theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Minister says ‘rules apply to everyone’ after MP pictured on train without mask

A DUP Stormont minister has said the rules apply to everyone after one of her Westminster colleagues was pictured not wearing a mask on a train .
East Antrim DUP MP Sammy Wilson said he should have had a face covering on , “ and am offering no excuse ” .
A photograph was posted on Twitter on Thursday of Mr Wilson on board a train , reading a magazine without a face covering .
Ms Dodds said she supports the view of former DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt who earlier said he was furious over Mr Wilson not wearing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Sammy has recognised what he did was wrong and the consequences are there for him , but it is incumbent upon all of us , public representatives and everyone else , to obey the health rules and very clearly in public where we are asked to wear a mask , to wear a mask .
“ I am not making any excuses for anybody on this issue .
I think that we should all obey the rules and ensure that we are safe , that our friends and colleagues are safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through incredibly difficult times will feel safer .
“ Sammy also has acknowledged as far as I ’ m aware , although I haven ’ t been speaking to him directly.
” Mr Spratt , who is battling cancer , said Mr Wilson should “ wise up ” in a tweet .
He has also urged Mr Wilson to be “ more responsible ” .
“ Sammy is a very senior MP .
He ’ s a former colleague of mine in the Northern Ireland Assembly , and I expect more from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the advice is to do the right thing and to protect others , ” he said .
“ I am absolutely furious because it ’ s not the first time he has done a stunt .
I feel he needs to be much more responsible and to toe the line , do the right thing and try to protect everyone if he doesn ’ t want to protect himself .
“ Whenever I sit two days each fortnight in the cancer centre and see other people who are much more vulnerable than me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to protect them , so why shouldn ’ t Sammy do the right thing and protect others ?
” On Thursday , DUP leader Arlene Foster said everyone is ‘ equally subject to the law ’ .
In a statement to the PA news agency , Mr Wilson queried why the person who took the photograph had not approached him directly on the train .
“ I didn ’ t have a mask on , should have had it on and am offering no excuse , but it is sad that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the Stasi where members of the public think it is acceptable to act as snoops , ” he said .
“ Whoever took the picture didn ’ t approach me or say anything to me which I suppose would have been the proper way to behave.
” Alliance Party leader Naomi Long criticised this statement , tweeting : “ The phrase you were looking for is ‘ I ’ m genuinely sorry and will do better in future ’ .
And maybe leave out the whole East Germany/Stasi/blame the public thing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask really isn ’ t comparable to that level of oppression.
” Those caught not wearing a mask on public transport in London can face a €208 ( £200 ) fine , which doubles each time a person is caught , up to €7007 ( £6,400 ) .
There are exemptions for the rule on the basis of age , health and disability reasons .
Earlier this week , Conservative MP Danny Kruger apologised after being spotted without a mask during a public transport journey in London .
Mr Wilson has previously been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In July he tweeted a photograph of himself in an ice cream shop in Co Antrim not wearing a mask , with the message : “ You can ’ t eat ice cream when you ’ re muzzled !
” Face coverings became mandatory in enclosed public spaces in Northern Ireland on August 10th – AP

A DUP Stormont minister has said the rules apply to everyone after one of her Westminster colleagues was pictured not wearing a mask on a train. Photo credit should read: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor/PA Wire
A DUP Stormont minister has said the rules apply to everyone after one of her Westminster colleagues was pictured not wearing a mask on a train.
East Antrim DUP MP Sammy Wilson said he should have had a face covering on, "and am offering no excuse".
A photograph was posted on Twitter on Thursday of Mr Wilson on board a train, reading a magazine without a face covering.
Hospital Report
Ms Dodds said she supports the view of former DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt who earlier said he was furious over Mr Wilson not wearing a mask.
READ MORE
She told the BBC: “Sammy has recognised what he did was wrong and the consequences are there for him, but it is incumbent upon all of us, public representatives and everyone else, to obey the health rules and very clearly in public where we are asked to wear a mask, to wear a mask.
“I am not making any excuses for anybody on this issue. I think that we should all obey the rules and ensure that we are safe, that our friends and colleagues are safe and that people like Jimmy who have been through incredibly difficult times will feel safer.
“Sammy also has acknowledged as far as I’m aware, although I haven’t been speaking to him directly.”
Mr Spratt, who is battling cancer, said Mr Wilson should “wise up” in a tweet.
He has also urged Mr Wilson to be “more responsible”.
"Sammy is a very senior MP. He's a former colleague of mine in the Northern Ireland Assembly, and I expect more from a public representative particularly at this time when the advice is to do the right thing and to protect others," he said.
“I am absolutely furious because it’s not the first time he has done a stunt. I feel he needs to be much more responsible and to toe the line, do the right thing and try to protect everyone if he doesn’t want to protect himself.
“Whenever I sit two days each fortnight in the cancer centre and see other people who are much more vulnerable than me, I think to myself: ‘I want to protect them, so why shouldn’t Sammy do the right thing and protect others?”
On Thursday, DUP leader Arlene Foster said everyone is ‘equally subject to the law’.
In a statement to the PA news agency, Mr Wilson queried why the person who took the photograph had not approached him directly on the train.
“I didn’t have a mask on, should have had it on and am offering no excuse, but it is sad that we have now become like East Germany under the Stasi where members of the public think it is acceptable to act as snoops,” he said.
“Whoever took the picture didn’t approach me or say anything to me which I suppose would have been the proper way to behave.”
Criticise
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long criticised this statement, tweeting: "The phrase you were looking for is 'I'm genuinely sorry and will do better in future'. And maybe leave out the whole East Germany/Stasi/blame the public thing. It was your fault and wearing a mask really isn't comparable to that level of oppression."
Those caught not wearing a mask on public transport in London can face a €208 (£200) fine, which doubles each time a person is caught, up to €7007(£6,400).
There are exemptions for the rule on the basis of age, health and disability reasons.
Earlier this week, Conservative MP Danny Kruger apologised after being spotted without a mask during a public transport journey in London.
Mr Wilson has previously been outspoken about the wearing of face coverings.
In July he tweeted a photograph of himself in an ice cream shop in Co Antrim not wearing a mask, with the message: “You can’t eat ice cream when you’re muzzled!”
Face coverings became mandatory in enclosed public spaces in Northern Ireland on August 10th – AP


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Father speaks of ‘great courage’ of murdered daughter as man convicted

The father of murdered Irish woman Ciara Glennon has spoken of his daughter ’ s “ great courage ” following the conviction of Bradley Edwards in Perth on Thursday .
“ Ciara was strong in spirit , had courage , great courage but yet as she fought to save her life she could not save herself , ” he said .
Bradley Robert Edwards , a former technician from Western Australia , was found guilty of the murders of Ms Glennon and Jane Rimmer but acquitted of the murder of Sarah Spiers in what became known as the Claremont serial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s longest-running and most expensive criminal investigation .
Edwards was arrested in 2016 and charged with wilfully murdering the three women , as well as for indecently assaulting an 18-year-old woman during a break-in at her Huntingdale home in February 1988 , and abducting and raping a 17-year-old girl in February 1995 in Claremont .
Ms Glennon , whose family was originally from Westport , Co Mayo was celebrating St Patrick ’ s Day with friends in Perth on March 14th , 1997 , when she went missing .
Her body was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perth .
Speaking at press conference after the conviction , Denis Glennon , who is originally from Westport , said his daughter had fought for her life and in the process had left vital DNA clues .
“ When Ciara was deemed a missing person my appeal for help to find her was in a press conference like this , in this very same room , I had two fears – that she would fight for her life because of the way she was brought up and little did we know then how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she fought to save her life she left us the vital DNA clues .
Mr Glennon said the past was “ engulfed by sadness ” but fond memories of Ciara helped the family through it .
He mentioned her “ ready friendship and above all her courage ” .
Mr Glennon said he would no longer be so involved with the case .
“ As you know I ’ ve had a deep personal involvement for more than 20 years in this case .
I now intend to cease that personal involvement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that justice has been delivered to Ciara.
” The Claremont killings refer to the deaths of Ms Rimmer ( 23 ) , Ms Glennon ( 27 ) , and Ms Spiers ( 18 ) , between 1996 and 1997 .
All three women went missing after nights out at the Claremont entertainment district in Perth ’ s eponymous western suburb .
The bodies of Ms Rimmer and Ms Glennon were found dumped in bushland at opposite ends of Perth .
Ms Spiers was never found and is presumed dead .

