theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Masks Q&A: Who has to wear them in shops and what happens if you don’t?

What is happening with face coverings ?
From Monday , it will be mandatory to wear face coverings in shops and shopping centres .
Prior to this it was an advisory There has been a spike in Covid-19 numbers in the Republic in recent weeks .
The five-day average has gone from a low single figures per day to approaching 50 per day .
The Government is fearful of a rise in community transmission ( as in cases where the source of infection is not know ) which could put the country back to where we were at the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought masks were not an effective protection against the virus .
At the beginning of the pandemic scientists did not realise how infectious Covid-19 was and thought the drawbacks of asking everybody to wear a mask outweighed the benefits .
However , as the pandemic progressed , epidemiologists have changed their view and now believe face coverings can stop the spread of the virus .
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ( ECDC ) recently found the correct use of face masks by people who are asymptomatic may help reduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise may have unwittingly spreading the virus .
A recent study across 198 countries found those with cultural norms of mask-wearing had lower death rates from Covid-19 .
It explains how places like South Korea and Japan , where there is a strong culture of mask-wearing , have lower death rates than western countries and the United States where they are not the norm .
While Perspex shields are not as effective at stopping the virus or the spread of it , they are better than nothing .
Masks work by stopping most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cough , sneeze or talk .
They are better at protecting you from other people than vice versa , but if everybody wears a mask , the impact can be dramatic .
In one case , a man flew from China to Toronto and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19 .
He had a dry cough and wore a mask on the flight yet all 25 people closest to him on the flight tested negative for Covid-19 .
In another case , in the United States , two hair stylists had close contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone wore a mask and none of the clients tested positive .
How will mask wearing be enforced ?
The legislation allowing for compulsory face coverings is the same as that used for compulsory face coverings on public transport .
The wearing of face coverings will be enforced by a statutory instrument under the Irish Health Act 1947 as amended in 2020 .
It allows for a fine of up to €2,500 or six months in prison .
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the intervention of the gardaí will be a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcing the wearing of face coverings in shops and said there was a “ huge level of compliance ” already .
Retail Ireland said it is “ crucial that it does not fall to retail staff to ensure compliance ” .
The organisation ’ s director , Arnold Dillon , said enforcement of the measures should be left to the appropriate authorities and retail staff should not be exposed to “ the potential disputes and discord that might arise ” .
So far the portents for mass compliance are good .
The National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent compliance on public transport with the wearing of face coverings .
NTA spokesman Dermot O ’ Gara said : “ Compliance on face coverings has remained very high .
The approach of engagement , education and encouragement seems to be working well.
” A Government spokeswoman said she was not aware of any prosecutions for non-compliance with facemasks on public transport .
Will everybody have to wear a face covering ?
As with public transport , no child under the age of 13 has to wear a mask in shops .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not put one on , wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness , impairment or disability or without severe distress .
Anyone who needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating , as in someone who is hard of hearing , is also exempted .
Will children have to wear face coverings in schools ?
The guidelines for children returning to school is that it is not practical for many students to wear a mask properly for the duration of a school day .
Cloth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the age of 13 and anyone over that age who has trouble breathing , or has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable , should not wear one either .
Older students should not be requested to wear a facial covering but can opt to wear one if they wish .
Teachers will not be required to wear face masks , as they conceal facial expression and can make communication difficult except in situations where physical distancing is impossible .

As with public transport, there is a small cohort of people who will be exempt from the requirement. Photograph: PA
What is happening with face coverings?
From Monday, it will be mandatory to wear face coverings in shops and shopping centres. Prior to this it was an advisory
Why?
There has been a spike in Covid-19 numbers in the Republic in recent weeks. The five-day average has gone from a low single figures per day to approaching 50 per day.
READ MORE
The Government is fearful of a rise in community transmission (as in cases where the source of infection is not know) which could put the country back to where we were at the start of the pandemic.
Do face coverings work?
Initially it was thought masks were not an effective protection against the virus. At the beginning of the pandemic scientists did not realise how infectious Covid-19 was and thought the drawbacks of asking everybody to wear a mask outweighed the benefits.
However, as the pandemic progressed, epidemiologists have changed their view and now believe face coverings can stop the spread of the virus.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently found the correct use of face masks by people who are asymptomatic may help reduce the spread of infection in the community who otherwise may have unwittingly spreading the virus.
A recent study across 198 countries found those with cultural norms of mask-wearing had lower death rates from Covid-19.
It explains how places like South Korea and Japan, where there is a strong culture of mask-wearing, have lower death rates than western countries and the United States where they are not the norm.
While Perspex shields are not as effective at stopping the virus or the spread of it, they are better than nothing.
How do masks work?
Masks work by stopping most of the droplets which occur when people cough, sneeze or talk. They are better at protecting you from other people than vice versa, but if everybody wears a mask, the impact can be dramatic.
In one case, a man flew from China to Toronto and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.
He had a dry cough and wore a mask on the flight yet all 25 people closest to him on the flight tested negative for Covid-19.
In another case, in the United States, two hair stylists had close contact with 140 clients while sick with Covid-19. Everyone wore a mask and none of the clients tested positive.
How will mask wearing be enforced?
The legislation allowing for compulsory face coverings is the same as that used for compulsory face coverings on public transport.
The wearing of face coverings will be enforced by a statutory instrument under the Irish Health Act 1947 as amended in 2020.
It allows for a fine of up to €2,500 or six months in prison.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the intervention of the gardaí will be a “last resort” when it came to enforcing the wearing of face coverings in shops and said there was a “huge level of compliance” already.
Retail Ireland said it is "crucial that it does not fall to retail staff to ensure compliance".
The organisation's director, Arnold Dillon, said enforcement of the measures should be left to the appropriate authorities and retail staff should not be exposed to "the potential disputes and discord that might arise".
So far the portents for mass compliance are good. The National Transport Authority says there has been 95 per cent compliance on public transport with the wearing of face coverings.
NTA spokesman Dermot O’Gara said: “Compliance on face coverings has remained very high. The approach of engagement, education and encouragement seems to be working well.”
A Government spokeswoman said she was not aware of any prosecutions for non-compliance with facemasks on public transport.
Will everybody have to wear a face covering?
As with public transport, no child under the age of 13 has to wear a mask in shops. Other exemptions are: those who cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress.
Anyone who needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating, as in someone who is hard of hearing, is also exempted.
Will children have to wear face coverings in schools?
The guidelines for children returning to school is that it is not practical for many students to wear a mask properly for the duration of a school day.
Cloth face coverings are not suitable for children under the age of 13 and anyone over that age who has trouble breathing, or has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable, should not wear one either.
Older students should not be requested to wear a facial covering but can opt to wear one if they wish.
Teachers will not be required to wear face masks, as they conceal facial expression and can make communication difficult except in situations where physical distancing is impossible.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--GPs see increase in people with Covid-19 symptoms after bank holiday

General practitioners have reported an increase in the number of patients who are presenting with Covid-19 symptoms since the August bank holiday weekend , a survey has found .
GP Buddy community tracker , a resource for GPs to monitor coronavirus referrals , has been asking doctors to report the number of patients presenting with symptoms of the virus in short daily surveys .
The tracker results highlight an increase in the average number of cases per GP of people who were clinically diagnosed with the virus , which means they are believed to have the condition based on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed by testing .
Overall , there were 298 cases clinically diagnosed by responding doctors on Tuesday , August 4th , up from 114 on July 31st , an increase of 160 per cent .
However , the number of respondents on each of the days differed – with 241 respondents to the survey on August 4th and 203 on July 31st – which could have an impact on the results .
On July 31st , the average number of clinical diagnoses per doctor was 0.56 , rising to 1.24 on August 4th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GP Buddy said doctors often saw a “ bank holiday Tuesday spike ” and they hoped the results from the next few days would be lower .
Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail , a general practitioner , said his practice had slowly seen a steady rise in the number of people seeking referral for testing since lockdown measures were lifted in July .
“ I would say in the first two weeks in July , there could be several days that could pass where we wouldn ’ t refer a single person .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown measures have been reversed is a steady increase in the number of people contacting us , ” he said .
However , he added this was a good thing , and the public should contact their local GP as soon as they experience any of the symptoms of the virus .
“ The reality is that it ’ s very difficult to differentiate from Covid and other viral illnesses without a test .
We are seeing people who are contact traced , who have little to no symptoms , but who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mild symptoms thinking it ’ s just a cold and they ’ re coming back positive .
So people really need to contact their GP as soon as they develop any of the symptoms.
” At a briefing on Thursday morning , the Government warned that the country was in a very “ delicate position ” in terms of the spread of the virus .
Assistant secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach Liz Canavan said community transmission was the biggest risk because the source was difficult to find and clamp down on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 new cases involved community transmission , meaning the source of the infection was unclear .
Ms Canavan added that people could stall the latest trend of increasing cases by following the public health advice , washing hands , maintaining social distancing and keeping social interactions to a minimum .

