theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: State’s prison population falls by 248

The Republic ’ s prison population has fallen by almost 250 inmates since the Covid-19 crisis began .
Garda sources say the decline can be mostly put down to falling crime rates due to the restrictions in place to combat the virus and because of the scaling back of some parts of the courts system .
The fall in prison population has allowed for any newly committed prisoners to be isolated away from the prison population for a Covid-19 quarantine period of 14 days – a process that began last week .
The new quarantining system , and other measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 being diagnosed to date in any of the Republic ’ s jails .
The scaling back of some parts of the courts system in the Republic due to Covid19 has also led to fewer people being jailed .
Some court appearances have been adjourned until the virus outbreak is under control .
However , sources said the decline in the prison population is being driven by falling crime rates , which senior Garda officers have described as unprecedented .
While gardaí were given new powers two weeks ago to arrest people breaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the spread of the virus , the number of arrests under those powers has been modest , at 34 .
However , because of the restriction around the movement of people in the Republic for any non essential reasons , gardaí say it has been much harder for criminals to operate and this has resulted in a sudden and significant drop in crime .
“ They ’ d be more obvious to us travelling around and they know they ’ re much more likely to be stopped and asked about their movements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison population includes those prisoners – generally around 4,000 – who are being held in jails across the Republic .
However , it also includes prisoners on temporary release and life sentence prisoners released under licence .
The overall prison population and the number of in custody has been increasing close to crisis levels again in recent years as the economy recovered and crime rates increased .
That trend is now in reverse .
On March 12th there were 4,726 prisoners in the Irish prison population .
That included 4,214 prisons in custody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on Monday that had fallen to 4,478 , a reduction of 248 prisoners .
On that date there were some 3,822 in custody and 525 on temporary release .
At the start of the crisis the Irish Prison Service granted temporary release to about 300 prisoners .
When added to the approximate 300 prisoners already on temporary release at any one time , numbers temporarily released reached 588 at the start of April .
However , the fall in the number of prisoners in the Irish system is not related to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as those prisoners on temporary release are still counted as part of the prison population .
Instead , the fall of 248 prisoners in the Irish system is a real reduction in the number of people in the prison population at present .
The Irish Prison Service said its staff had been following all of the public health guidelines and other precautions to protect prisoners and staff during the pandemic .
Prisoners displaying possible symptoms of Covid-19 were being tested and isolated pending test results .
“ Prisoners who are over the age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or are newly committed are cocooning or in quarantine , ” the service said in reply to queries .
“ Prisoners who present as symptomatic and are awaiting test results are monitored by clinical staff daily and receiving appropriate care.
” Many of those granted temporary release as the Covid19 crisis began had only very short periods remaining on their sentences that have now expired , meaning they have been officially freed .
This has resulted in numbers on temporary release falling to 525 at present from a high of 588 on April @ @

The Republic’s prison population has fallen by some 250 since the Covid-19 crisis began
The Republic’s prison population has fallen by almost 250 inmates since the Covid-19 crisis began.
Garda sources say the decline can be mostly put down to falling crime rates due to the restrictions in place to combat the virus and because of the scaling back of some parts of the courts system.
The fall in prison population has allowed for any newly committed prisoners to be isolated away from the prison population for a Covid-19 quarantine period of 14 days – a process that began last week.
The new quarantining system, and other measures, has resulted in no cases of Covid-19 being diagnosed to date in any of the Republic’s jails.
READ MORE
The scaling back of some parts of the courts system in the Republic due to Covid19 has also led to fewer people being jailed. Some court appearances have been adjourned until the virus outbreak is under control.
However, sources said the decline in the prison population is being driven by falling crime rates, which senior Garda officers have described as unprecedented.
While gardaí were given new powers two weeks ago to arrest people breaching the public health restrictions in place to combat the spread of the virus, the number of arrests under those powers has been modest, at 34.
However, because of the restriction around the movement of people in the Republic for any non essential reasons, gardaí say it has been much harder for criminals to operate and this has resulted in a sudden and significant drop in crime.