Ciara Glennon whose body was found dumped about 50km from Perth in March 1997. Photograph: PerthNow
The father of murdered Irish woman Ciara Glennon has spoken of his daughter's "great courage" following the conviction of Bradley Edwards in Perth on Thursday.
“Ciara was strong in spirit, had courage, great courage but yet as she fought to save her life she could not save herself,” he said.
Bradley Robert Edwards, a former technician from Western Australia, was found guilty of the murders of Ms Glennon and Jane Rimmer but acquitted of the murder of Sarah Spiers in what became known as the Claremont serial killings case. The conviction followed Australia's longest-running and most expensive criminal investigation.
Edwards was arrested in 2016 and charged with wilfully murdering the three women, as well as for indecently assaulting an 18-year-old woman during a break-in at her Huntingdale home in February 1988, and abducting and raping a 17-year-old girl in February 1995 in Claremont.
READ MORE
Ms Glennon, whose family was originally from Westport, Co Mayo was celebrating St Patrick’s Day with friends in Perth on March 14th, 1997, when she went missing. Her body was later found in bushland about 50km from Perth.
Speaking at press conference after the conviction, Denis Glennon, who is originally from Westport, said his daughter had fought for her life and in the process had left vital DNA clues.
“When Ciara was deemed a missing person my appeal for help to find her was in a press conference like this, in this very same room, I had two fears – that she would fight for her life because of the way she was brought up and little did we know then how prophetic those words would be. As she fought to save her life she left us the vital DNA clues.
Mr Glennon said the past was “engulfed by sadness” but fond memories of Ciara helped the family through it.
He mentioned her “ready friendship and above all her courage”.
Mr Glennon said he would no longer be so involved with the case.
“As you know I’ve had a deep personal involvement for more than 20 years in this case. I now intend to cease that personal involvement, but I depart with the full belief that justice has been delivered to Ciara.”
The Claremont killings refer to the deaths of Ms Rimmer (23), Ms Glennon (27), and Ms Spiers (18), between 1996 and 1997. All three women went missing after nights out at the Claremont entertainment district in Perth’s eponymous western suburb.
The bodies of Ms Rimmer and Ms Glennon were found dumped in bushland at opposite ends of Perth. Ms Spiers was never found and is presumed dead.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Covid-19: Taoiseach warns of restrictions in Ireland’s cities as hospital cases pass 100

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned cities could have Covid-19 restrictions imposed upon them as the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland ’ s hospitals rose above 100 and Co Donegal prepared to enter Level 3 of the country ’ s five-level alert scale .
Speaking in Cork on Friday , Mr Martin said the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) would advise the Government “ in terms of any restrictions that may have to come in for other areas.
” “ They are concerned about urban centres : Cork , Limerick , Galway and Waterford - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen in the coming weeks , ” Mr Martin added .
“ That is a concern - where you have high density populations the virus can thrive in such situations.
” Mr Martin emphasised that every effort must be made to prevent any other area , urban or rural , from entering Level 3 .
“ First of all we have an opportunity to avoid those areas going to Level 3 at all if we adhere to the public health guidance - reduce congregations , reduce the number of social contacts and wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ NPHET may advise in terms of particularly localised restrictions though , to date , it has been on a county by county basis .
Mr Martin said the numbers are “ particularly growing in the cities and urbanised parts ” of Cork , Limerick , Galway and Waterford .
He said the rise in case of the virus had been “ within the community and within wherever large gatherings have happened.
” “ Suffice to say right now they ( NPHET ) are very concerned .
I was speaking to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in places like Cork city cases have been going up in a straight line in the past two weeks .
“ That is a worry - between 20 and 30 cases a day .
That is worrying .
Likewise in other city areas.
” The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in hospital has gone above 100 for the first time since early June .
There were 102 confirmed virus patients in hospital on Thursday night , including 12 admissions in the previous 24 hours , according to the latest operational report from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a substantial increase on the 88 confirmed cases recorded the previous evening .
A further 114 suspected cases of the disease are also being treated in hospitals .
The Mater hospital , with 20 patients , Beaumont Hospital with 16 and St James ’ s Hospital with 12 have the highest number of confirmed cases currently being treated , according to the report .
The number of patients in ICU decreased from 17 to 16 last evening .
The Mater , Portlaoise and Wexford hospital have no free critical care beds at present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 critical care beds available .
Meanwhile , the latest epidemiological data confirms that Donegal has overtaken Dublin as the county with the highest incidence of the virus in the Republic .
As of Thursday , Donegal had a 14-day incidence of 148.2 per 100,000 people , compared to 144.5 for Dublin , the report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows .
The incidence in Louth was 107.8 and in Waterford , 86.9 .
The incidence in the worst-affected area of Dublin , the north-west , increased from 200.3 to 207.1 Compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Donegal grew 21 per cent per cent , that in Dublin and Louth increased only slightly while in Waterford it fell .
Between Wednesday and Thursday , incidence rates rose in 11 countries , fell in another 11 counties and were unchanged in four others .
Within Dublin , rates rose slightly in all regions except Dublin South-East .
This appears to show the appeals by public health officials for people to limit contacts and follow guidance is working .
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said the HSE is trying to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s time to sit up ” .
Nobody wants to go back to the situation there was in March , he told RTÉ Radio 1 ’ s Today with Claire Byrne show .
Lockdown kills the economy and society , he said .
The real discussion should be about how to stop people having to go to intensive care , he said , when asked about the number of ICU beds .
People are tired and frustrated , they want certainty which the HSE can not give them .
“ Everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said.. Mr Reid defended the country ’ s testing and tracing system saying 1.1million tests have been carried out to date .
Contact tracing right now is a balance between speed and time and the HSE is looking at the idea of tracing going back further than 48 hours .
To do so will mean increasing resources , but if it is deemed necessary then the resources will be provided .
Ireland is one of the few countries testing contacts , he said .
It was about trying to find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and had to be examined .
“ We need to keep the economy and society open .
We are still playing catch up in our response since lockdown.
” Every measure to keep society open must be taken , he said .