On July 31st, the average number of clinical diagnoses per doctor was 0.56, rising to 1.24 on August 4th, after the bank holiday weekend. Photograph: Getty
General practitioners have reported an increase in the number of patients who are presenting with Covid-19 symptoms since the August bank holiday weekend, a survey has found.
GP Buddy community tracker, a resource for GPs to monitor coronavirus referrals, has been asking doctors to report the number of patients presenting with symptoms of the virus in short daily surveys.
The tracker results highlight an increase in the average number of cases per GP of people who were clinically diagnosed with the virus, which means they are believed to have the condition based on their symptoms but it has not yet been confirmed by testing.
Overall, there were 298 cases clinically diagnosed by responding doctors on Tuesday, August 4th, up from 114 on July 31st, an increase of 160 per cent.
READ MORE
However, the number of respondents on each of the days differed – with 241 respondents to the survey on August 4th and 203 on July 31st – which could have an impact on the results.
On July 31st, the average number of clinical diagnoses per doctor was 0.56, rising to 1.24 on August 4th, after the bank holiday weekend.
GP Buddy said doctors often saw a “bank holiday Tuesday spike” and they hoped the results from the next few days would be lower.
Lockdown effects
Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail, a general practitioner, said his practice had slowly seen a steady rise in the number of people seeking referral for testing since lockdown measures were lifted in July.
“I would say in the first two weeks in July, there could be several days that could pass where we wouldn’t refer a single person. What we’ve seen since the last lockdown measures have been reversed is a steady increase in the number of people contacting us,” he said.
However, he added this was a good thing, and the public should contact their local GP as soon as they experience any of the symptoms of the virus.
“The reality is that it’s very difficult to differentiate from Covid and other viral illnesses without a test. We are seeing people who are contact traced, who have little to no symptoms, but who are positive and people are contacting us with mild symptoms thinking it’s just a cold and they’re coming back positive. So people really need to contact their GP as soon as they develop any of the symptoms.”
At a briefing on Thursday morning, the Government warned that the country was in a very “delicate position” in terms of the spread of the virus.
Assistant secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach Liz Canavan said community transmission was the biggest risk because the source was difficult to find and clamp down on.
On Tuesday, four of the 50 new cases involved community transmission, meaning the source of the infection was unclear.
Ms Canavan added that people could stall the latest trend of increasing cases by following the public health advice, washing hands, maintaining social distancing and keeping social interactions to a minimum.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Murder accused claims partner died during sex act, court told

A 23-year-old man accused of murdering his partner told police she died during a sex act , a court has heard .
Dawid Lukasz Mietus , of Drumalane Park in Newry , Co Down , was charged with murdering Patrycja Wyrebek ( 20 ) .
Ms Wyrebek ’ s body was found in her home on Sunday .
Mr Mietus , who is originally from Poland , was arrested on suspicion of the murder of his partner hours later .
The accused told police that he and Ms Wyrebek , who had been partners for seven or eight months , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jonathan Browne , a barrister for the accused , told Newry Magistrates ’ Court that Mr Mietus claimed his partner had introduced him to that form of sexual intercourse .
“ He said that on that night , they both drank a large amount of alcohol , ” Mr Browne said .
“ He said the deceased became unresponsive during consensual sexual intercourse and that was at a time they were practising consensual erotic asphyxiation .
“ The normal agreement between the two of them was that if there was any threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would use a physical signal to stop the intercourse .
“ He said on the morning of question , she never gave him such signal .
“ This particular case being made is that this is entirely an accidental death in which there was no intention to kill or cause serious harm.
” The judge expressed “ real concern ” over the seriousness of the alleged offence and refused him bail .
The case will be heard on September 2nd .

Patrycja Wyrebek was found dead at her home in Drumalane Park, Newry, on Sunday morning. Photograph: PSNI/PA Wire
A 23-year-old man accused of murdering his partner told police she died during a sex act, a court has heard.
Dawid Lukasz Mietus, of Drumalane Park in Newry, Co Down, was charged with murdering Patrycja Wyrebek (20). Ms Wyrebek's body was found in her home on Sunday.
Mr Mietus, who is originally from Poland, was arrested on suspicion of the murder of his partner hours later.
The accused told police that he and Ms Wyrebek, who had been partners for seven or eight months, had a shared interest in erotic asphyxiation.
READ MORE
Jonathan Browne, a barrister for the accused, told Newry Magistrates’ Court that Mr Mietus claimed his partner had introduced him to that form of sexual intercourse.
“He said that on that night, they both drank a large amount of alcohol,” Mr Browne said.
“He said the deceased became unresponsive during consensual sexual intercourse and that was at a time they were practising consensual erotic asphyxiation.
“The normal agreement between the two of them was that if there was any threat or danger to either of them, they would use a physical signal to stop the intercourse.
“He said on the morning of question, she never gave him such signal .
“This particular case being made is that this is entirely an accidental death in which there was no intention to kill or cause serious harm.”
The judge expressed “real concern” over the seriousness of the alleged offence and refused him bail. The case will be heard on September 2nd.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Coronavirus: Residents in Kildare, Laois and Offaly urged to take extra care after cases spike

People in counties Kildare , Laois and Offaly have been warned to “ double down ” on public health guidelines following a “ significant increase ” in the number of cases of Covid-19 in those areas in recent weeks , as well as the emergence of two new clusters .
The warning came as the Department of Health said five more people have died from Covid-19 in the State and 69 new cases have been confirmed .
Four of the deaths confirmed on Thursday were delayed notifications .
There has now been a total of 1,768 deaths from the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases stands at 26,372 .
In relation to the locations , 22 of the new cases are in Offaly , 19 in Kildare , 8 in Laois , 6 in Dublin , and 14 are spread across eight other counties ( Clare , Cork , Donegal , Galway , Limerick , Louth , Meath and Wexford ) .
At a briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) on Thursday , Dr Ronan Glynn , acting Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health , said the rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cause for concern .
“ NPHET has been made aware of a significant number of additional cases in counties Kildare , Laois and Offaly , ” he said .
“ These cases have been notified today and will form part of the case numbers tomorrow .
“ While contact tracing in relation to these cases is ongoing , they come on the back of an already significant number of cases in clusters in these counties .
Over the past 14 days , 226 cases have arisen in those counties .
That represents 48 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
“ GPs in these counties have been written to this afternoon to highlight these concerns .
Everyone in these counties needs to pay particular attention to any new symptoms they may have .
“ People in these regions need to double down on the public health guidelines that are in place .
It is strongly recommended that those over 70 in these regions limit the number of people they meet , remain physically distanced , and avoid public transport where possible.
” Dr Glynn said there were two more meat-processing factories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in Kildare Town while the other is in Timahoe , Co Kildare , ” he said .
“ The locations of the factories are one thing , but clearly the people working in these factories commute from communities all around these areas , so there is a need for vigilance in all surrounding communities.
” Prof Philip Nolan , chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group , said the reproduction number for the virus is now estimated to be 1.8 .
This number reflects the number of people each person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A number below 1 means the virus is being controlled and will eventually die out , whereas a number over 1 means it is continuing to grow .
“ A reproduction number of almost 2 is a serious concern , ” said Prof Nolan .
“ Although we have not yet seen a significant increase in community transmission , there is a significant risk this could develop over the coming days and weeks.
” Dr Glynn also said there was a “ need to keep community transmission low in order to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ If people choose to have house parties , they ’ re going to have house parties , despite what we say , ” he said .
“ We ’ re pleading with people , particularly in the context of what we ’ re saying this evening , that now is not the time .
Now is the time to limit your contacts and act as you did back in February and March.
” Of the cases notified on Thursday , about two-thirds are under 45 years of age .
Young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Colm Henry , chief clinical officer with the HSE .
“ We have seen serious illness among young people .
“ But the more important point is that if it runs rampant among younger people , that will lead to uncontrolled transmission , which inevitably will affect those who have high morbidity from this illness .
This is the big risk for society .
We ’ re relying on social solidarity to protect the most vulnerable .
“ We know what happens if there is uncontrolled community transmission .
Even in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , difficult decisions are made in relation to admission to intensive care and intensive care is provided outside of intensive care settings.
” There have been five further deaths related to Covid-19 in the State and 69 new cases confirmed , according to figures released on Thursday evening by the Department of Health .
That means the overall death toll during the pandemic now stands at 1,768 .
Northern Ireland has now gone 24 days without recording any Covid-19 deaths but , according to the latest figures from the North ’ s Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notable increase in the number of cases .
On Thursday afternoon the department reported that there were 43 new cases of coronavirus bringing the total to 6,049 .
That compares with the 10 new cases recorded on Wednesday and the eight cases on Tuesday .
So far 150,953 people have been tested for the virus in the North .
Figures calculated by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) using information from death certificates , shows the total number of Covid-19-related deaths registered in the region to July 24th was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on patients having previously tested positive for the virus .