“They’d be more obvious to us travelling around and they know they’re much more likely to be stopped and asked about their movements,” said one source.
The prison population includes those prisoners – generally around 4,000 – who are being held in jails across the Republic. However, it also includes prisoners on temporary release and life sentence prisoners released under licence.
The overall prison population and the number of in custody has been increasing close to crisis levels again in recent years as the economy recovered and crime rates increased. That trend is now in reverse.
On March 12th there were 4,726 prisoners in the Irish prison population. That included 4,214 prisons in custody and 363 on temporary release.
However, on Monday that had fallen to 4,478, a reduction of 248 prisoners. On that date there were some 3,822 in custody and 525 on temporary release. At the start of the crisis the Irish Prison Service granted temporary release to about 300 prisoners. When added to the approximate 300 prisoners already on temporary release at any one time, numbers temporarily released reached 588 at the start of April.
However, the fall in the number of prisoners in the Irish system is not related to the larger numbers now on temporary release, as those prisoners on temporary release are still counted as part of the prison population.
Instead, the fall of 248 prisoners in the Irish system is a real reduction in the number of people in the prison population at present.
The Irish Prison Service said its staff had been following all of the public health guidelines and other precautions to protect prisoners and staff during the pandemic. Prisoners displaying possible symptoms of Covid-19 were being tested and isolated pending test results.
“Prisoners who are over the age of 70, have underlying medical issues or are newly committed are cocooning or in quarantine,” the service said in reply to queries. “Prisoners who present as symptomatic and are awaiting test results are monitored by clinical staff daily and receiving appropriate care.”
Many of those granted temporary release as the Covid19 crisis began had only very short periods remaining on their sentences that have now expired, meaning they have been officially freed. This has resulted in numbers on temporary release falling to 525 at present from a high of 588 on April 1st.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--'New IRA' leader in Dublin jailed for murder loses constitutional challenge

The leader of the so-called New IRA in Dublin , who is serving a life sentence for the murder of another dissident republican , has lost his challenge to the constitutionality of a law under which he was detained for suspected membership of a proscribed organisation .
Kevin Braney ( 45 ) , Glenshane Crescent , Tallaght , Dublin 24 , was found guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court in February 2019 of what the court described as the “ premeditated ” murder of 35-year-old Peter Butterly six years earlier .
Mr Butterly was chased and shot outside The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in view of students waiting for their school bus , on the afternoon of March 6th , 2013 .
The father-of-three died from gunshot wounds to his neck and upper back .
The prosecution at Braney ’ s trial described him as “ said in effect to have been the man who gave the orders ” .
Three other men had previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly ’ s murder .
Prior to his murder conviction , Braney was convicted in May 2018 of membership of a proscribed organisation for which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year sentence .
He appealed that conviction and also initiated High Court judicial review proceedings in 2018 arguing section 30.3 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 , as amended , is constitutionally invalid and incompatible with provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms .
A person arrested under section 30.3 may be detained for 24 hours and the detention may be extended for another 24 hours if an officer not below the rank of Chief Superintendent so directs .
Among Braney ’ s claims was that section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide for any input by the member in charge of the Garda station to which an arrested person is brought for detention into the authorisation of the initial period of 24 hours detention .
Having regard to the interference with the arrested person ’ s rights to liberty , to silence and to a fair trial , the lack of any such oversight rendered the detention incompatible with the Constitution , it was argued .
In a judgment on Thursday , Mr Justice Anthony Barr dismissed the challenge .
The judge said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced by Braney for independent oversight where the rights to liberty , silence and a fair trial of a detained person are at stake .
However , because the Supreme Court had determined in a 1992 judgment , DPP v Qulligan and O ’ Reilly ( No 3 ) , that Section 30 was not repugnant to the Constitution , the High Court can not revisit the issue of constitutionality of the section , he held .
He did not accept , because subsequent legislation provided for some involvement of the member in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect of the types of serious crime , that meant the 1992 decision was wrong in law .
