle have been added as notice parties to the action .

Gemma O’Doherty and John Waters at the Four Courts for their hearing on Tuesday. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
John Waters and Gemma O'Doherty have told the High Court that laws introduced by the State due to the Covid-19 pandemic are "unprecedented" and amount to an "effective suspension" of every citizen's constitutional rights.
In judicial review proceedings against the State and the Minister for Health they seek to have various pieces of recently enacted legislation, which they say are unconstitutional and flawed, quashed by a judge of the High Court.
The High Court has directed that their application for permission to bring their challenge be heard in the presence of the respondents.
Both the State and lawyers representing the Dáil, Seanad and the Ceann Comhairle which are notice parties to the proceedings claim the court should not allow them bring the challenge and that the case should be dismissed.
READ MORE
The preliminary application to determine if permission should be granted is before Mr Justice Charles Meenan.
Their submissions to the court said that the laws that had been introduced, and the manner in which they were enacted, are repugnant to several articles of the Constitution including rights to travel, bodily integrity and the family.
Mr Waters said that the issues that he and Ms O’Doherty were raising were hugely important for all citizens. He said that the laws brought in over Covid-19 amount to a suspension of constitutional rights.
The laws, he said, keep people in their homes, and have resulted in the closure of parks and beaches, he said.
Mr Waters said he agreed with comments by former British Supreme Court judge Lord Sumption who described the restrictions in place in the UK, which Mr Waters said are similar to the ones in Ireland, as being worse that than what was imposed in the UK during the second World War.
Referring to the economic impact of the restrictions he said he feared that the country could find itself back in the place it was in 1929 when the Wall Street crash sent the world into an economic depression.
Mr Waters also told the court that they do not accept the accuracy of the number of deaths in the State attributable to Covid-19, due to the manner in which such deaths are being officially recorded.
Ms O’Doherty, who said that she is an award-winning journalist who had done a lot of work covering health issues, said the laws had given powers allowing the gardaí to harass people when they go out and about and have kept citizens under mass house arrest.
During her submissions to the court she compared the restrictions to like living “in Nazi Germany” where people were required to carry papers with them at all times.
This, she said, was detrimental to people’s health, including that by being kept indoors they were not getting enough vitamin D.
She also told the court that the State basis for introducing the laws are “scientifically fraudulent” and evidence to that effect would be submitted at the full hearing of their action.
Mr Waters also told the court that the case more than satisfied the legal threshold required by the court to allow the challenge proceed to a full hearing.
Both he and Ms O’Doherty also have the legal standing to bring the case as they have been personally affected by the laws challenged, he submitted.
In their action, Ms O’Doherty and Mr Waters have challenged legislation including the 2020 Health Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, the 2020 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act Covid-19 Act, The 1947 Health Act (Affected Areas) Order.
Their proceedings are also aimed at striking down temporary restriction regulations brought due to Covid-19 under the 1947 Health Act.
The State, represented by Patrick McCann SC, appearing with Gerard Meehan Bl, opposes the application for leave, and says the claims are not arguable.
The Dáil, the Seanad and the Ceann Comhairle, which have been added as notice parties to the action because part of the challenge concerns how the laws were enacted and represented by Francis Kieran Bl, is also opposed to leave being granted.
As was the case when the matter was before the court last week there was tight security and a large Garda presence around the Four Courts complex.
Supporters of the two journalists remained outside barriers erected by the gardaí close to the courtroom where the case is being heard.
Only a limited number of people were allowed into the court due to social distancing conditions imposed by the Courts Service.
The hearing continues on Wednesday.


theirishtimes--2020-05-05--Coronavirus – the science: Big shift in thinking on face masks

This is a series of regular updates from Irish Times Environment & Science Editor Kevin O ’ Sullivan on scientific initiatives and developments on coronavirus .
Previous editions can be found here .
The line was : evidence for wearing face masks in public is inconclusive , people won ’ t wear them properly any way and widespread demand will inevitably reduce supplies of medical-quality masks .