Dr Ronan Glynn has asked people living in Kildare, Laois and Offaly to "double down" on basic public health behaviours following a spike in Covid-19 cases in the region. Video: RTÉ
People in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly have been warned to “double down” on public health guidelines following a “significant increase” in the number of cases of Covid-19 in those areas in recent weeks, as well as the emergence of two new clusters.
The warning came as the Department of Health said five more people have died from Covid-19 in the State and 69 new cases have been confirmed.
Four of the deaths confirmed on Thursday were delayed notifications.
There has now been a total of 1,768 deaths from the pandemic in the Republic, while the number of cases stands at 26,372.
READ MORE
In relation to the locations, 22 of the new cases are in Offaly, 19 in Kildare, 8 in Laois, 6 in Dublin, and 14 are spread across eight other counties (Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Louth, Meath and Wexford).
At a briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on Thursday, Dr Ronan Glynn, acting Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, said the rate of new cases in the midlands was a cause for concern.
“NPHET has been made aware of a significant number of additional cases in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly,” he said. “These cases have been notified today and will form part of the case numbers tomorrow.
“While contact tracing in relation to these cases is ongoing, they come on the back of an already significant number of cases in clusters in these counties. Over the past 14 days, 226 cases have arisen in those counties. That represents 48 per cent of all cases over that period.
“GPs in these counties have been written to this afternoon to highlight these concerns. Everyone in these counties needs to pay particular attention to any new symptoms they may have.
“People in these regions need to double down on the public health guidelines that are in place. It is strongly recommended that those over 70 in these regions limit the number of people they meet, remain physically distanced, and avoid public transport where possible.”
Meat-processing factories
Dr Glynn said there were two more meat-processing factories where clusters have emerged. “One is in Kildare Town while the other is in Timahoe, Co Kildare,” he said.
“The locations of the factories are one thing, but clearly the people working in these factories commute from communities all around these areas, so there is a need for vigilance in all surrounding communities.”
Prof Philip Nolan, chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said the reproduction number for the virus is now estimated to be 1.8. This number reflects the number of people each person infected with the virus transmits it to.
A number below 1 means the virus is being controlled and will eventually die out, whereas a number over 1 means it is continuing to grow.
“A reproduction number of almost 2 is a serious concern,” said Prof Nolan. “Although we have not yet seen a significant increase in community transmission, there is a significant risk this could develop over the coming days and weeks.”
Dr Glynn also said there was a “need to keep community transmission low in order to ensure that schools reopen to the fullest extent”.
“If people choose to have house parties, they’re going to have house parties, despite what we say,” he said.
“We’re pleading with people, particularly in the context of what we’re saying this evening, that now is not the time. Now is the time to limit your contacts and act as you did back in February and March.”
Of the cases notified on Thursday, about two-thirds are under 45 years of age. Young people are not immune,” said Dr Colm Henry, chief clinical officer with the HSE. “We have seen serious illness among young people.
“But the more important point is that if it runs rampant among younger people, that will lead to uncontrolled transmission, which inevitably will affect those who have high morbidity from this illness. This is the big risk for society. We’re relying on social solidarity to protect the most vulnerable.
“We know what happens if there is uncontrolled community transmission. Even in the most developed hospital systems in Western Europe, difficult decisions are made in relation to admission to intensive care and intensive care is provided outside of intensive care settings.”
There have been five further deaths related to Covid-19 in the State and 69 new cases confirmed, according to figures released on Thursday evening by the Department of Health.
That means the overall death toll during the pandemic now stands at 1,768.
North
Northern Ireland has now gone 24 days without recording any Covid-19 deaths but, according to the latest figures from the North's Department of Health, there has been a notable increase in the number of cases.
On Thursday afternoon the department reported that there were 43 new cases of coronavirus bringing the total to 6,049. That compares with the 10 new cases recorded on Wednesday and the eight cases on Tuesday. So far 150,953 people have been tested for the virus in the North.
Figures calculated by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) using information from death certificates, shows the total number of Covid-19-related deaths registered in the region to July 24th was 853. The departmental figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Pub reopenings in North pushed back, masks to become mandatory

The Northern Executive has decided to delay the opening of pubs which do not sell food and make the wearing of masks mandatory in shops from Monday .
It also decided that all schools , including special schools , are to open on a full time basis , five days a week when the term restarts at the end of August and early September .
These decisions were taken on a day when there was a sharp rise in the number of cases of coronavirus in Northern Ireland and when the R-rate - the number of individuals who , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single person with the infection – was estimated at between 0.8 and 1.8 , which means it is likely to be above one .
Any reading above one means the virus is spreading .
First Minister Arlene Foster said on Thursday the Northern Executive had decided to delay the reopening of all pubs in Northern Ireland , which was due to happen on Monday , to an “ indicative date ” of September 1st .
“ We have decided that it is prudent to pause the reopening of our public houses , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision was “ not a reflection on the hospitality sector , rather a reflection on the fact that our R-rate has risen ” .
At present in Northern Ireland only pubs that serve food can open .
People are allowed to drink in pub beer gardens without having to purchase food .
Ms Foster also said that from Monday the wearing of face masks will be mandatory in shops and other enclosed spaces for the public .
Hitherto the plan was to wait until August 20th to determine if a sufficient number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before deciding whether a compulsory rule was necessary .
Ms Foster said the Northern Executive had decided that from Monday customers must wear masks although it will not be mandatory for staff to wear face coverings .
The North ’ s education Minister Peter Weir said on Thursday schools would reopen for all pupils at the beginning of the new term which , depending on the school , happens in late August or early September .
“ It is positive news for our parents , for our teachers , for society as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are able to fully access education , ” he said .
He said “ where possible ” social distancing would be observed .
“ The idea would be to have the maximum level of social distancing but the overriding issue is to ensure that we have the full classes , ” said Mr Weir .
Previously , the rule was that there must be a one metre distance between pupils but that rule has now been relaxed .
Teachers and other adults must maintain a one-metre distance from each other .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to be .
There is nowhere that is risk free but we will do everything that we can to mitigate the risk , ” said Mr Weir .
The announcements came on a day when the department of health for the 24th consecutive day reported no Covid-19 deaths in Northern Ireland , leaving the death toll at 556 .
However , it recorded 43 new cases of coronavirus in Northern Ireland , which compared with just ten reported cases on Wednesday and eight on Tuesday .
The North ’ s health Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases was a “ wake-up call for the complacent ” .
He also said the increase in the R-rate underlined “ the fact that the threat from the virus remains very real ” .
“ If anyone still thinks Covid-19 is going to fade away , let them think again .
We must all do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus , ” said Mr Swann .
Asked if the decision was a trade-off between opening schools and keeping non-food serving pubs closed Ms Foster said , “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are prioritising schools.
” Ms Foster said the Executive is launching a public information campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of face coverings .
The “ Wear one for Everyone ” campaign will be rolled out over the coming weeks .
Ms Foster added theatre and concert halls can open on a restricted basis from August 8th , with an indicative date of September 1st for the return of audiences .
“ We are going to permit spectators to be present at indoor sporting venues from August 10th but we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to risk assess the reopening of soft play areas and other venues , ” she said .

The Northern Executive has decided to delay the opening of pubs which do not sell food and make the wearing of masks mandatory in shops from Monday.
It also decided that all schools, including special schools, are to open on a full time basis, five days a week when the term restarts at the end of August and early September.
These decisions were taken on a day when there was a sharp rise in the number of cases of coronavirus in Northern Ireland and when the R-rate - the number of individuals who, on average, will be infected by a single person with the infection – was estimated at between 0.8 and 1.8, which means it is likely to be above one.
Any reading above one means the virus is spreading.
READ MORE
First Minister Arlene Foster said on Thursday the Northern Executive had decided to delay the reopening of all pubs in Northern Ireland, which was due to happen on Monday, to an "indicative date" of September 1st.
“We have decided that it is prudent to pause the reopening of our public houses,” she said.
Ms Foster said the decision was “not a reflection on the hospitality sector, rather a reflection on the fact that our R-rate has risen”.
At present in Northern Ireland only pubs that serve food can open. People are allowed to drink in pub beer gardens without having to purchase food.
Ms Foster also said that from Monday the wearing of face masks will be mandatory in shops and other enclosed spaces for the public.
Hitherto the plan was to wait until August 20th to determine if a sufficient number of people wear masks on a voluntary basis before deciding whether a compulsory rule was necessary.
Ms Foster said the Northern Executive had decided that from Monday customers must wear masks although it will not be mandatory for staff to wear face coverings.
The North's education Minister Peter Weir said on Thursday schools would reopen for all pupils at the beginning of the new term which, depending on the school, happens in late August or early September.
“It is positive news for our parents, for our teachers, for society as a while but particularly for our young people that they are able to fully access education,” he said.
He said “where possible” social distancing would be observed. “The idea would be to have the maximum level of social distancing but the overriding issue is to ensure that we have the full classes,” said Mr Weir.
Previously, the rule was that there must be a one metre distance between pupils but that rule has now been relaxed. Teachers and other adults must maintain a one-metre distance from each other.
“School will be a very safe place to be. There is nowhere that is risk free but we will do everything that we can to mitigate the risk,” said Mr Weir.
The announcements came on a day when the department of health for the 24th consecutive day reported no Covid-19 deaths in Northern Ireland, leaving the death toll at 556.
However, it recorded 43 new cases of coronavirus in Northern Ireland, which compared with just ten reported cases on Wednesday and eight on Tuesday.
The North's health Minister Robin Swann said the high number of cases was a "wake-up call for the complacent".
He also said the increase in the R-rate underlined “the fact that the threat from the virus remains very real”.
“If anyone still thinks Covid-19 is going to fade away, let them think again. We must all do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus,” said Mr Swann.
Asked if the decision was a trade-off between opening schools and keeping non-food serving pubs closed Ms Foster said, “I make no apologies for the fact that we are prioritising schools.”
Ms Foster said the Executive is launching a public information campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of face coverings. The “Wear one for Everyone” campaign will be rolled out over the coming weeks.
Ms Foster added theatre and concert halls can open on a restricted basis from August 8th, with an indicative date of September 1st for the return of audiences.
“We are going to permit spectators to be present at indoor sporting venues from August 10th but we have also said that further work is needed to risk assess the reopening of soft play areas and other venues,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Tributes paid as boy (15) who fell from Powerscourt Waterfall named