There was “ considerable strength ” in Braney ’ s argument the law has developed significantly since 1992 , including the Supreme Court ’ s recognition in another case there should be some independent oversight when there is interference with a person ’ s right to inviolability of their dwelling .
Given the Supreme Court thought it necessary to have independent oversight when the right to inviolability of a person ’ s dwelling was at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more relevant ” where there was engagement with three constitutional rights – to liberty , silence and fair trial — in the case of a detention .
There was “ considerable force ” to the argument such independent oversight would not make the investigation of suspected involvement in terrorist offence more onerous as the member in charge is involved in a section 30 detention in any event , he observed .
However , he considered he was bound by the 1992 Supreme Court decision on constitutionality of the section .
In other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ ample grounds ” justifying the extension of Braney ’ s detention and that various protections available to an arrested person , including of reasonable access to a solicitor , meant there was no breach of Articles 4 and 5 of the ECHR .

The leader of the so-called New IRA in Dublin, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of another dissident republican, has lost his challenge to the constitutionality of a law under which he was detained for suspected membership of a proscribed organisation.
Kevin Braney (45), Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, Dublin 24, was found guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court in February 2019 of what the court described as the "premeditated" murder of 35-year-old Peter Butterly six years earlier.
Mr Butterly was chased and shot outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, in view of students waiting for their school bus, on the afternoon of March 6th, 2013. The father-of-three died from gunshot wounds to his neck and upper back.
The prosecution at Braney’s trial described him as “said in effect to have been the man who gave the orders”.
READ MORE
Three other men had previously received life sentences for Mr Butterly’s murder.
Prior to his murder conviction, Braney was convicted in May 2018 of membership of a proscribed organisation for which he received a four and a half year sentence. He appealed that conviction and also initiated High Court judicial review proceedings in 2018 arguing section 30.3 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939, as amended, is constitutionally invalid and incompatible with provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
A person arrested under section 30.3 may be detained for 24 hours and the detention may be extended for another 24 hours if an officer not below the rank of Chief Superintendent so directs.
Among Braney’s claims was that section 30.3 is unconstitutional because it does not provide for any input by the member in charge of the Garda station to which an arrested person is brought for detention into the authorisation of the initial period of 24 hours detention.
Having regard to the interference with the arrested person’s rights to liberty, to silence and to a fair trial, the lack of any such oversight rendered the detention incompatible with the Constitution, it was argued.
‘Considerable strength’
In a judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Anthony Barr dismissed the challenge.
The judge said there was “considerable strength” in arguments advanced by Braney for independent oversight where the rights to liberty, silence and a fair trial of a detained person are at stake.
However, because the Supreme Court had determined in a 1992 judgment, DPP v Qulligan and O'Reilly (No 3), that Section 30 was not repugnant to the Constitution, the High Court cannot revisit the issue of constitutionality of the section, he held.
He did not accept, because subsequent legislation provided for some involvement of the member in charge at the initial detention stage in respect of the types of serious crime, that meant the 1992 decision was wrong in law.
There was “considerable strength” in Braney’s argument the law has developed significantly since 1992, including the Supreme Court’s recognition in another case there should be some independent oversight when there is interference with a person’s right to inviolability of their dwelling.
Given the Supreme Court thought it necessary to have independent oversight when the right to inviolability of a person’s dwelling was at stake, that would be “all the more relevant” where there was engagement with three constitutional rights – to liberty, silence and fair trial — in the case of a detention.
There was “considerable force” to the argument such independent oversight would not make the investigation of suspected involvement in terrorist offence more onerous as the member in charge is involved in a section 30 detention in any event, he observed.
However, he considered he was bound by the 1992 Supreme Court decision on constitutionality of the section.