Garda checkpoints are being rolled out in Co Donegal ahead of the imposition of Level 3 restrictions at midnight.
Fears over more severe restrictions for other cities are growing tonight after the Government imposed Level 3 restrictions on colleges, which will see most tuition move online to reduce students’ movements, to try and curb the rise in Covid-19 cases.
Garda checkpoints are being rolled out in Co Donegal tonight ahead of the imposition of Level 3 restrictions at midnight and people have been urged to avoid all unnecessary travel across the Border between Ireland and Northern Ireland to reduce the spread of the virus.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned on Friday that other cities, in particular, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford, could have additional restrictions imposed if cases continue to rise.
Hospital Report
In the Republic, 326 additional cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on Friday, while in Northern Ireland 273 new cases were recorded. No new deaths due to the virus in either jurisdiction were reported. The number people in hospital due to Covid-19 rose above 100 on Friday.
READ MORE
Acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn and his Northern Ireland counterpart, Dr Michael McBride, also made a specific appeal to teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s in Donegal and Derry to reduce their social contacts.
Donegal’s 14-day incidence rate is now higher than Dublin’s, with 148.2 positive cases per 100,000 population, whereas Dublin has recorded 144.5 positive cases per 100,000.
In neighbouring Derry and Strabane council area, the rate in the last seven days is 141.4 positive cases per 100,000 population - the highest in Northern Ireland.
Mr Martin said the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) would advise the Government “in terms of any restrictions that may have to come in for other areas.”
He said the virus thrived in areas of high population density.
‘Very concerned’
“First of all we have an opportunity to avoid those areas going to Level 3 at all if we adhere to the public health guidance – reduce congregations, reduce the number of social contacts and wear masks in shops and on public transport.”
“NPHET may advise in terms of particularly localised restrictions though, to date, it has been on a county by county basis.
“Suffice to say right now they [NPHET] are very concerned. I was speaking to the Chief Medical Officer over the week and in places like Cork city cases have been going up in a straight line in the past two weeks.
“That is a worry – between 20 and 30 cases a day. That is worrying. Likewise in other city areas.”
On Friday night Dr Glynn, asked people everywhere but “particularly in Donegal and Dublin to pay special attention to the public health advice.”
“Because while there is every chance that other areas will have to move to Level 3, there is nothing inevitable about it. We have seen previously how people working together can turn the tide on this virus and bring increasing trajectories back under control.”
Hospital cases
The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in hospital has gone above 100 for the first time since early June. There were 102 confirmed virus patients in hospital on Thursday night, including 12 admissions in the previous 24 hours, according to the latest operational report from the Health Service Executive.
This represents a substantial increase on the 88 confirmed cases recorded the previous evening.
A further 114 suspected cases of the disease are also being treated in hospitals.
The Mater hospital, with 20 patients, Beaumont Hospital with 16 and St James's Hospital with 12 have the highest number of confirmed cases currently being treated, according to the report.
The number of patients in ICU decreased from 17 to 16 last evening. The Mater, Portlaoise and Wexford hospital have no free critical care beds at present, though across the system there are 45 critical care beds available.
Meanwhile, the latest epidemiological data confirms that Donegal has overtaken Dublin as the county with the highest incidence of the virus in the Republic.
As of Thursday, Donegal had a 14-day incidence of 148.2 per 100,000 people, compared to 144.5 for Dublin, the report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows.
The incidence in Louth was 107.8 and in Waterford, 86.9.
The incidence in the worst-affected area of Dublin, the north-west, increased from 200.3 to 207.1
Compared to the previous day, the incidence in Donegal grew 21 per cent per cent, that in Dublin and Louth increased only slightly while in Waterford it fell.
Between Wednesday and Thursday, incidence rates rose in 11 countries, fell in another 11 counties and were unchanged in four others. Within Dublin, rates rose slightly in all regions except Dublin South-East.
This appears to show the appeals by public health officials for people to limit contacts and follow guidance is working.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Highly-disturbed teenager who has threatened to kill mother due for release

It will be decided later on Friday whether a highly-disturbed teenager who has allegedly threatened to murder her mother will be released from custody or charged .
The teenager was arrested by gardaí on Thursday as she was about to be released from a secure care unit .
She was taken to a local Garda station to be questioned as part of an investigation into threats she is alleged to have made .
The teenager is feared to be a particular threat to her mother .
She has also allegedly sexually assaulted two other women , and threatened to harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month that her mother had moved home , to a new residence in a new county , as a result of Garda fears for her safety .
The hearings , held in camera , were told there was no medical basis for making the teenager a ward of court .
The 24-hour period which applies to the teenager ’ s detention will expire later on Friday .
At that stage she must either be released or charged .
There is also an issue of bail conditions that apply in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the teenager in relation to the alleged sexual assault of the two women .
The teenager , who is now eighteen has been in the care of the child and family agency , Tusla .
Details as to the teenager ’ s troubled past can not be published for fear they might identify her .
If the teenager is charged , then she will be brought to a sitting of the District Court , where the issue of bail will be decided in relation to any fresh charges that might be brought against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month it was stated that the teenager needed to be placed in a specialist unit in the UK , because of the complex nature of her case , which exceeds anything the services here have to date encountered .
However efforts to date to find a secure unit that would take her in had been unsuccessful , the court heard .

It will be decided later on Friday whether a highly-disturbed teenager who has allegedly threatened to murder her mother will be released from custody or charged.
The teenager was arrested by gardaí on Thursday as she was about to be released from a secure care unit.
She was taken to a local Garda station to be questioned as part of an investigation into threats she is alleged to have made.
The teenager is feared to be a particular threat to her mother. She has also allegedly sexually assaulted two other women, and threatened to harm a third.
READ MORE
The High Court heard earlier this month that her mother had moved home, to a new residence in a new county, as a result of Garda fears for her safety.
The hearings, held in camera, were told there was no medical basis for making the teenager a ward of court.
The 24-hour period which applies to the teenager’s detention will expire later on Friday. At that stage she must either be released or charged.
There is also an issue of bail conditions that apply in relation to charges that have already been laid against the teenager in relation to the alleged sexual assault of the two women.
The teenager, who is now eighteen has been in the care of the child and family agency, Tusla.
Details as to the teenager’s troubled past cannot be published for fear they might identify her.
If the teenager is charged, then she will be brought to a sitting of the District Court, where the issue of bail will be decided in relation to any fresh charges that might be brought against her.
During the High Court hearings earlier this month it was stated that the teenager needed to be placed in a specialist unit in the UK, because of the complex nature of her case, which exceeds anything the services here have to date encountered.
However efforts to date to find a secure unit that would take her in had been unsuccessful, the court heard.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Covid-19 cases higher in areas with large proportion of renters, CSO says

Areas where more than 25 per cent of the population live in rented accommodation are worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic , figures from the Central Statistics Office ( CSO ) .
Some 56 per cent of all cases of coronavirus have been recorded in these areas , with this rising to 59 per cent for cases confirmed in August and September .
The CSO analysis also shows a movement in the income levels of households affected by the virus .
The CSO found those living in electoral divisions where the median household income is €30,000 or less accounted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic began , but in the last two months this group has accounted for 7 per cent of cases .
Cases among those living in areas where the median household income is between €40,000 and €50,000 have increased over this period accounting for 31 per cent of cases in the last two months compared to 26 per cent of all cases since the start of the pandemic .
The data also shows that there has been an increase in the proportions of cases in areas of higher working age welfare dependency in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 19 per cent of cases at the end of July , these areas have accounted for 27 per cent of cases in the last seven weeks .
There were 1,503 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the week ending September 18th , a decrease of 73 cases from the previous week .
Dublin made up 56 per cent of all new cases , a total of 840 cases , for the week ended September 18th , which is the second week in a row that Dublin had more than 800 weekly cases .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak , which is defined as two or more cases in the same location and time .
Outbreaks in private houses account for 55 per cent of cases linked to an outbreak in the last seven weeks , while the workplace accounts for 17 per cent of cases linked to an outbreak over this period .
Nursing homes accounted for 4 per cent of all confirmed cases related to an outbreak in the last seven weeks , a decrease from 44 per cent of cases at the end of July .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 33-years-old .
The average number of contacts per positive case per week is six in the week ending September 11th , up from five two weeks ago .
In the 0 to 14 age group , the number of contacts has increased to more than 10 contacts per case in September , from just over four in late August , coinciding with the reopening of schools .
Weekly testing numbers from HSE labs and hospitals also show a large increase in tests over the last seven weeks , with 81,463 tests being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the highest since testing began .
As testing has increased , the positivity rate has also risen from a low of 0.2 per cent positive in week ending July 24th to 2.3 per cent positive in week ending August 18th .
This is a large decrease on the positivity rate of 23.2 per cent positive in week ending April 3rd .