The boy who died after a fall at Powerscourt Waterfall in Co Wicklow on Wednesday has been named locally .
Lewis Fleming ( 15 ) from Ballymoney , Co Antrim , was on holiday at the Powerscourt Estate , House and Gardens when the fatal incident occurred at about 2.30pm .
Gardaí are investigating although it is understood the incident is being treated as a tragic accident .
One line of inquiry is that the teenager may have tried to climb a section of the 121-metre high waterfall when he slipped and fell .
He was pronounced dead at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire services , ambulance personnel , the Coastguard , as well as volunteers from the Dublin and Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team .
The boy was a student of Coleraine Grammar School in Co Antrim .
The school ’ s headmaster , Dr David Carruthers , said the school was “ devastated ” to learn of his death .
“ The whole school community is devastated to hear of the tragic death of Lewis Fleming on holiday in Co Wicklow , which gardaí are treating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Lewis was a lovely young man , about to enter Year 12 , who contributed hugely to school life in the classroom , on the rugby field , the athletics track and in the swimming pool .
Lewis had a wide circle of friends , a great sense of fun and will be sorely missed by everyone .
“ I personally found Lewis to be an engaging , pleasant pupil who was always happy to have a chat .
This is a real tragedy and a terrible loss for Lewis ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lewis ’ s family at this tragic time.
” Swim Ulster , the Ulster Branch of Swim Ireland , also paid tribute to the boy .
“ Swim Ulster is deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the death of 15-year-old Lewis Fleming from Ballymoney Swimming Club , ” it said .
“ Lewis was one of Ballymoney SC senior squad members and played a major part in the relay teams , provincial towns league , and open competitions .
“ Lewis had many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wider swimming community and the loss of his friendship and companionship will be a huge loss to all who knew him .
“ Our thoughts and prayers are with him mum Gillian , dad Angus , brothers Aaron and Harris and the family circle at this difficult time.
” North Down DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said : “ As the news emerged this morning of the tragic accident in Co Wicklow , it was with a sense of great sadness to learn of another family who have been bereaved in this way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sorry the family are going through .
Our thoughts and Prayers are with them as they face the coming days.
” Local councillor Ivor Wallace said the community in Ballymoney was devastated by the tragedy .
“ Everybody here is in shock , ” he said .
“ The north coast has been affected quite a bit by tragedy this summer , especially when it comes to water .
I would advise everyone to take as many precautions as possible when anywhere near water.
” A Garda spokesman said a postmortem will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Hospital , Loughlinstown .
A second individual was rescued near the top of the waterfall by the Coastguard ’ s Rescue 116 helicopter .
“ We were called in by the fire service , ” said a spokesman .
“ A helicopter was requested in relation to a suspected faller .
Rescue 116 was tasked and attended the scene .
A second casualty was airlifted to safety .
He did not require medical assistance.
” Powerscourt Waterfall is 6km from the main estate and is 121 metres high .
The area is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numerous signs at the amenity warning people not to climb the rocks above a certain level .
Minister for Higher Education and local TD Simon Harris on Wednesday night paid tribute to the coastguard for its efforts in saving the second individual .
“ Such sad news emerging in County Wicklow from our beautiful Powerscourt this evening , ” he said on Twitter .
“ Thoughts of all our community are with the family and friends of the teenager .
Thank you to the @ IrishCoastGuard for all their efforts.
” Powerscourt Estate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .

The boy who died after a fall at Powerscourt Waterfall in Co Wicklow on Wednesday has been named locally.
Lewis Fleming (15) from Ballymoney, Co Antrim, was on holiday at the Powerscourt Estate, House and Gardens when the fatal incident occurred at about 2.30pm.
Gardaí are investigating although it is understood the incident is being treated as a tragic accident. One line of inquiry is that the teenager may have tried to climb a section of the 121-metre high waterfall when he slipped and fell. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident was attended by the fire services, ambulance personnel, the Coastguard, as well as volunteers from the Dublin and Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team.
READ MORE
The boy was a student of Coleraine Grammar School in Co Antrim. The school's headmaster, Dr David Carruthers, said the school was "devastated" to learn of his death.
“The whole school community is devastated to hear of the tragic death of Lewis Fleming on holiday in Co Wicklow, which gardaí are treating as an accident,” he said.
“Lewis was a lovely young man, about to enter Year 12, who contributed hugely to school life in the classroom, on the rugby field, the athletics track and in the swimming pool. Lewis had a wide circle of friends, a great sense of fun and will be sorely missed by everyone.
“I personally found Lewis to be an engaging, pleasant pupil who was always happy to have a chat. This is a real tragedy and a terrible loss for Lewis’s whole family and for our school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lewis’s family at this tragic time.”
Swim Ulster, the Ulster Branch of Swim Ireland, also paid tribute to the boy.
“Swim Ulster is deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the death of 15-year-old Lewis Fleming from Ballymoney Swimming Club,” it said.
“Lewis was one of Ballymoney SC senior squad members and played a major part in the relay teams, provincial towns league, and open competitions.
“Lewis had many friends in the club and indeed the wider swimming community and the loss of his friendship and companionship will be a huge loss to all who knew him.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him mum Gillian, dad Angus, brothers Aaron and Harris and the family circle at this difficult time.”
North Down DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said: “As the news emerged this morning of the tragic accident in Co Wicklow, it was with a sense of great sadness to learn of another family who have been bereaved in this way.
“No one can begin to imagine the sorry the family are going through. Our thoughts and Prayers are with them as they face the coming days.”
Local councillor Ivor Wallace said the community in Ballymoney was devastated by the tragedy.
“Everybody here is in shock,” he said. “The north coast has been affected quite a bit by tragedy this summer, especially when it comes to water. I would advise everyone to take as many precautions as possible when anywhere near water.”
A Garda spokesman said a postmortem will be carried out at St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown.
A second individual was rescued near the top of the waterfall by the Coastguard’s Rescue 116 helicopter.
“We were called in by the fire service,” said a spokesman. “A helicopter was requested in relation to a suspected faller. Rescue 116 was tasked and attended the scene. A second casualty was airlifted to safety. He did not require medical assistance.”
Powerscourt Waterfall is 6km from the main estate and is 121 metres high. The area is popular with climbers, although there are numerous signs at the amenity warning people not to climb the rocks above a certain level.
Minister for Higher Education and local TD Simon Harris on Wednesday night paid tribute to the coastguard for its efforts in saving the second individual.
“Such sad news emerging in County Wicklow from our beautiful Powerscourt this evening,” he said on Twitter. “Thoughts of all our community are with the family and friends of the teenager. Thank you to the @IrishCoastGuard for all their efforts.”
Powerscourt Estate did not respond to a request for comment.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Garda met challenge of domestic violence surge amid lockdown – report