All is now changed .
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broke ranks after droplet tests indicated transmission of a virus could go beyond two metres – and advised cloth masks be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a British Medical Journal article suggested the precautionary principle should apply as masks “ could have a substantial impact on transmission with a relatively small impact on social and economic life.
” This had a profound effect on thinking on this side of the Atlantic .
In recent days , Arizona State University scientists showed masks save lives ; 80 per cent adoption could reduce mortality by 24 to 65 per cent .
Yet the Irish position has shifted only marginally , to saying they may be required while shopping or on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the view that it ’ s more important to ensure continuity of supply of higher-grade face masks for healthcare workers and patients prevails here .
The science could not be clearer and it ’ s odds on everyone will have to mask up as it ’ s clearly important – along with “ wash your hands ” and physical distancing .
Clarity is urgently needed , however , and time for hundreds of thousands people emerging from lockdown to make or source masks – and to get used to wearing them .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even a basic cloth mask properly along with rapid testing/tracing capacity and appropriate use of effective app technology will be all needed , if crushing Covid is to be realised .
For those cooped up or cocooned at home who are beginning to hear strange voices saying “ this Covid thing is a vague threat and overhyped in terms of risk now we ’ re over the peak ” , a short reminder of its medical nastiness and horrible unpredictability is merited as an antidote for those cut loose arguments : Covid-19 affects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people the kidney , the gut and the brain .
It increases risk of blood clotting – and there is no indication why some get the virus and others don ’ t .
It harder to identify in older people , who are among most vulnerable to the disease , and more difficult to treat .
Those exposed to air pollution are believed to be more at risk .
People of all ages with Covid pneumonia can suddenly become terribly ill and have to go into ICU .
In some young children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of toxic shock syndrome .
What ’ s more , ethnic minorities and poorer people and those with other conditions are much more likely to die .
Recovery can be difficult and can take months .
And we don ’ t know how it will live on in populations ; how it might re-assert itself .
Will it be like winter flu or remain dormant for a while like herpes ?
Will it return in a more virulent form ?
A University of Minnesota report suggests the pandemic could stretch on for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-thirds or more of the population is immune .
So please lift that re-emergence lid carefully .
Can you teach an old drug new tricks ?
Mr Trump ’ s overhyping of hydroxychloroquine aside , the antimalarial drug serves a great purpose .
But self-administering it – as many did in the US after his intervention – was a shocking example of loose words costing lives .
Niamh O ’ Boyle , assistant professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at TCD provides a timely warning : “ Your old , crumpled box of anti-malarial drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a drawer from an overseas trip many years ago .
You heard that guy on the TV saying it was a miracle cure for coronavirus .
It can ’ t hurt to take it just in case , right ?
“ But a few hours later , you start to get stomach cramps , blurred vision and vomiting .
Soon after , your heart starts to skip a beat and you ’ re feeling faint.
” You are likely to be suffering from a hydroxychloroquine overdose .
Many commonly-used prescription drugs are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the correct dose , this drug can be a lifesaver for treating malaria , and managing rheumatoid arthritis .
Scientists have shown it could stop Covid-19 from growing in plastic containers in the lab by preventing the virus attaching and getting inside human cells .
“ However , plastic containers are a world away from the intricate and beautifully evolved structures that are our human bodies , ” Boyle notes .
There is no evidence right now for effects – good or bad – in humans suffering from Covid though it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical trial involving many hundreds of patients .
“ Until the results from large trials like this emerge in the coming weeks and months , it is likely to be used only for severely-ill patients in hospital.
” So , is hydroxychloroquine a marvellous medicine or a false hope ?
Right now , until those trials results are in , we just don ’ t know .
Boyle ’ s bottom line : don ’ t take this drug without proper medical supervision : “ Imagine how you ’ d feel being rushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time like this.
” Mind how you go on fast-tracking trials Some scientists have proposed a way to speed up the clinical trial process by deliberately exposing volunteers to the virus to determine a vaccine ’ s efficacy .