Areas where more than 25 per cent of the population live in rented accommodation are worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). File photograph: The Irish Times
Areas where more than 25 per cent of the population live in rented accommodation are worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Some 56 per cent of all cases of coronavirus have been recorded in these areas, with this rising to 59 per cent for cases confirmed in August and September.
The CSO analysis also shows a movement in the income levels of households affected by the virus.
Hospital Report
The CSO found those living in electoral divisions where the median household income is €30,000 or less accounted for 4 per cent of all cases since the pandemic began, but in the last two months this group has accounted for 7 per cent of cases.
READ MORE
Cases among those living in areas where the median household income is between €40,000 and €50,000 have increased over this period accounting for 31 per cent of cases in the last two months compared to 26 per cent of all cases since the start of the pandemic.
The data also shows that there has been an increase in the proportions of cases in areas of higher working age welfare dependency in the last two months, having accounted for 19 per cent of cases at the end of July, these areas have accounted for 27 per cent of cases in the last seven weeks.
There were 1,503 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the week ending September 18th, a decrease of 73 cases from the previous week.
New cases
Dublin made up 56 per cent of all new cases, a total of 840 cases, for the week ended September 18th, which is the second week in a row that Dublin had more than 800 weekly cases.
Some 18,096 positive Covid-19 cases are linked to an outbreak, which is defined as two or more cases in the same location and time.
Outbreaks in private houses account for 55 per cent of cases linked to an outbreak in the last seven weeks, while the workplace accounts for 17 per cent of cases linked to an outbreak over this period.
Nursing homes accounted for 4 per cent of all confirmed cases related to an outbreak in the last seven weeks, a decrease from 44 per cent of cases at the end of July.
The median age of new confirmed Covid-19 cases was 33-years-old.
The average number of contacts per positive case per week is six in the week ending September 11th, up from five two weeks ago.
In the 0 to 14 age group, the number of contacts has increased to more than 10 contacts per case in September, from just over four in late August, coinciding with the reopening of schools.
Weekly testing numbers from HSE labs and hospitals also show a large increase in tests over the last seven weeks, with 81,463 tests being carried out in week ending September 18th - the highest since testing began.
As testing has increased, the positivity rate has also risen from a low of 0.2 per cent positive in week ending July 24th to 2.3 per cent positive in week ending August 18th.
This is a large decrease on the positivity rate of 23.2 per cent positive in week ending April 3rd.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--One of Ireland's biggest lakes without rescue boat as engine stolen

One of the largest lakes in Ireland has been left without a search and rescue service after the engine and navigation gear on the volunteer unit ’ s boat was stolen .
Thieves removed the equipment on the vessel operated by the Corrib Mask Search and Rescue team “ with surgical precision ” at some point between midday last Thursday and Saturday morning .
“ We are just shattered by this ” the commander of the 26-strong volunteer crew Niall O ’ Meara told The Irish Times .
“ The boat is not even two years old and the engine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engine had been “ surgically removed from the back of the boat ” by people who knew exactly what they were doing .
“ This was not amateur hour .
Normally in a theft like this thieves use a chainsaw to hack the at the cables but this was very carefully removed and it would have taken at least two fully grown men to carry it to a van.
” He pointed out that the search and rescue crew was a critical resource relied upon by the Irish Coastguard for operations in Lough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onto the water frequently .
A emergency call to the service was made as recently as last Saturday afternoon when a local fisherman ’ s engine failed leaving him stranded in Lough Corrib .
As the rescue boat was out of commission one of the volunteers had to use their own vessel to reach the stranded boatman .
“ We don ’ t shout about what we do because a lot of the time we are dealing with tragedies , particularly when it comes to the recovery of bodies and there are sensitivities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers and are on call 24/7 and so much effort went in to raising the funds for this boat , ” he said .
He stressed that it was essential for the boat to be readily accessible and pointed out that “ it is the same as a defibrillator or life bouy and needs to be visible , we simply can ’ t waste 15 or 20 minutes bringing it to the water when lives are at stake.
” Mr O ’ Meara said that in the absence of a secure boathouse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be at grave risk of being stolen .
“ Even if we were able to magic up a boat now we can ’ t return it to the water because these guys have had a nibble and will be just waiting to come back .
We have no secure place to put it and that is the issue.
” The boat was moored on the water ’ s edge by the Ashford Castle estate and the hotel ’ s general manger Niall Rochford said it was “ an essential service which saves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ stealing wheels from an ambulance ” .
Mr O ’ Meara said an old pump house by the lake in Cong , which currently stores disused plant equipment owned by Irish Water , had been earmarked as a secure boathouse for the rescue unit but expressed frustration that Mayo County Council had yet to take steps to hand it over to the team .
A Mayo County Council spokeswoman said it had been working with the Corrib Mask Navigation Trust in an effort to find the Search and Rescue group a permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the wake of the engine theft the Council had been asked to facilitate the housing of the search and rescue boat/engine in the pumphouse at Lisloughrea pier .
“ We would be happy to facilitate this request but at this time we are currently ascertaining some clarification around ownership of the pumphouse and hope this information will be clear in the coming days .
”

One of the largest lakes in Ireland has been left without a search and rescue service after the engine and navigation gear on the volunteer unit's boat was stolen.
Thieves removed the equipment on the vessel operated by the Corrib Mask Search and Rescue team “with surgical precision” at some point between midday last Thursday and Saturday morning.
"We are just shattered by this" the commander of the 26-strong volunteer crew Niall O'Meara told The Irish Times. "The boat is not even two years old and the engine is virtually new."
He said the engine had been “surgically removed from the back of the boat” by people who knew exactly what they were doing. “This was not amateur hour. Normally in a theft like this thieves use a chainsaw to hack at the cables but this was very carefully removed and it would have taken at least two fully grown men to carry it to a van.”
READ MORE
He pointed out that the search and rescue crew was a critical resource relied upon by the Irish Coastguard for operations in Lough Corrib and Lough Mask and was called onto the water frequently.
Emergency stolen
A emergency call to the service was made as recently as last Saturday afternoon when a local fisherman’s engine failed leaving him stranded in Lough Corrib. As the rescue boat was out of commission one of the volunteers had to use their own vessel to reach the stranded boatman.
“We don’t shout about what we do because a lot of the time we are dealing with tragedies, particularly when it comes to the recovery of bodies and there are sensitivities around that. But we are all volunteers and are on call 24/7 and so much effort went in to raising the funds for this boat,” he said.
He stressed that it was essential for the boat to be readily accessible and pointed out that “it is the same as a defibrillator or life buoy and needs to be visible, we simply can’t waste 15 or 20 minutes bringing it to the water when lives are at stake.”
Mr O’Meara said that in the absence of a secure boathouse, there was a danger any new equipment would be at grave risk of being stolen. “Even if we were able to magic up a boat now we can’t return it to the water because these guys have had a nibble and will be just waiting to come back. We have no secure place to put it and that is the issue.”
The boat was moored on the water's edge by the Ashford Castle estate and the hotel's general manger Niall Rochford said it was "an essential service which saves lives and he likened the theft to "stealing wheels from an ambulance".
Mr O'Meara said an old pump house by the lake in Cong, which currently stores disused plant equipment owned by Irish Water, had been earmarked as a secure boathouse for the rescue unit but expressed frustration that Mayo County Council had yet to take steps to hand it over to the team.
A Mayo County Council spokeswoman said it had been working with the Corrib Mask Navigation Trust in an effort to find the Search and Rescue group a permanent and secure home.
She said that in the wake of the engine theft the council had been asked to facilitate the housing of the search and rescue boat/engine in the pumphouse at Lisloughrea pier. “We would be happy to facilitate this request but at this time we are currently ascertaining some clarification around ownership of the pumphouse and hope this information will be clear in the coming days.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Practical steps graduates can take to help secure that job

The world of work has transformed over the last six months .
What were once reasonable expectations of the job market have now been thrown askew .
We asked Orla Bannon , director of careers at Trinity College Dublin for her view on what practical steps graduates could take as they survey the world of work .
The good news is that there are things that you can do now as a student/graduate to take control of your career including : 1 .
Expand your connections : Build your professional and personal networks to help you connect with potential opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an online alumni network that graduates can use to connect with alumni and find alumni mentors .
This can be helpful to find out more about areas of interest to you and how best to use this time to build your skills .
2 .
Values and culture : Take this time to explore what is important to you in your career and what type of organisation culture you would like to work in .
Reflect on what you care about and what gives you energy and on how well your career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values .
Start a career journal to capture your thoughts .
3 .
Update your CV and online presence : Get your CV and LinkedIn profiles ready and practice presenting yourself online .
Many recruiters are now using online interviews for hiring so it ’ s important that you understand how you come across on screen .
Reflect on the skills , experience and knowledge that you ’ ve acquired through university and any additional work experience and extra-curricular activities you ’ ve engaged in .
Be able to not only articulate them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different scenarios .
Key skills employers are looking for evidence of now include adaptability , digital and learning agility , capacity to work with ambiguity and resilience .
4 .
Upskill and reskill : Plug the skills gap between where you are now and where you want to be .
Start by researching the sectors , organisations and types of roles you would like to work in over the next six months to six years .
Identify the skills and knowledge that those working in those roles evidence in their online profiles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then look at ways to develop your skills in the right direction - either through online learning or further study .
5 .
Find and listen to your own voice : It ’ s important that you reflect and take stock of where you are at now .
It may be a time that you are keen to learn new skills and seek out new opportunities , but it may also be a time for you to pause and consider what your next steps are .
Your University Careers Service is there to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them .
6 .
Be ready : The opportunities that you want may not be there right now but they will be there in the future so the more you plan , research and build your experience and skills now , the better position you will be in to apply for opportunities when they arise .