Domestic violence surged by 25 per cent during the Covid-19 lockdown period but the Garda met the challenge by transforming the way it responded to the violence , the Policing Authority has said .
Some groups working with victims of domestic violence told the authority about “ significant interventions ” made by gardaí which they believed prevented domestic violence killings .
One group said the service now being supplied by the Garda was the “ best ever ” .
The authority said the Garda anticipated the lockdown would result in a spike in domestic violence attacks and established Operation Faoiseamh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that operation , a total of 8,229 contacts or attempted contacts had been made with domestic violence victims , and some 107 prosecutions had been commenced , including for breaching barring and safety orders .
The authority commended the Garda ’ s performance in responding to domestic violence in its half-yearly review of how the force was meeting the objectives set out in its policing plan .
However , there was still a “ lack of understanding of the dynamics and dimensions of domestic abuse ” in some parts of the Garda organisation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic , especially in getting closer to communities across the country , was regarded as very positive , some important goals set by the force for itself had not been met in the first six months of the year , partly due to the pandemic .
For example , training had been suspended for some projects including the roll-out of new domestic abuse risk assessment practices .
There were also shortfalls in the planned better resourcing of Garda Síochána Analysis Service , which provides data to improve resource allocation in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing crime trends .
The Garda had also planned to produce a costed policing plan , based on more reliable data , but this was now “ unlikely to be achieved ” this year .
There was also no workforce plan document that would set out the Garda ’ s staffing requirements across all parts of the force .
However , chairman of the Policing Authority Bob Collins said one of the positive features of the pandemic , and was most commented on by groups and individuals who had dealings with Garda members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tone ” taken by members of the force .
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has previously said none of his members had to be told to change their “ tone ” or had to be advised on what tone to take .
Instead , he said when Garda members had more time to engage with the community again during the pandemic – as most crime types plummeted – policing had “ found itself again ” in the Republic .
Mr Collins said a key challenge for the Garda organisation in the months and years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress made in policing during the pandemic period .
“ There has been a real change in tone by individual gardaí , sometimes quite spontaneously , in their relationship to people and the response has been phenomenally good from people , ” he said on RTÉ Radio 1 .
He added that when the “ intensity of the current emergency decreases , that same sense of engagement with people , that same sense of mutual respect , humanity , recognition , understanding will continue to be part of the way which the Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collins acknowledged that some young people felt they did not have the “ same warm experience ” with the gardaí and it was a challenge for the gardaí to find new ways to engage with such groups .
For people who had difficult relations with the gardaí in the past , there was a barrier , they did not have the “ warm , glowing Covid policing experience ” that the vast majority had experienced , he said .
It was important to maintain the level of engagement achieved during the pandemic , @ @ @ @

Domestic violence surged by 25 per cent during the Covid-19 lockdown period but the Garda met the challenge by transforming the way it responded to the violence, the Policing Authority has said.
Some groups working with victims of domestic violence told the authority about “significant interventions” made by gardaí which they believed prevented domestic violence killings. One group said the service now being supplied by the Garda was the “best ever”.
The authority said the Garda anticipated the lockdown would result in a spike in domestic violence attacks and established Operation Faoiseamh to deal with the increase.
The Policing Authority commended the Garda’s performance in responding to domestic violence in its half-yearly review. Photograph: Alan Betson
Under that operation, a total of 8,229 contacts or attempted contacts had been made with domestic violence victims, and some 107 prosecutions had been commenced, including for breaching barring and safety orders.
READ MORE
The authority commended the Garda’s performance in responding to domestic violence in its half-yearly review of how the force was meeting the objectives set out in its policing plan. However, there was still a “lack of understanding of the dynamics and dimensions of domestic abuse” in some parts of the Garda organisation.
While the Garda’s work during the pandemic, especially in getting closer to communities across the country, was regarded as very positive, some important goals set by the force for itself had not been met in the first six months of the year, partly due to the pandemic.
For example, training had been suspended for some projects including the roll-out of new domestic abuse risk assessment practices. There were also shortfalls in the planned better resourcing of Garda Síochána Analysis Service, which provides data to improve resource allocation in the force and more efficient policing responses to changing crime trends.
The Garda had also planned to produce a costed policing plan, based on more reliable data, but this was now “unlikely to be achieved” this year. There was also no workforce plan document that would set out the Garda’s staffing requirements across all parts of the force.
Change in ‘tone’
However, chairman of the Policing Authority Bob Collins said one of the positive features of the pandemic, and was most commented on by groups and individuals who had dealings with Garda members, was the positive change in “tone” taken by members of the force.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has previously said none of his members had to be told to change their “tone” or had to be advised on what tone to take. Instead, he said when Garda members had more time to engage with the community again during the pandemic – as most crime types plummeted – policing had “found itself again” in the Republic.
Mr Collins said a key challenge for the Garda organisation in the months and years ahead was trying to retain the clear progress made in policing during the pandemic period.
“There has been a real change in tone by individual gardaí, sometimes quite spontaneously, in their relationship to people and the response has been phenomenally good from people,” he said on RTÉ Radio 1.
He added that when the “intensity of the current emergency decreases, that same sense of engagement with people, that same sense of mutual respect, humanity, recognition, understanding will continue to be part of the way which the Garda Síochána delivers its services”.
Mr Collins acknowledged that some young people felt they did not have the “same warm experience” with the gardaí and it was a challenge for the gardaí to find new ways to engage with such groups.
For people who had difficult relations with the gardaí in the past, there was a barrier, they did not have the “warm, glowing Covid policing experience” that the vast majority had experienced, he said.
It was important to maintain the level of engagement achieved during the pandemic, said Mr Collins.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Well-known figures in Irish soccer arrested over €3m heroin haul

Two well-known figures in Irish domestic soccer have been arrested over the discovery of a consignment of heroin valued at €3 million .
One of the men has a conviction for a firearms offence involving a replica gun and is also a suspect in a conspiracy that resulted in the shooting of Dubliner Robert Delaney in 2008 .
Mr Delaney has been in a permanent vegetative state in hospital since the shooting almost 12 years ago .
He was working as a postman when targeted over intervening in a row outside a pub , The suspects were arrested following a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Organised Crime Bureau ( GNDOCB ) and Revenue ’ s Custom Service led to the multimillion euro narcotics seizure .
Gardaí believe the drugs had recently entered the country .
The haul was monitored , leading to the arrest of the two suspects – aged 40s and 30s – in the Dublin 15 area .
The arrested men were being questioned in Blanchardstown Garda station under section 2 of the Criminal Justice ( Drug Trafficking ) Act .
Det Chief Supt Angela Willis , head of GNDOCB , said the operation had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant quantity of heroin from circulation within communities that are suffering the consequences of drug trafficking ” .
In 2008 father-of-two Robert Delaney intervened in a dispute outside a Dublin pub .
One of the men he challenged is the older suspect who is in custody over the heroin find .
That man has links to people previously in the Provisional IRA .
Over a period of months after the incident outside the Dublin pub Mr Delaney was followed , intimidated and in October of that year was shot at his home in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bell to his apartment Mr Delaney looked over the balcony to see who it was and was met with a shotgun blast to the face .
He suffered catastrophic injuries and has no hope of recovery .
The gunman who attempted to murder him , Daniel Gaynor from Dublin , carried out shootings for money .
Gardaí believe he was paid €10,000 to shoot Mr Delaney .
Gaynor was shot dead in Finglas , north Dublin , in August 2010 .
Several crime gangs co-operated to kill him because he had worked as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detectives believe the older man now in custody conspired with an older close associate previously involved with the Provisional IRA , and other men , to shoot Mr Delaney in revenge for his 2008 pub-row intervention .
The man was arrested by gardaí investigating the attack on Mr Delaney , but was released without charge .

Part of the consignment of heroin seized in Dublin on Wednesday. Photograph: Revenue’s Customs Service
Two well-known figures in Irish domestic soccer have been arrested over the discovery of a consignment of heroin valued at €3 million.
One of the men has a conviction for a firearms offence involving a replica gun and is also a suspect in a conspiracy that resulted in the shooting of Dubliner Robert Delaney in 2008 .
Mr Delaney has been in a permanent vegetative state in hospital since the shooting almost 12 years ago. He was working as a postman when targeted over intervening in a row outside a pub,
The suspects were arrested following a joint operation between the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue's Custom Service led to the multimillion euro narcotics seizure.
READ MORE
Gardaí believe the drugs had recently entered the country. The haul was monitored, leading to the arrest of the two suspects – aged 40s and 30s – in the Dublin 15 area.
The arrested men were being questioned in Blanchardstown Garda station under section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act.
Det Chief Supt Angela Willis, head of GNDOCB, said the operation had "resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of heroin from circulation within communities that are suffering the consequences of drug trafficking".
In 2008 father-of-two Robert Delaney intervened in a dispute outside a Dublin pub. One of the men he challenged is the older suspect who is in custody over the heroin find. That man has links to people previously in the Provisional IRA.
Over a period of months after the incident outside the Dublin pub Mr Delaney was followed, intimidated and in October of that year was shot at his home in Tallaght. When a caller rang the bell to his apartment Mr Delaney looked over the balcony to see who it was and was met with a shotgun blast to the face.
‘No hope of recovery’
He suffered catastrophic injuries and has no hope of recovery.
The gunman who attempted to murder him, Daniel Gaynor from Dublin, carried out shootings for money. Gardaí believe he was paid €10,000 to shoot Mr Delaney.
Gaynor was shot dead in Finglas, north Dublin, in August 2010. Several crime gangs co-operated to kill him because he had worked as a killer for the Real IRA.
Detectives believe the older man now in custody conspired with an older close associate previously involved with the Provisional IRA, and other men, to shoot Mr Delaney in revenge for his 2008 pub-row intervention.
The man was arrested by gardaí investigating the attack on Mr Delaney, but was released without charge.


theirishtimes--2020-08-06--Covid-19: Temperature scans at airports ‘ineffective’

Temperature scanning at ports and airports is ineffective in identifying incoming passengers infectious with Covid-19 and in limiting the spread of the disease , according to a new report .
Thermal screening is high cost and resource intensive , and detection rates are low , the report by the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) states .
There have been numerous calls for the screening of incoming passengers at points of entry to the State as a way of curbing the spread of Covid-19 .
Mass screening has been used in some countries in other infectious disease outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian countries during the 2009 swine flu pandemic .
However , the evidence review by Hiqa says this type of screening is likely to be ineffective in limiting the spread of Covid-19 .
“ Detection rates are very low due to large proportion of cases that have no symptoms , are infectious before showing any symptoms or who do not present with fever , ” the report says .
The report says not all cases present with fever , a substantial proportion are asymptomatic and about 25 per cent of symptomatic cases never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some cases may “ evade detection ” by taking common medicines that reduce body temperature .
Using thermal screening could result in a false sense of safety and reduce the number of trained healthcare staff available to work in other areas of pandemic management , the report says .
The report finding on the effectiveness of thermal screening relates to point-of-entry only and its applicability to other settings , such as schools , is uncertain , the authors say .
Separately , Hiqa has published an evidence summary on potential immunity following infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review of available international research finds that antibodies were detected in nearly all people up to three months after infections , and more than 90 per cent of patients had developed a neutralising antibody response , which protects against further infection .
However , a handful of new studies suggest it may be possible to be re-infected with Sars-CoV-2 , the virus that causes Covid-19 .
“ It remains unclear whether long-term immunity to Sars-CoV-2 is possible , ” according to Dr Máirín Ryan , Hiqa ’ s deputy chief executive and director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers arriving in Ireland are required to complete a passenger locator form indicating where they will stay for the following 14 days , and to self-isolate at this address for the period .