“ This approach is not without risks but has the potential to expedite candidate vaccine testing by many months , ” according to Nir Eyal , professor of bioethics at Rutgers University in the US .
Volunteers would have to be young and healthy , he stresses : “ Their health would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have access to intensive care and any available medicines , ” he told the Guardian .
The result could be a vaccine that would save millions of lives by being ready for use in a much shorter time than one that went through standard phase three trials .
Young people might jump at the opportunity to join such a trial but this is a virus that does kill the odd young person , Eyal points out .
We don ’ t know why yet .
The final piece of the jigsaw ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some way off , so there is time to get the conditions right .
Europe is getting it right : Much of Europe was slow to respond to coronavirus , but you can not quibble with statistics .
Almost all EU countries have now got their transmission score ( a mathematical indicator , the R0 ) down below 1 – each case is leading to infection of less than one other person .
If they don ’ t keep it that way , the scientist and great R0 explainer Angela Merkel will issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was predicted to claim 10 million lives in Africa .
So far a continent of 1.2 billion people has suffered fewer Covid-19 deaths than the US was recording each day last week .
Reasons are unclear – a young population , warm weather reducing droplet spread , BCG vaccination ; who knows ?
– a continent holds its breath .
Blood test breakthrough : US military scientists have designed a new Covid-19 test that could potentially identify carriers before they become infectious and spread the disease .
The blood test is quicker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deploys the same PCR technique .
Once validated , Mr Trump , would you mind facilitating its global rollout ?

This is a series of regular updates from Irish Times Environment & Science Editor Kevin O’Sullivan on scientific initiatives and developments on coronavirus.
Previous editions can be found here.
Hardening face mask science
The line was: evidence for wearing face masks in public is inconclusive, people won’t wear them properly any way and widespread demand will inevitably reduce supplies of medical-quality masks. All is now changed.
READ MORE
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broke ranks after droplet tests indicated transmission of a virus could go beyond two metres – and advised cloth masks be worn in public.
In early April a British Medical Journal article suggested the precautionary principle should apply as masks “could have a substantial impact on transmission with a relatively small impact on social and economic life.” This had a profound effect on thinking on this side of the Atlantic.
Tailor Yalcine of Boulard Retouche displays his fetish scissors he uses to cut cotton face masks in his shop in the Daguerre district of Paris. Photograph: Francois Mori/AP
In recent days, Arizona State University scientists showed masks save lives; 80 per cent adoption could reduce mortality by 24 to 65 per cent.
Yet the Irish position has shifted only marginally, to saying they may be required while shopping or on public transport. In line with WHO, the view that it’s more important to ensure continuity of supply of higher-grade face masks for healthcare workers and patients prevails here.
The science could not be clearer and it’s odds on everyone will have to mask up as it’s clearly important – along with “wash your hands” and physical distancing. Clarity is urgently needed, however, and time for hundreds of thousands people emerging from lockdown to make or source masks – and to get used to wearing them.
There is a broad consensus now that wearing even a basic cloth mask properly along with rapid testing/tracing capacity and appropriate use of effective app technology will be all needed, if crushing Covid is to be realised.
Open-up brigade v. Covid realists
For those cooped up or cocooned at home who are beginning to hear strange voices saying “this Covid thing is a vague threat and overhyped in terms of risk now we’re over the peak”, a short reminder of its medical nastiness and horrible unpredictability is merited as an antidote for those cut loose arguments: Covid-19 affects the lungs and in more seriously ill people the kidney, the gut and the brain.
It increases risk of blood clotting – and there is no indication why some get the virus and others don’t. It harder to identify in older people, who are among most vulnerable to the disease, and more difficult to treat. Those exposed to air pollution are believed to be more at risk.
People of all ages with Covid pneumonia can suddenly become terribly ill and have to go into ICU. In some young children, it is believed to cause a form of toxic shock syndrome. What’s more, ethnic minorities and poorer people and those with other conditions are much more likely to die. Recovery can be difficult and can take months.