In other findings, he was satisfied there were “ample grounds” justifying the extension of Braney’s detention and that various protections available to an arrested person, including of reasonable access to a solicitor, meant there was no breach of Articles 4 and 5 of the ECHR.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--‘No one is safe until everyone is safe’: Global alliance formed to take on Covid-19

An international coalition of hundreds of organisations , scientists and philanthropists has announced its intention to “ ignite a global movement to help accelerate an end to the Covid-19 pandemic ” and enhance preparedness to stop future pandemics .
The Pandemic Action Network ( Pan ) said it will seek policy changes and increased support and resources to ensure countries are better prepared “ to prevent , detect and respond to pandemic threats ” .
The initiative includes a “ For Humankind ” resource , to promote accurate information to ensure people around the world understand what they need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Covid-19 .
Their first initiative under that heading is a major public health campaign called # MaskingForAFriend , encouraging people to join their call to action “ by spreading the word about wearing homemade masks , and sharing a selfie image or video wearing a cloth face covering during essential errands or making masks ” through that hashtag .
“ The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the extreme fragility in the ability of the world ’ s systems to respond to a new and highly infectious pathogen , ” the alliance said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts have been making this case for years , there has not been complementary policy , advocacy and communications support to create the political will necessary for policy and funding changes to enhance our preparedness , ” it added .
Irish communications specialist David Kyne of Evoke Kyne , a co-founder of Pan , said it was set up because of the absence of a global advocacy and policy group focused on preparedness for a pandemic .
There was also a communications gap , he added , between what public health bodies were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – though this was less of an issue in Ireland .
Mr Kyne , who has worked on previous global public health campaigns on ebola and malaria , said they would be using “ influencer ” messaging but would follow health advice in particular jurisdictions and that of WHO .
Given social distancing was not possible in many parts of the world ; widespread rumours about Covid-19 and many people not having access to TVs , communications campaigns such as the one on wearing of masks needed “ to get in at community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ; other major philanthropists , international NGOs and private industry including vaccine developers Johnson & Johnson .
– Ensure full funding for the global and country-level Covid-19 response and future pandemic preparedness ; – Strengthen the global health security architecture for more effective pandemic preparedness and response ; – Accelerate research , development and access to innovations to combat Covid-19 and emerging pandemic threats .
A core principle was “ no one is safe until everyone is safe ” , meaning an equitable global lens was crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ West Africa ’ s devastating ebola epidemic showed us that the world must come together to ensure countries are prepared for outbreaks , including that health workers on the frontlines have the gear and training they need to keep safe and keep serving , ” said Ellen Johnson Sirleaf , former president of Liberia and WHO goodwill ambassador .
“ Decisive political leadership and global cooperation will determine if we win the war against this invisible enemy , which is why we need Pan , ” she added .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel including Prof Peter Piot , director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine – a co-discoverer of the Ebola virus and founding executive director of UNAIDS .
Captain of South Africa ’ s rugby team Siya Kolisi kicked off the # MaskingForAFriend campaign .
His focus is on securing behaviour change in townships in his country , where wearing a homemade mask is needed given challenges with social distancing .
“ I am proud to use my platform to share accurate health information with as many people as possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
He called on other sports captains and leaders to model good protective behaviour – “ whether it be staying home , washing hands or covering your face .
We need to do it ‘ For Humankind ’ .
” Mr Kyne said he hoped sports captains in Ireland would row in with the campaign .

An international coalition of hundreds of organisations, scientists and philanthropists has announced its intention to “ignite a global movement to help accelerate an end to the Covid-19 pandemic” and enhance preparedness to stop future pandemics.
The Pandemic Action Network (Pan) said it will seek policy changes and increased support and resources to ensure countries are better prepared “to prevent, detect and respond to pandemic threats”.
The initiative includes a “For Humankind” resource, to promote accurate information to ensure people around the world understand what they need to do to protect themselves and their communities from Covid-19.
Their first initiative under that heading is a major public health campaign called #MaskingForAFriend, encouraging people to join their call to action “by spreading the word about wearing homemade masks, and sharing a selfie image or video wearing a cloth face covering during essential errands or making masks” through that hashtag.