The world of work has transformed over the last six months. What were once reasonable expectations of the job market have now been thrown askew. We asked Orla Bannon, director of careers at Trinity College Dublin for her view on what practical steps graduates could take as they survey the world of work.
The good news is that there are things that you can do now as a student/graduate to take control of your career including:
1. Expand your connections: Build your professional and personal networks to help you connect with potential opportunities. Like Trinity, most colleges will have an online alumni network that graduates can use to connect with alumni and find alumni mentors. This can be helpful to find out more about areas of interest to you and how best to use this time to build your skills.
2. Values and culture: Take this time to explore what is important to you in your career and what type of organisation culture you would like to work in. Reflect on what you care about and what gives you energy and on how well your career interests and experiences are aligned with your values. Start a career journal to capture your thoughts.
READ MORE
3. Update your CV and online presence: Get your CV and LinkedIn profiles ready and practice presenting yourself online. Many recruiters are now using online interviews for hiring so it's important that you understand how you come across on screen.
Reflect on the skills, experience and knowledge that you’ve acquired through university and any additional work experience and extra-curricular activities you’ve engaged in. Be able to not only articulate them but also apply them in new and different scenarios. Key skills employers are looking for evidence of now include adaptability, digital and learning agility, capacity to work with ambiguity and resilience.
4. Upskill and reskill: Plug the skills gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Start by researching the sectors, organisations and types of roles you would like to work in over the next six months to six years. Identify the skills and knowledge that those working in those roles evidence in their online profiles and what employers in these sectors seek. Then look at ways to develop your skills in the right direction - either through online learning or further study.
5. Find and listen to your own voice: It's important that you reflect and take stock of where you are at now. It may be a time that you are keen to learn new skills and seek out new opportunities, but it may also be a time for you to pause and consider what your next steps are. Your University Careers Service is there to help and support you so reach out to them.
6. Be ready: The opportunities that you want may not be there right now but they will be there in the future so the more you plan, research and build your experience and skills now, the better position you will be in to apply for opportunities when they arise.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Road traffic law ‘extremely difficult’ to follow because of additions and amendments

Ireland ’ s road traffic laws are “ extremely difficult ” to work out because of their complexity and the number of times they have been amended , the Law Reform Commission has said .
The commission said on Friday the State ’ s laws should be made available online in a consolidated and comprehensive way , starting with , amongst other areas , the hugely complex road traffic and drink-driving code .
In its latest report , Accessibility of Legislation in the Digital Age , the commission said that the current situation is not satisfactory for a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be available to all citizens .
It proposes a series of five-year programmes for the consolidation of different areas of the law , to be overseen by a new agency , the Accessibility and Consolidation of Legislation Group .
Legislation that is posted online should include links to relevant information including background reports , case law , and pre and post-legislative scrutiny reports by the Oireachtas , the report says .
The commission notes that there have been significant improvements in recent years in making legislation available for free online , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed by the Office of the Attorney General .
However it believes this work needs to be built on , and recommends a number of areas of the law for the first of the proposed five-year programmes .
These are road traffic legislation , employment law , gambling control law , sale of alcohol law , monuments and archaeological heritage law , consumer protection law , and landlord and tenant law .
The report notes that since the Road Traffic Act 1961 consolidated most of the main provisions on road traffic law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts as well as new provisions in other acts .
“ This makes it extremely difficult to ascertain what the law on road traffic is at any given time .
Users also have to examine over 900 statutory instruments under these acts , to get a complete picture of the road traffic code.
” The report says it is difficult to trace the current position on drink-driving law , which is probably the area of the law on the statute book that is most challenged .
“ The complexity of the law in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last judgments delivered in the Supreme Court by the late Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman in Oates v Browne [ 2016 ] IESC 7 , in which he said that the law had been repeatedly amended in a piecemeal manner to the point that this area of the statute book had become ’ positively misleading ’ .
” While the commission has published a Revised Act version of the Road Traffic Act 1961 , which removes some of the complexity in tracing the law , many experienced lawyers in this area have called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a matter of priority , the commission said .

Ireland's road traffic laws are "extremely difficult" to work out because of their complexity and the number of times they have been amended, the Law Reform Commission has said.
The commission said on Friday the State’s laws should be made available online in a consolidated and comprehensive way, starting with, amongst other areas, the hugely complex road traffic and drink-driving code.
In its latest report, Accessibility of Legislation in the Digital Age, the commission said that the current situation is not satisfactory for a number of reasons, not least because the law should be available to all citizens.
It proposes a series of five-year programmes for the consolidation of different areas of the law, to be overseen by a new agency, the Accessibility and Consolidation of Legislation Group.
READ MORE
Legislation that is posted online should include links to relevant information including background reports, case law, and pre and post-legislative scrutiny reports by the Oireachtas, the report says.
The commission notes that there have been significant improvements in recent years in making legislation available for free online, including on the electronic Irish Statute Book, managed by the Office of the Attorney General.
However it believes this work needs to be built on, and recommends a number of areas of the law for the first of the proposed five-year programmes.
These are road traffic legislation, employment law, gambling control law, sale of alcohol law, monuments and archaeological heritage law, consumer protection law, and landlord and tenant law.
The report notes that since the Road Traffic Act 1961 consolidated most of the main provisions on road traffic law, there have been more than 20 new acts as well as new provisions in other acts.
“This makes it extremely difficult to ascertain what the law on road traffic is at any given time. Users also have to examine over 900 statutory instruments under these acts, to get a complete picture of the road traffic code.”
The report says it is difficult to trace the current position on drink-driving law, which is probably the area of the law on the statute book that is most challenged.
"The complexity of the law in this area was criticised in one of the last judgments delivered in the Supreme Court by the late Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman in Oates v Browne [2016]IESC 7, in which he said that the law had been repeatedly amended in a piecemeal manner to the point that this area of the statute book had become 'positively misleading'."
While the commission has published a Revised Act version of the Road Traffic Act 1961, which removes some of the complexity in tracing the law, many experienced lawyers in this area have called for the consolidation of road traffic legislation as a matter of priority, the commission said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Donegal Covid-19 restrictions Q&A: What do they mean?