And we don’t know how it will live on in populations; how it might re-assert itself. Will it be like winter flu or remain dormant for a while like herpes? Will it return in a more virulent form? A University of Minnesota report suggests the pandemic could stretch on for two more years with recurring spikes until roughly two-thirds or more of the population is immune. So please lift that re-emergence lid carefully.
Can you teach an old drug new tricks?
Mr Trump’s overhyping of hydroxychloroquine aside, the antimalarial drug serves a great purpose. But self-administering it – as many did in the US after his intervention – was a shocking example of loose words costing lives.
Niamh O’Boyle, assistant professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at TCD provides a timely warning: “Your old, crumpled box of anti-malarial drugs has been lying squashed at the back of a drawer from an overseas trip many years ago. You heard that guy on the TV saying it was a miracle cure for coronavirus. It can’t hurt to take it just in case, right?
“But a few hours later, you start to get stomach cramps, blurred vision and vomiting. Soon after, your heart starts to skip a beat and you’re feeling faint.”
You are likely to be suffering from a hydroxychloroquine overdose.
Many commonly-used prescription drugs are safe only below a certain dose. At the correct dose, this drug can be a lifesaver for treating malaria, and managing rheumatoid arthritis.
A pharmacist in Turin with a pack of Pasquenil, the new drug based on hydroxychloroquine. Photograph: Tuno Romano/EPA
Scientists have shown it could stop Covid-19 from growing in plastic containers in the lab by preventing the virus attaching and getting inside human cells.
“However, plastic containers are a world away from the intricate and beautifully evolved structures that are our human bodies,” Boyle notes.
There is no evidence right now for effects – good or bad – in humans suffering from Covid though it’s being tested in the WHO solidarity clinical trial involving many hundreds of patients. “Until the results from large trials like this emerge in the coming weeks and months, it is likely to be used only for severely-ill patients in hospital.”
So, is hydroxychloroquine a marvellous medicine or a false hope? Right now, until those trials results are in, we just don’t know. Boyle’s bottom line: don’t take this drug without proper medical supervision: “Imagine how you’d feel being rushed into A&E with self-inflicted injuries at a time like this.”
Mind how you go on fast-tracking trials
Some scientists have proposed a way to speed up the clinical trial process by deliberately exposing volunteers to the virus to determine a vaccine’s efficacy.
"This approach is not without risks but has the potential to expedite candidate vaccine testing by many months," according to Nir Eyal, professor of bioethics at Rutgers University in the US.
Volunteers would have to be young and healthy, he stresses: “Their health would also be closely monitored, and they would have access to intensive care and any available medicines,” he told the Guardian. The result could be a vaccine that would save millions of lives by being ready for use in a much shorter time than one that went through standard phase three trials.
Young people might jump at the opportunity to join such a trial but this is a virus that does kill the odd young person, Eyal points out. We don’t know why yet. The final piece of the jigsaw (those large phase-three trials) are still some way off, so there is time to get the conditions right.
Grounds for optimism
Europe is getting it right: Much of Europe was slow to respond to coronavirus, but you cannot quibble with statistics. Almost all EU countries have now got their transmission score (a mathematical indicator, the R0) down below 1 – each case is leading to infection of less than one other person. If they don't keep it that way, the scientist and great R0 explainer Angela Merkel will issue a swift reprimand.
Commuters wear face masks as they wait for the U-Bahn at Alexanderplatz station in Berlin. Photograph: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg
Defying prediction: It was predicted to claim 10 million lives in Africa. So far a continent of 1.2 billion people has suffered fewer Covid-19 deaths than the US was recording each day last week. Reasons are unclear – a young population, warm weather reducing droplet spread, BCG vaccination; who knows? – a continent holds its breath.
Blood test breakthrough: US military scientists have designed a new Covid-19 test that could potentially identify carriers before they become infectious and spread the disease. The blood test is quicker than the usual swab test though it deploys the same PCR technique. Once validated, Mr Trump, would you mind facilitating its global rollout?