Temperature scanning at ports and airports is ineffective in identifying incoming passengers infectious with Covid-19 and in limiting the spread of the disease, according to a new report.
Thermal screening is high cost and resource intensive, and detection rates are low, the report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) states.
There have been numerous calls for the screening of incoming passengers at points of entry to the State as a way of curbing the spread of Covid-19. Mass screening has been used in some countries in other infectious disease outbreaks – such as in Australia and some Asian countries during the 2009 swine flu pandemic.
However, the evidence review by Hiqa says this type of screening is likely to be ineffective in limiting the spread of Covid-19.
READ MORE
“Detection rates are very low due to large proportion of cases that have no symptoms, are infectious before showing any symptoms or who do not present with fever,” the report says.
The report says not all cases present with fever, a substantial proportion are asymptomatic and about 25 per cent of symptomatic cases never develop a fever.
In addition, some cases may “evade detection” by taking common medicines that reduce body temperature.
Using thermal screening could result in a false sense of safety and reduce the number of trained healthcare staff available to work in other areas of pandemic management, the report says.
The report finding on the effectiveness of thermal screening relates to point-of-entry only and its applicability to other settings, such as schools, is uncertain, the authors say.
Immunity
Separately, Hiqa has published an evidence summary on potential immunity following infection with Covid-19 or other coronaviruses.
Its review of available international research finds that antibodies were detected in nearly all people up to three months after infections, and more than 90 per cent of patients had developed a neutralising antibody response, which protects against further infection.
However, a handful of new studies suggest it may be possible to be re-infected with Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
“It remains unclear whether long-term immunity to Sars-CoV-2 is possible,” according to Dr Máirín Ryan, Hiqa’s deputy chief executive and director of health technology assessment.
Currently, passengers arriving in Ireland are required to complete a passenger locator form indicating where they will stay for the following 14 days, and to self-isolate at this address for the period.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--NPHET meets amid growing coronavirus cases in Kildare, Laois and Offaly

The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting on Friday and is expected to advise Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly on any actions which should be taken in light of recent outbreaks of Covid-19 in counties Kildare , Laois and Offaly .
It follows the revelation that 226 cases of coronavirus have been identified in the three counties in the past 14 days – almost half the national total recorded over the period – with many cases linked to food processing plants in the region .
A further 60 provisional cases are expected to be confirmed later on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokeswoman for O ’ Brien ’ s Fine Foods in Timahoe , Co Kildare confirmed that 80 of its employees had tested positive for the virus and testing continues on dozens more .
Professor Paddy Mallon , a consultant in infectious diseases at St Vincent ’ s University Hospital in Dublin , earlier said the reintroduction of a lockdown in the three counties could be avoided if community transmission of the virus could be contained but accepted the situation was “ on a real knife ’ s edge ” .
Speaking on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme said the situation was at “ a critical point ” .
“ If the public don ’ t buy into Ronan Glynn ( the acting chief medical officer ) and his colleagues in terms of just being extra vigilant then we may lose control , ” he added .
Prof Mallon said there probably needed to be a recognition that what was happening went beyond the workplace and required looking at the living conditions of workers , the transport they used and societal conditions .
“ That means that people are sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re afraid they may lose employment or lose income because they have to take time off work sick , ” he observed .
Prof Mallon added “ We need to look at this holistically because there ’ s something in this sector that just isn ’ t working .
It probably lies simply beyond the workplace and we ’ ll probably need a more societal and whole of government approach.
” Asked about elderly and vulnerable individuals living in Kildare , Laois and Offaly , Prof Mallon advised them to take extra care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they should return to cocooning .
He recommended that they should stay out of environments which they felt were unsafe .
Prof Mallon said he believed the risk of being infected by plastic packaging containing goods from the affected food plants was “ very low ” .
Meanwhile , the Irish College of General Practitioners has said the Government needed to ensure that anyone who has to stop work because of coronavirus will still be paid , Covid-19 lead at the group , Dr Nuala O ’ Connor , also said only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain the spread of the virus .
Not gone away Asymptomatic cases were of particular concern , she told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland , with people “ going about ” when they did not know if they had the virus .
Even when tested and there was a negative result , they should continue to isolate themselves for 14 days , she said .
Day Zero testing and Day Seven testing was very important and people needed to stay out of work , she added .
Dr O ’ Connor urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their GP who could then refer them for a test .
Symptoms included shortness of breath , a cough , loss of sense of taste or smell .
“ This is a walk-up call for all of us – there are cases in 20 counties , the virus is still out there , if you have symptoms take yourself out of circulation and contact your GP .
“ Covid-19 has not gone away .
We all need to be vigilant.
” A trade union official has said it is time for the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandatory testing for meat industry workers .
The meat industry sector offered “ a perfect storm ” for the transmission of Covid-19 , Siptu division organiser , Greg Ennis told RTÉ radio ’ s Morning Ireland after news emerged of a large outbreak at plants in the Midlands .
Mr Ennis said the union had been warning about this prospect since March and had written to the Department in April warning of the poor working conditions for workers in the meat industry .
It had taken almost six months to get Meat Industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place next week , he added .
Conditions such as working in close proximity , air conditioning and noise pollution , which means workers have to raise their voices which leads to the spread of the virus through droplets , all contribute to “ the perfect storm ” , he said .
There was also the social issue with many workers carpooling and sharing accommodation which meant they were at risk “ within and out of the workplace.
” The cost of mandatory testing was a matter for the Government and employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s time the Government got real and brought in mandatory testing.
” Mr Ennis also called for unannounced inspections of plants .