The Government moved swiftly on Thursday to elevate Co Donegal to Level 3 of its Living with Covid-19 Strategy .
The move came after a substantial increase in coronavirus cases in the county .
The restrictions in Donegal differ slightly from those already in place in Dublin .
We take a look at what the new measures entail for Co Donegal : Q .
When do the new restrictions for Co Donegal come into place ?
The new restrictions come into effect for the county from midnight on Friday .
Q .
How long are these restrictions in place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for three weeks , until Friday , October 16th .
Q .
Can I travel into or out of Co Donegal ?
People should not leave or enter the county unless for work , education or other essential purposes .
Under Level 3 , the advice is to “ work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person ” .
Q .
Will there be checkpoints along the border ?
Insp David Durkin said on Thursday gardaí could not stop people from coming into the county from neighbouring Derry and Tyrone and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whereby gardaí would set up checkpoints along the border , such as happened during the start of the national lockdown in March .
“ We will be saying to people not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary and you have to .
We would also be appealing to people across the Border to use their moral and civic conscience if considering travelling to Donegal , and again not to travel unless absolutely necessary , ” he said .
Q .
Are social or family gatherings allowed ?
You are allowed a maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your home or garden .
No social or family gatherings should take place .
Q .
Will pubs and restaurants have to close ?
Unlike in Dublin , wet pubs can remain open but only for outdoor drinks for up to 15 people .
Pubs which serve food , and restaurants , will only be permitted to open if they have outdoor dining facilities ( for up to 15 people ) , or for takeaway services .
Q .
What about weddings ?
Up to 25 people can attend a wedding ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend can go ahead as planned ( up to a limit of 50 guests ) with the new restriction coming into effect from Monday .
Donegal residents may attend weddings outside of the county and those outside of Donegal may travel to weddings in Donegal this weekend only .
The Government has said that from Monday couples resident in Donegal with existing plans outside the county can travel to get married at another location .
Q .
What happens to mass and funerals ?
Religious services move online while places of worship remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 mourners can attend funerals .
Funerals organised for this weekend ( with a maximum of 50 mourners ) can go ahead as planned .
Q .
Can organised gatherings such as conferences or events in theatres/cinemas take place ?
No organised indoor gatherings should take place .
However , organised outdoor gatherings of up to 15 people can take place .
Museums , galleries and other cultural attractions will all close while libraries will be available for e-services and call and collect .
Q .
What about sport ?
Outdoor non contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 15 people with an exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship .
In terms of indoor training , only individual training can take place .
No exercise or dance classes can happen indoors .
No matches or events are allowed to take place .
There is an exemption for matches/events for professional/elite/inter-county/club championship/horse racing which can take place behind closed doors .
Q .
Will gyms and leisure centres have to close ?
Gyms , leisure centres and swimming pools can remain open provided they have the necessary protective measures and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about hotels and similar accommodation ?
They can remain open but services are to be limited to residents .
Q .
Will schools and creches remain open ?
Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures in place .
Further , higher and adult education are to “ escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible ” .
Q .
Do over 70s or medically vulnerable people have to cocoon ?
Those aged 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable have been advised to “ exercise personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they stay at home as much as possible , limit engagement to a very small network for short periods of time , while remaining physically distanced .
Q .
Are visits to nursing homes still allowed ?
Visits to long-term residential care facilities are suspended aside from “ critical and compassionate circumstances ” .
Q .
What about retail and hairdressers/barbers – can they remain open ?
Face coverings must continue to be worn when entering retail outlets , shopping centres etc .
They along with hairdressers , barbers and beauticians can remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are in place .
Q .
What is Donegal ’ s incidence rate right now ?
The number of cases per 100,000 over the past fortnight in the county increased to 148.2 , the highest in the country .
It is now higher than Dublin ’ s rate of about 145 .
The 14-day rate in Lifford and Stranorlar area is at 336 per 100,000 people .
Dr Glynn said on Thursday Donegal now had twice the levels of infection of every other county besides Dublin over the past seven days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be moved from Level 2 to Level 3 ?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned on Thursday of similar measures in other counties and cities where the incidence rate was rising .
“ To be honest we could have similar announcements for other areas in the coming week , if the numbers keep rising , ” Mr Martin said .
Dr Ronan Glynn , acting chief medical officer , has urged people in Louth , Wicklow , Kildare , Waterford , Cork and Galway to pay particular attention to public health advice .

The Government moved Co Donegal to Level 3 of its Living with Covid-19 Strategy. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Reuters
The Government moved swiftly on Thursday to elevate Co Donegal to Level 3 of its Living with Covid-19 Strategy.
The move came after a substantial increase in coronavirus cases in the county. The restrictions in Donegal differ slightly from those already in place in Dublin.
We take a look at what the new measures entail for Co Donegal:
Hospital Report
Q. When do the new restrictions for Co Donegal come into place?
The new restrictions come into effect for the county from midnight on Friday.
READ MORE
Q. How long are these restrictions in place for the county?
The restrictions will apply for three weeks, until Friday, October 16th.
Q. Can I travel into or out of Co Donegal?
People should not leave or enter the county unless for work, education or other essential purposes.
Under Level 3, the advice is to “work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person”.
Q. Will there be checkpoints along the border?
Insp David Durkin said on Thursday gardaí could not stop people from coming into the county from neighbouring Derry and Tyrone and that he did not see a situation whereby gardaí would set up checkpoints along the border, such as happened during the start of the national lockdown in March.
“We will be saying to people not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary and you have to. We would also be appealing to people across the Border to use their moral and civic conscience if considering travelling to Donegal, and again not to travel unless absolutely necessary,” he said.
Q. Are social or family gatherings allowed?
You are allowed a maximum of six visitors from one other household in your home or garden. No social or family gatherings should take place.
Q. Will pubs and restaurants have to close?
Unlike in Dublin, wet pubs can remain open but only for outdoor drinks for up to 15 people. Pubs which serve food, and restaurants, will only be permitted to open if they have outdoor dining facilities (for up to 15 people), or for takeaway services.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will remain closed.
Q. What about weddings?
Up to 25 people can attend a wedding ceremony and reception. Weddings organised for this weekend can go ahead as planned (up to a limit of 50 guests) with the new restriction coming into effect from Monday.
Donegal residents may attend weddings outside of the county and those outside of Donegal may travel to weddings in Donegal this weekend only.
The Government has said that from Monday couples resident in Donegal with existing plans outside the county can travel to get married at another location.
Q. What happens to mass and funerals?
Religious services move online while places of worship remain open for private prayer. Up to 25 mourners can attend funerals. Funerals organised for this weekend (with a maximum of 50 mourners) can go ahead as planned.
Q. Can organised gatherings such as conferences or events in theatres/cinemas take place?
No organised indoor gatherings should take place. However, organised outdoor gatherings of up to 15 people can take place.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions will all close while libraries will be available for e-services and call and collect.
Q. What about sport?
Outdoor non contact training is allowed only in pods of up to 15 people with an exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship.
In terms of indoor training, only individual training can take place. No exercise or dance classes can happen indoors.
No matches or events are allowed to take place. There is an exemption for matches/events for professional/elite/inter-county/club championship/horse racing which can take place behind closed doors.
Q. Will gyms and leisure centres have to close?
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can remain open provided they have the necessary protective measures and for individual training only.
Q. What about hotels and similar accommodation?
They can remain open but services are to be limited to residents.
Q. Will schools and creches remain open?
Schools and creches will remain open with protective measures in place. Further, higher and adult education are to "escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible".
Q. Do over 70s or medically vulnerable people have to cocoon?
Those aged 70 years and over and the medically vulnerable have been advised to "exercise personal judgement".
It is recommended that they stay at home as much as possible, limit engagement to a very small network for short periods of time, while remaining physically distanced.
Q. Are visits to nursing homes still allowed?
Visits to long-term residential care facilities are suspended aside from "critical and compassionate circumstances".
Q. What about retail and hairdressers/barbers – can they remain open?
Face coverings must continue to be worn when entering retail outlets, shopping centres etc. They along with hairdressers, barbers and beauticians can remain open as long as the necessary protective measures are in place.
Q. What is Donegal's incidence rate right now?
The number of cases per 100,000 over the past fortnight in the county increased to 148.2, the highest in the country. It is now higher than Dublin's rate of about 145. The 14-day rate in Lifford and Stranorlar area is at 336 per 100,000 people.
Dr Glynn said on Thursday Donegal now had twice the levels of infection of every other county besides Dublin over the past seven days.
Q. Are other counties likely to be moved from Level 2 to Level 3?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned on Thursday of similar measures in other counties and cities where the incidence rate was rising.
“To be honest we could have similar announcements for other areas in the coming week, if the numbers keep rising,” Mr Martin said.
Dr Ronan Glynn, acting chief medical officer, has urged people in Louth, Wicklow, Kildare, Waterford, Cork and Galway to pay particular attention to public health advice.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Teenager dies after road crash in Co Mayo

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a 19-year-old man died in a road traffic crash in Co Mayo on Thursday .
Shortly before 11pm , gardaí received a report of a serious incident on the N60 Ballyhaunis to Ballinlough Road in the Cloonafarna area , close to the Roscommon border .
A man , aged 19 , was pronounced dead at the scene and another man , aged 21 , was transferred to Mayo University Hospital by ambulance .
His injuries are not believed to be serious .
The scene was attended by gardaí , the fire service and ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed with diversions through Cloonfad from the Ballyhaunis side and also from Ballinlough .
It is expected to remain closed throughout Friday morning while a forensic collision investigation is conducted .
The circumstances of the fatal road traffic collision are being investigated by gardaí from Claremorris who are appealing to any persons who travelled along the N60 between 10:30pm and 11.15pm on Thursday to check for dash cam footage and to make it available to them .
Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí in Claremorris on 094 9372080 or the Garda @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a 19-year-old man died in a road traffic crash in Co Mayo on Thursday.
Shortly before 11pm, gardaí received a report of a serious incident on the N60 Ballyhaunis to Ballinlough Road in the Cloonafarna area, close to the Roscommon border.
A man, aged 19, was pronounced dead at the scene and another man, aged 21, was transferred to Mayo University Hospital by ambulance. His injuries are not believed to be serious.
The scene was attended by gardaí, the fire service and ambulance service personnel.
READ MORE
The road is currently closed with diversions through Cloonfad from the Ballyhaunis side and also from Ballinlough.
It is expected to remain closed throughout Friday morning while a forensic collision investigation is conducted.
The circumstances of the fatal road traffic collision are being investigated by gardaí from Claremorris who are appealing to any persons who travelled along the N60 between 10:30pm and 11.15pm on Thursday to check for dash cam footage and to make it available to them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí in Claremorris on 094 9372080 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Gardaí seize €3.5 million worth of cocaine in north Dublin

A man in his 30s has been arrested after cocaine with an estimated street value of €3.5 million was seized @ @ @ @ @ north Dublin on Thursday .
The search was conducted by the Garda National Drugs and @ @ @ @ @ ) as part of an ongoing investigation targeting organised crime .
A man , aged @ @ @ @ @ the seizure and is currently being detained at Swords Garda station under Section 2 of @ @ @ @ @ Trafficking ) Act 1996 .
Assistant Commissioner John O ’ Driscoll , who oversees the @ @ @ @ @ , said : “ Participation by a number of sections within An Garda Síochána with @ @ @ @ @ Service in this operation , has resulted in another significant seizure of a substance believed @ @ @ @ @ prevents further damage being inflicted within our communities .
”

A man in his 30s has been arrested after cocaine with an estimated street value of €3.5 million was seized by gardaí in Swords, north Dublin on Thursday.
The search was conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) as part of an ongoing investigation targeting organised crime.
A man, aged 33, was arrested after the seizure and is currently being detained at Swords Garda station under Section 2 of The Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.
Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll, who oversees the Organised and Serious Crime unit, said: "Participation by a number of sections within An Garda Síochána with assistance provided by Customs Revenue Service in this operation, has resulted in another significant seizure of a substance believed to be cocaine, which prevents further damage being inflicted within our communities."


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--What was it like to graduate in 2020?

What was it like to graduate in 2020?

What was it like to graduate in the middle of a pandemic ?
It was incredibly anticlimactic , strange and filled with a surprising amount of disappointment .
We had no opportunity to say goodbye to classmates and now our chances of having an in-person graduation seems highly unlikely so it ’ s quite disappointing for four years of hard work to end without any kind of formal celebration .
Nevertheless , following a challenging few months and lots of hard work , I am very proud of myself and the degree I will be graduating with .
My classmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebration when it is safe to do so .
How did the coronavirus impact your last few months of study ?
Having to move home because of coronavirus was difficult .
I had to adjust to studying in my room as opposed to having a set routine of studying in the library on DCU ’ s campus .
Having to move so abruptly to online learning was also tough as my final year counted as being 100 per cent of my final grade so the pressure was on to adjust and adjust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I enjoyed and embraced some aspects of online learning , such as the flexibility it offers .
Motivation levels also took a bit of a dip , particularly at the beginning of the lockdown as life seemed to be consumed by the pandemic and the news .
Have many of your fellow students found work ?
A couple of my friends have secured training contracts with law firms beginning in 2021 and onwards but others who had graduate programmes secured with business consulting firms have had their start date moved from September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused a lot of stress .
The uncertain climate has presented some opportunities however for further postgraduate studies and some of my friends have decided to take advantage of this time to undertake Masters degrees .
Overall , there is a general feeling of unease about our work prospects because we do not know how the economy is going to cope over the next few months , so job security and job prospects are a huge cause for concern .
Has the pandemic impacted your plans in terms of work ?
I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and worked in Dublin for my four years of university and now my plan is essentially gone out the window .
My plan was to sit FE1 examinations while working parttime in Dublin and then leave the country to work , gain some international experience and travel before I start my training contract .
But as it turns out , travelling is off the table for the foreseeable future so it looks like I will be staying in Ireland and will have to try to find work here .
Do you feel positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive about my long-term career prospects as I was fortunate enough to secure a training contract to become a solicitor , before I finished my degree , for September 2022 with A & L Goodbody .
However , I have two years to fill between now and then and I am not so confident about my job prospects for these next two years .
There are no job opportunities where I am living related to my career path nor are there many retail jobs available so while I feel an underlying financial pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances of finding work at the moment are not in my favour .
If you could make a recommendation to employers , what would it be ?
I think it ’ s really important that employers be honest as early as they can be about whether graduate programmes will be impacted by coronavirus - for example , if start dates are going to be moved or if the recruitment process will not be opening this year .
Now is also an opportunity for employers to embrace virtual internships and traineeships .
Students and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past few months and so can adapt easily to these new digital platforms .
Are there any positives to be drawn from this situation ?
Life has definitely slowed down so I would like to think that it has given everyone a chance to pause and evaluate what they want to achieve/get from life .
This situation has given me the chance to appreciate how lucky I am to have found a career path which I am truly excited to be on , even with the stumbling blocks that Covid-19 has put in @ @ @

What was it like to graduate in the middle of a pandemic?
It was incredibly anticlimactic, strange and filled with a surprising amount of disappointment. We had no opportunity to say goodbye to classmates and now our chances of having an in-person graduation seems highly unlikely so it’s quite disappointing for four years of hard work to end without any kind of formal celebration. Nevertheless, following a challenging few months and lots of hard work, I am very proud of myself and the degree I will be graduating with. My classmates and I hope to have some kind of celebration when it is safe to do so.
How did the coronavirus impact your last few months of study?
Having to move home because of coronavirus was difficult. I had to adjust to studying in my room as opposed to having a set routine of studying in the library on DCU’s campus. Having to move so abruptly to online learning was also tough as my final year counted as being 100 per cent of my final grade so the pressure was on to adjust and adjust fast. Although it was a challenge, I enjoyed and embraced some aspects of online learning, such as the flexibility it offers. Motivation levels also took a bit of a dip, particularly at the beginning of the lockdown as life seemed to be consumed by the pandemic and the news.
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Have many of your fellow students found work?
A couple of my friends have secured training contracts with law firms beginning in 2021 and onwards but others who had graduate programmes secured with business consulting firms have had their start date moved from September 2020 to April 2021 which has understandably caused a lot of stress. The uncertain climate has presented some opportunities however for further postgraduate studies and some of my friends have decided to take advantage of this time to undertake Masters degrees. Overall, there is a general feeling of unease about our work prospects because we do not know how the economy is going to cope over the next few months, so job security and job prospects are a huge cause for concern.
Has the pandemic impacted your plans in terms of work?
I had never intended on moving home having lived and worked in Dublin for my four years of university and now my plan is essentially gone out the window. My plan was to sit FE1 examinations while working parttime in Dublin and then leave the country to work, gain some international experience and travel before I start my training contract. But as it turns out, travelling is off the table for the foreseeable future so it looks like I will be staying in Ireland and will have to try to find work here.
Do you feel positive about your career prospects?
I feel positive about my long-term career prospects as I was fortunate enough to secure a training contract to become a solicitor, before I finished my degree, for September 2022 with A&L Goodbody. However, I have two years to fill between now and then and I am not so confident about my job prospects for these next two years. There are no job opportunities where I am living related to my career path nor are there many retail jobs available so while I feel an underlying financial pressure to find a job soon, the chances of finding work at the moment are not in my favour.
If you could make a recommendation to employers, what would it be?
I think it’s really important that employers be honest as early as they can be about whether graduate programmes will be impacted by coronavirus - for example, if start dates are going to be moved or if the recruitment process will not be opening this year. Now is also an opportunity for employers to embrace virtual internships and traineeships. Students and graduates have gained new skills over the past few months and so can adapt easily to these new digital platforms.
Are there any positives to be drawn from this situation?
Life has definitely slowed down so I would like to think that it has given everyone a chance to pause and evaluate what they want to achieve/get from life. This situation has given me the chance to appreciate how lucky I am to have found a career path which I am truly excited to be on, even with the stumbling blocks that Covid-19 has put in my way!