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin outlines the new measures that will come into effect as a two-week local lockdown is announced for Kildare, Laois and Offaly following a spike in Covid-19 cases in the region. Video: Virgin Media News
Residents of Kildare, Laois and Offaly face limits on their movement for at least two weeks as part of a series of new restrictions in these areas in a bid to control a sharp spike in Covid-19 cases.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also said cafes, restaurants and pubs in these three counties will close from midnight for two weeks as well as cinemas, theatres and museums. There will be no sporting events or matches and all gyms will close.
People in the three affected counties will only be allowed travel within their own county, unless it is for work or medical appointments, or for family reasons.
There will be an exemption for those who need to travel for farming reasons. There will be no travel into the three counties other than for work, medical reasons or other essential reasons like farming.
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Those who need to get to other destinations through those counties will be able to do so but will be asked not to stop while travelling through these counties.
Garda checkpoints will be placed in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly to ensure people do not flout the restrictions, Garda sources said.
Regulations were expected to be drawn up over the weekend by the Department of Health which would again give gardaí the power to arrest people who breach the travel restrictions and who refuse to comply when stopped at a checkpoint.
Minister for Health Simon Donnelly said regulations are being put together to enforce the new restrictions. He said there would be Garda checkpoints in the three counties although he said “we will succeed by solidarity.” The regulations will apply from Sunday night onwards, he said.
[ Click here for the full list of the restrictions imposed ]
Extraordinary lockdown
The Department of Health on Friday reported another four deaths and 98 new cases - bringing the total number of deaths in Ireland to 1,772, and the number of confirmed cases to 26,470.
Mr Martin has said the extraordinary lockdown of the three Leinster counties where there have been alarming increases in cases in the past two weeks was done to prevent any widespread return of the virus.
In a live address on RTÉ News at 6pm, he said: "Over the past week there have been a number of localised clusters that are a serious concern.
“I want to be very clear that the Government is determined to do everything possible to prevent the return of widespread transmission of the virus” he said.
Speaking from Government Buildings, Mr Martin said the “process of reopening is not simple. It is not a case of moving forward step by step”.
Mr Martin said he understood the increasing impatience that many people feel. “There is a huge desire to get back to normal life.”
However, he added, the coronavirus pandemic presented “a deep and urgent threat, which is merciless and unrelenting”.
Mr Martin said: “While the burden of the decision falls heaviest on the three counties of Kildare, Laois and Offaly, the message needs to be understood everywhere in Ireland. There is nothing inevitable about keeping the disease under control.”
Working conditions in meat factories
Acting chief medical officer Ronan Glynn said on Friday evening that he was not in a position to offer guarantees that the partial restrictions would be lifted in two weeks' time. He said the aim of acting at this point was to stop community transmission before it can take hold.
“While I know the next two weeks are going to be difficult for many, we need to continue to work together.”
He said he was not surprised that people are angry and disappointed and said the reality is that the virus spread quite quickly in these counties. “We felt really at this point we had to move.”
He said there were significant clusters in these areas as opposed to community transmission but that it would be “too late” to contain potential community transmission if action was not taken. On the issue of meat factories and concerns about the working conditions of workers there, Dr Glynn said dedicated outbreak control teams have been put in place over recent months and that “it did appear that things had come under control”. In terms of factories, Dr Glynn said two of the factories have over 80 cases. The dog food factory in Naas has just over 50 cases.
“We do know the people working in these facilities often live together, and travel to work together, and within the factories they work very closely together. Many of the environments are loud so people are shouting. There are a whole range of factors that lead to these sectors being high risk,”he said.
Political representatives in the three counties affected by a two week lockdown have responded with a mixture of shock and anger at the decision.
Dáil deputies representing Kildare, Laois and Offaly from across the political spectrum have called for emergency funding for businesses impacted and have been highly critical of the delayed response of State agencies to the “obvious” risks of outbreaks in meat processing plants and direct provision centres.
Restrictions
Under the new measures announced this evening people living in the three counties are advised to avoid public transport, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Indoor gatherings will be restricted to six people. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to around 15 people as long as strict social distancing can be maintained.
While restaurants and bars will have to close except for takeaway, those who can offer seats for 15 people outside can do so as long as strict social distancing is maintained.
Hotels can remain open but must limit occupancy to essential non-social and non-tourist reasons. Existing guests can remain for the duration of their booking.
The Taoiseach said those who can work from home in this region should do so.
Plans to reopen schools remain unchanged.
Shops will remain open but shoppers must wear masks. All cinemas, theatres, casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, gyms, leisure centres, swimming pools, exercise and dance studios must close.
Attendance at a funeral service and burial or cremation ceremony should be limited to 25 outdoors. Indoor events connected to the funeral are limited to a maximum of 6 people.
Places of worship remain open for private prayer, while services are to be held online.
Prison visits, nursing home visits and hospital visits will also be suspended under the new regional lockdown plan with the exception of the most critical and compassionate circumstances (for example end of life).
More cases
Meanwhile, a food processing plant in Co Kildare has announced further cases of coronavirus among its workers.
O’Brien Fine Foods said it stopped operations at its Timohoe facility at 9pm on Wednesday after 80 workers tested positive for coronavirus. On Friday, the firm announced a further six cases of coronavirus have been detected, adding in a statement that the “level of asymptomatic infectivity appears to be very high”.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Reopening of schools in many EU countries has not led to Covid-19 increase, ECDE report finds

The reopening of schools in many EU countries has not led to significant increases in community transmission of Covid-19 , according to a new report .
Child-to-child transmission of the disease in schools is uncommon and not the primary cause of infection in children attending class , particularly in preschools and primary schools , the report by the European Centre for Disease Control ( ECDC ) suggests .
Schools are unlikely to be more effective environments for propagating the virus than other work or leisure settings with similar densities of people , the report states .
“ Decisions on control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be consistent with decisions on other physical distancing and public health response measures within the community , ” it says .
With the Government planning a full reopening of Irish schools in the autumn , public health officials here have been waiting for the publication of this ECDC report before finalising their guidance to the education sector .
At present , it is not a requirement that student have to wear face-coverings when schools reopen though there have been calls for this to be made mandatory , as it is in retail environments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging ” to implement in the school setting “ as it is known that children will have a lower tolerance and/or may not be able to use the mask properly ” .
Some EU states require children to wear masks , particularly those under 12 , while Belgium and Czechia require teachers and other staff to do the same .
Norway , Sweden and the Netherlands do not have this requirement for students or staff .
The report says less than 5 per cent of overall Covid-19 cases in the EU and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these are much less likely than adults to be hospitalised or die .
Children are more likely to have a mild or asymptomatic infection , but this means the infection may go undetected or undiagnosed .
When they have symptoms , children shed virus in similar quantities to adults and can infect others in a similar way to adults .
The report says it is unknown how infectious asymptomatic children are .
“ While very few significant outbreaks of Covid-19 in schools have been documented , they do occur , and may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of symptoms in children.
” In general , most countries report slightly lower seroprevalence in children than among adults , but these differences are “ small and uncertain ” and more specialised studies are needed , the ECDC says .
It acknowledges the evidence on the impact of school closures and reopening on community transmission levels is conflicting but adds that observational data from some EU countries , along with the results of contact tracing , suggest it is not associated with significant increases .
“ Available evidence also indicates that closures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be an effective single control measure for community transmission of Covid-19 and such closures would be unlikely to provide significant additional protection of children ’ s health , since most develop a very mild form of Covid-19 , if any.
” However , decisions on control measures in schools and school closures/openings should be consistent with decisions on other physical distancing and public health response measures within the community .

Schools are unlikely to be more effective environments for propagating the virus than other work or leisure settings with similar densities of people, the report states. Photograph: Dave Thompson/PA Wire
The reopening of schools in many EU countries has not led to significant increases in community transmission of Covid-19, according to a new report.
Child-to-child transmission of the disease in schools is uncommon and not the primary cause of infection in children attending class, particularly in preschools and primary schools, the report by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) suggests.
Schools are unlikely to be more effective environments for propagating the virus than other work or leisure settings with similar densities of people, the report states.
“Decisions on control measures in schools and school closures/openings should be consistent with decisions on other physical distancing and public health response measures within the community,” it says.
READ MORE
With the Government planning a full reopening of Irish schools in the autumn, public health officials here have been waiting for the publication of this ECDC report before finalising their guidance to the education sector.
At present, it is not a requirement that student have to wear face-coverings when schools reopen though there have been calls for this to be made mandatory, as it is in retail environments.
The report says face-masks are “challenging” to implement in the school setting “as it is known that children will have a lower tolerance and/or may not be able to use the mask properly”.
Some EU states require children to wear masks, particularly those under 12, while Belgium and Czechia require teachers and other staff to do the same. Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands do not have this requirement for students or staff.
Asymptomatic
The report says less than 5 per cent of overall Covid-19 cases in the EU and the United Kingdom are among children, and these are much less likely than adults to be hospitalised or die.
Children are more likely to have a mild or asymptomatic infection, but this means the infection may go undetected or undiagnosed.
When they have symptoms, children shed virus in similar quantities to adults and can infect others in a similar way to adults. The report says it is unknown how infectious asymptomatic children are.
“While very few significant outbreaks of Covid-19 in schools have been documented, they do occur, and may be difficult to detect due to the relative lack of symptoms in children.”
In general, most countries report slightly lower seroprevalence in children than among adults, but these differences are “small and uncertain” and more specialised studies are needed, the ECDC says.
It acknowledges the evidence on the impact of school closures and reopening on community transmission levels is conflicting but adds that observational data from some EU countries, along with the results of contact tracing, suggest it is not associated with significant increases.
“Available evidence also indicates that closures of childcare and educational institutions are unlikely to be an effective single control measure for community transmission of Covid-19 and such closures would be unlikely to provide significant additional protection of children’s health, since most develop a very mild form of Covid-19, if any.”
However, decisions on control measures in schools and school closures/openings should be consistent with decisions on other physical distancing and public health response measures within the community.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--End of eviction ban will make it harder to find rentals outside Dublin, Simon Community says

The cessation of a moratorium on evictions and rent increases during the Covid-19 emergency will make it more difficult for people outside the Dublin region to find homes , the Simon Community has warned .
The charity made the comment on foot of its new report , Locked Out , which shows positive developments in the private rental market around the capital but less so elsewhere .
Examining 16 areas advertised on the website Daft.ie in March and later in June , it found the pandemic had brought about “ substantial change ” in the market including a significant increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , it said , this has not been met with improved affordability - a significant increase in properties that qualify for the HAP scheme ( Housing Assistance Payment ) are limited to the Dublin region .
Spokesman Wayne Stanley said the Government ’ s recent move to end a ban on evictions and rent hikes during the emergency would not help .
“ There is widespread concern about the impact of those changes , the findings of the report suggests that the impact could be particularly felt by those outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harder to secure alternative accommodation , ” he said .
The main findings of the report , published on Thursday evening , were an 80 per cent increase in the number of available properties in the study areas between March and June as lockdown and other restrictive measures gripped the country .
During a three day period in late June , there was an average of 2,988 rental properties available compared to 1,652 in March .
Of those , 28 per cent fell within the financial limits of the HAP scheme .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properties possibly affordable to those on a HAP payment were in the Dublin region .
Just 52 properties were available elsewhere .
Single people fared worse - just nine one-bed units were within standard HAP limits while overall , just 2.2 per cent of properties came within HAP limits for that category of renter .
“ The report highlights trends that are being seen by homeless services .
For single people finding accommodation is difficult across the country , ” Mr Stanley said .
“ In Dublin we continue to see [ movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families .
Outside of Dublin it is much more difficult.
” In Limerick City , Galway City and Portlaoise there were no properties available to those dependant on assistance payments .
In Galway City , the report found that despite a 127 per cent increase in overall availability , no single bed properties qualified under the HAP scheme rates .
Couples were in a slightly better position overall with 13.5 per cent of all properties available to them under the limits of the scheme , while just over 11 per cent were available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14.7 per cent for families with two children .

The cessation of a moratorium on evictions and rent increases during the Covid-19 emergency will make it more difficult for people outside the Dublin region to find homes, the Simon Community has warned.
The charity made the comment on foot of its new report, Locked Out, which shows positive developments in the private rental market around the capital but less so elsewhere.
Examining 16 areas advertised on the website Daft.ie in March and later in June, it found the pandemic had brought about “substantial change” in the market including a significant increase in supply in urban areas and cities.
However, it said, this has not been met with improved affordability - a significant increase in properties that qualify for the HAP scheme (Housing Assistance Payment) are limited to the Dublin region.
READ MORE
Spokesman Wayne Stanley said the Government's recent move to end a ban on evictions and rent hikes during the emergency would not help.
“There is widespread concern about the impact of those changes, the findings of the report suggests that the impact could be particularly felt by those outside the Dublin region. They will find it harder to secure alternative accommodation,” he said.
The main findings of the report, published on Thursday evening, were an 80 per cent increase in the number of available properties in the study areas between March and June as lockdown and other restrictive measures gripped the country.
During a three day period in late June, there was an average of 2,988 rental properties available compared to 1,652 in March.
Of those, 28 per cent fell within the financial limits of the HAP scheme. However, over 93 per cent of the properties possibly affordable to those on a HAP payment were in the Dublin region. Just 52 properties were available elsewhere.
Single people fared worse - just nine one-bed units were within standard HAP limits while overall, just 2.2 per cent of properties came within HAP limits for that category of renter.
“The report highlights trends that are being seen by homeless services. For single people finding accommodation is difficult across the country,” Mr Stanley said. “In Dublin we continue to see [movement] into the private rental market for families. Outside of Dublin it is much more difficult.”
In Limerick City, Galway City and Portlaoise there were no properties available to those dependant on assistance payments.
In Galway City, the report found that despite a 127 per cent increase in overall availability, no single bed properties qualified under the HAP scheme rates.
Couples were in a slightly better position overall with 13.5 per cent of all properties available to them under the limits of the scheme, while just over 11 per cent were available to families with one child, and 14.7 per cent for families with two children.


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Summer is on the way with warm sunny conditions for most of the next week

A decent spell of summer weather is on the way after a cool and showery start to August following on from a forgettable July .
Warm and sunny conditions should be the norm into the middle of next week with the exception of Monday when there could be heavy thunderstorms along the east coast .
Temperatures over the coming days will reach the low- to mid-twenties .
Friday will see highs of 23 degrees in Ireland just as many parts of Europe including the south-east of England experience a mini-heatwave .
Temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of France and Italy .
Closer to home there will be highs of 23 degrees on Saturday and it will be dry everywhere .
Sunday will be more of the same with the chance of an isolated odd shower .
Monday will be the warmest day of the spell with highs of 25 degrees in the east of the country though the models indicate heavy rain in the evening time .
It will be dry and sunny on Tuesday with more highs of 24 degrees , the warmest conditions in Leinster .
Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too , according to the long term weather forecast .
It will make a welcome change for staycationers who have to endure a typical Irish summer to date with many Covid-19 restrictions still in place and foreign travel severely restricted .
July was cool and wet nearly everywhere for the legions of staycationers who can not go on a sun holiday this year .
Aside from brief spells of good weather between July 9th and 11th and July 19th and 21st the month was characterised by typical Atlantic-dominated weather .
The summer that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the first 10 days of July and more rain and cool conditions in between the brief hiatus of good days .
The July weather prompted the following tweet from Dublin Airport : “ The station here just recorded the dullest July in 34 years , with a total of 104.2 hours sunshine .
We ’ re no meteorologists , but we ’ re pretty sure the technical term for that sort of weather is cat .
This was almost as good as it got last month .
”

People enjoying the sunshine in Bray, Co Wicklow, over the August bank holiday weekend. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA
A decent spell of summer weather is on the way after a cool and showery start to August, following on from a forgettable July.
Warm and sunny conditions should be the norm into the middle of next week with the exception of Monday, when there could be heavy thunderstorms along the east coast. Temperatures over the coming days will reach the low- to mid-20s.
Friday saw highs of 23 degrees in Ireland just as many parts of Europe, including the southeast of England, experience a mini-heatwave.
Closer to home there will be highs of 23 degrees on Saturday, and it will be dry everywhere. Sunday will be more of the same, with the chance of an isolated odd shower.
READ MORE
Monday will be the warmest day of the spell, with highs of 25 degrees in the east of the country, though the models indicate heavy rain in the evening time.
It will be dry and sunny on Tuesday with more highs of 24 degrees, the warmest conditions in Leinster.
Wednesday and Thursday are also looking like dry days, according to the long-term forecast.
It will make a welcome change for “staycationers” who have to endure a typical Irish summer to date with many Covid-19 restrictions still in place and foreign travel severely restricted.
July was cool and wet nearly everywhere for the legions of staycationers. Aside from brief spells of good weather between July 9th and 11th, and July 19th and 21st, the month was characterised by typical Atlantic-dominated weather.
The summer that time forgot saw heavy falls of rain during the first 10 days of July, and more rain and cool conditions in between the brief hiatus of good days.
The July weather prompted the following tweet from Dublin Airport: “The station here just recorded the dullest July in 34 years, with a total of 104.2 hours sunshine. We’re no meteorologists, but we’re pretty sure the technical term for that sort of weather is cat. This was almost as good as it got last month.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-07--Aaron Brady trial: Jury continues deliberations

The jury in the trial of Aaron Brady , who denies the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe , continues deliberations at the Central Criminal Court .
The five men and seven women began deliberating on Thursday and spent more than three hours considering their verdicts .
Aaron Brady ( 29 ) from New Road , Crossmaglen , Co Armagh has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe who was then a member of An Garda Síochána on active duty on January 25th , 2013 at Lordship Credit Union , Bellurgan , Co Louth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and assorted cheques on the same date and at the same location .
Presiding judge Mr Justice Michael White has previously advised the jury to begin by considering the charge of robbery .
He said that if they find Mr Brady not guilty of that charge it would be illogical to find him guilty of the murder charge .
The judge added that if they find him guilty of robbery they must then consider the capital murder charge , which he said is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible verdicts .
Mr Justice White told the jury that the prosecution is saying that Mr Brady did not just participate in the robbery but that he shot Det Gda Donohoe .
If the jury is not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Brady shot the garda then they should bring a not guilty verdict , he said .
If they are satisfied that Mr Brady shot the detective , the judge said : “ For capital murder you have to be satisfied he knew he was a member of An Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reckless to that.
” The jury could find Mr Brady guilty of murder but not capital murder if they decide that he was the shooter but did not know that he was shooting a garda and was not reckless to whether he was a garda .
The judge also pointed out that the defence has raised manslaughter as an alternative verdict .
Mr Justice White explained that manslaughter is an unlawful killing without the intention to kill or cause serious injury .

The jury in the trial of Aaron Brady, who denies the capital murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, continues deliberations at the Central Criminal Court.
The five men and seven women began deliberating on Thursday and spent more than three hours considering their verdicts.
Aaron Brady (29) from New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe who was then a member of An Garda Síochána on active duty on January 25th, 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth.
Mr Brady has also pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and assorted cheques on the same date and at the same location.
READ MORE
Presiding judge Mr Justice Michael White has previously advised the jury to begin by considering the charge of robbery. He said that if they find Mr Brady not guilty of that charge it would be illogical to find him guilty of the murder charge.
The judge added that if they find him guilty of robbery they must then consider the capital murder charge, which he said is “tricky” because there are multiple possible verdicts.
Mr Justice White told the jury that the prosecution is saying that Mr Brady did not just participate in the robbery but that he shot Det Gda Donohoe. If the jury is not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Brady shot the garda then they should bring a not guilty verdict, he said.
If they are satisfied that Mr Brady shot the detective, the judge said: “For capital murder you have to be satisfied he knew he was a member of An Garda Síochána on active duty or that he was reckless to that.”
The jury could find Mr Brady guilty of murder but not capital murder if they decide that he was the shooter but did not know that he was shooting a garda and was not reckless to whether he was a garda. The judge also pointed out that the defence has raised manslaughter as an alternative verdict. Mr Justice White explained that manslaughter is an unlawful killing without the intention to kill or cause serious injury.