theirishtimes--2020-09-25--Focus on cross-border movement as Donegal prepares for Level 3 restrictions

As Co Donegal prepared to enter Level 3 restrictions at midnight on Friday there has been renewed focus on movement of people across the Border with Northern Ireland .
The Government moved swiftly on Thursday to elevate the region to Level 3 of the Government ’ s five-level Covid-19 scale after a dramatic and rapid deterioration of the situation with the virus in the county .
The move came after a substantial increases in the cases in the county with the 14-day rate in Lifford and Stranorlar area at 336 per 100,000 people .
The number of cases per 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased to 148.2 , the highest in the country .
It is now higher than Dublin ’ s rate of about 145 .
The nearby Derry and Strabane district across the Border has one of the highest rates of infection in the North .
Public health expert Dr Gabriel Scally said that it was “ beyond sensible but essential ” to have “ seamless ” Covid-19 measures in Donegal and Derry to avoid travel between the two counties .
He warned of the risk of people in Donegal , where indoor drinking in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new restrictions on the country , travelling across the Border to drink indoors in bars in Northern Ireland , particularly as the evenings become colder .
“ If it looks like there is an unevenness of measures between the two places , particularly in terms of retail or hospitality industries , that would be extremely detrimental , ” said Dr Scally .
The “ distinctive situation ” in the Border region with the movement of people between Donegal and Derry “ reinforces the need for harmonisation for measures ” north and south , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Republic and Northern Ireland is meeting by video link on Friday to draw up a co-ordinated approach to reduce travel between Donegal and Derry .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has spoken with the North ’ s First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill about the need for a “ pragmatic and practical ” policy designed to reduce travel north and south except for work , education or essential reasons .
People across the Border from Co Donegal were urged on Thursday to use their “ civil an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county .
Insp David Durkin , who is in charge of the emergency planning for the local force , said gardaí could not stop people from coming into the county from neighbouring Derry and Tyrone .
He did not see a situation whereby gardaí would set up checkpoints along the Border , such as happened during the start of the national lockdown in March .
“ We will be saying to people not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary and you have to .
We would also be appealing to people across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civic conscience if considering travelling to Donegal , and again not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
” One of the most challenging aspects of the lockdown in Donegal will be its daily interactions , with many thousands of people working and going to school between both areas .
Meanwhile , Lifford , Co Donegal GP Dr Martin Coyne has said that the proximity of Derry to Donegal has contributed to the rising level of cases in his county .
The Border does not exist for people going to and from work , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on either side of the Border he told Newstalk Breakfast .
It was not one way traffic and people from Donegal could have brought the virus to Derry .
His practice had seen 17 cases between March and September 17th , in the two weeks since he had seen 54 patients he said .
It appeared that social gatherings such as birthday parties , Leaving Cert result parties , communions , and , unfortunately a wake , were responsible for this surge .
“ People have been gathering together and probably not respecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has got into our community now and it is spreading.
” Dr Coyne urged people to “ keep their guard up ” and to remember , “ how horrible a condition this is.
” He warned that even if patients did not end up in hospital , some would be “ miserably unwell ” while others would be severely restricted .
“ People need to look up the HSE website and see what self-isolation actually means .
It means you have to stay in your own house , in your own room and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – it is like being in prison for 10 days .
If you are a contact of somebody who has had Covid-19 , you should self-isolate for 14 days until you get the all-clear from public health.
” Dr Coyne added that Covid-19 was not “ a minor , Mickey Mouse condition to get.
” People should respect that and think twice before they decided , ‘ this doesn ’ t apply to me ’ , this is a minor illness and the other aspect is that , if you are young and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you may bring it home to those that are vulnerable to the condition .
”

The acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn and his Northern Ireland counterpart Dr Michael McBride have appealed for people to avoid unnecessary travel across the Border in Co Donegal and in neighbouring areas in the North.
“Given the current number of new cases in Donegal and neighbouring areas of NI in Derry, Strabane and Fermanagh we would appeal to everyone to avoid all but necessary travel across the border,” the pair said in a statement on Friday.
Co Donegal is set to move to Level 3 of the Government’s five-level Covid-19 restrictions scale from midnight on Friday.
Hospital Report
Employers on both sides of the Border have been asked to make every effort to enable staff to work from home.
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The statement followed a meeting between the men where they discussed the growth of virus in the region and stressed the need for ongoing co-operation between the North and Republic.
The statement also acknowledged the need for close collaboration in other Border areas, not just Donegal and Derry, where the situation continues to develop.
They noted particular concern regarding the growth of cases among young people in Donegal and Derry and asked teenagers, as well as those in their twenties and thirties, to reduce their social contacts.
The chief medical officers appealled to the public across the island of Ireland to follow public health advice in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Substantial increase
The Government moved swiftly on Thursday to elevate Donegal to Level 3 of the five-level scale after a dramatic and rapid escalation of cases of the virus in the county.
The move came after the 14-day rate in Lifford and Stranorlar area rose to 336 per 100,000 people.
The number of cases per 100,000 over the past fortnight in the county increased to 148.2, and is now the highest in the country.
Nearby Derry and Strabane across the Border has one of the highest rates of infection in the North.
Public health expert Dr Gabriel Scally said that it was “beyond sensible but essential” to have “seamless” Covid-19 measures in Donegal and Derry to avoid travel between the two counties.
Public health expert Dr Gabriel Scally said it was "beyond sensible but essential" to have "seamless" Covid-19 measures in Donegal and Derry and to avoid travel between the two counties.
“If it looks like there is an unevenness of measures between the two places, particularly in terms of retail or hospitality industries, that would be extremely detrimental,” said Dr Scally.
The “distinctive situation” in the Border region with the movement of people between Donegal and Derry “reinforces the need for harmonisation for measures” north and south, he said.
‘Civil and moral conscience’
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has spoken with the North's First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill about the need for a "pragmatic and practical" policy designed to reduce travel north and south except for work, education or essential reasons.
People across the Border from Co Donegal were urged on Thursday to use their “civil and moral conscience” if considering visiting the county.
Insp David Durkin, who is in charge of the emergency planning for the local force, said gardaí could not stop people from coming into the county from neighbouring Derry and Tyrone.
He did not see a situation whereby gardaí would set up checkpoints along the Border, such as happened during the start of the national lockdown in March.
“We will be saying to people not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary and you have to. We would also be appealing to people across the Border to use their moral and civic conscience if considering travelling to Donegal, and again not to travel unless absolutely necessary.”
One of the most challenging aspects of the lockdown in Donegal will be daily interactions, with thousands of people working and going to school between both areas.
Parties
Meanwhile, Lifford, Co Donegal GP Dr Martin Coyne has said the proximity of Derry to Donegal has contributed to the rising level of cases.
The Border does not exist for people going to and from work, to shop, socialise or go to school on either side of the Border he told Newstalk Breakfast.
It was not one way traffic and people from Donegal could have brought the virus to Derry, he said.
His practice saw 17 cases between March and September 17th, in the most recent two weeks he had seen 54 patients, he said.
It appeared social gatherings such as birthday parties, Leaving Cert result parties, communions, and, unfortunately a wake, were responsible for this surge.
“People have been gathering together and probably not respecting social distancing advice. Unfortunately, it has got into our community now and it is spreading.”
Dr Coyne urged people to “keep their guard up” and to remember, “how horrible a condition this is.” He warned that even if patients did not end up in hospital, some would be “miserably unwell” while others would be severely restricted.