READ MORE
“The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the extreme fragility in the ability of the world’s systems to respond to a new and highly infectious pathogen,” the alliance said in a statement.
“While public health experts have been making this case for years, there has not been complementary policy, advocacy and communications support to create the political will necessary for policy and funding changes to enhance our preparedness,” it added.
Irish communications specialist David Kyne of Evoke Kyne, a co-founder of Pan, said it was set up because of the absence of a global advocacy and policy group focused on preparedness for a pandemic.
There was also a communications gap, he added, between what public health bodies were saying and what was reaching the public – though this was less of an issue in Ireland.
Mr Kyne, who has worked on previous global public health campaigns on ebola and malaria, said they would be using “influencer” messaging but would follow health advice in particular jurisdictions and that of WHO.
Given social distancing was not possible in many parts of the world; widespread rumours about Covid-19 and many people not having access to TVs, communications campaigns such as the one on wearing of masks needed “to get in at community level”.
Pan is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; other major philanthropists, international NGOs and private industry including vaccine developers Johnson & Johnson.
Its key objectives are:
– Ensure full funding for the global and country-level Covid-19 response and future pandemic preparedness;
– Strengthen the global health security architecture for more effective pandemic preparedness and response;
– Accelerate research, development and access to innovations to combat Covid-19 and emerging pandemic threats.
A core principle was “no one is safe until everyone is safe”, meaning an equitable global lens was crucial for a successful response, Pan added.
"West Africa's devastating ebola epidemic showed us that the world must come together to ensure countries are prepared for outbreaks, including that health workers on the frontlines have the gear and training they need to keep safe and keep serving," said Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and WHO goodwill ambassador.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and WHO goodwill ambassador. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters
“Decisive political leadership and global cooperation will determine if we win the war against this invisible enemy, which is why we need Pan,” she added.
It is putting in place an international expert advisory panel including Prof Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine – a co-discoverer of the Ebola virus and founding executive director of UNAIDS.
Captain of South Africa's rugby team Siya Kolisi kicked off the #MaskingForAFriend campaign. His focus is on securing behaviour change in townships in his country, where wearing a homemade mask is needed given challenges with social distancing.
“I am proud to use my platform to share accurate health information with as many people as possible to help stop this virus in its tracks,” he said. He called on other sports captains and leaders to model good protective behaviour – “whether it be staying home, washing hands or covering your face. We need to do it ‘For Humankind’.”
Mr Kyne said he hoped sports captains in Ireland would row in with the campaign.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: ‘Only one in 10 cases being detected’

Increased Covid-19 testing is needed before restrictions can be eased as only one in 10 cases is being identified at present , an Immunology expert has said .
Paul Moynagh ’ s comments come as healthcare representatives voiced concern about lifting measures designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
The professor of Immunology at Maynooth University said if restrictions were lifted without increasing the level of testing then it was inevitable that cases of the virus would continue to increase .
“ I believe that we ’ re only picking up one in ten cases , we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Morning Ireland .
State health officials announced on Wednesday evening a further 49 coronavirus-related deaths and 631 new cases .
This brought the death toll to 769 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus-related deaths in the State and the total number of cases to 16,671 .
The Department of Health ’ s National Public Health Emergency Team said in addition there was a total of 113 “ probable or suspected ” coronavirus-related deaths including 102 in nursing homes .
Professor of general practice at the University of Limerick Liam Glynn , who has been tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also advised against the immediate lifting of restrictions .
“ I think we can certainly be planning it at this point , ” he told Newstalk Breakfast .
“ The thing to be clear about though is this is the first wave of Covid-19 and we probably have achieved something like 10 per cent immunity in the population with this particular wave .
“ But as night follows day , if we release all restrictions tomorrow we will get another significant surge in Covid-19 infections – that ’ s the thing everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Dr Glynn , who is also a GP .
“ We can start to plan easing restrictions ... it ’ s like a wartime situation .
We have to know ourselves and we have to know our enemy – and we get this knowledge from testing .
President of the Irish College of General Practitioners Dr Mary Favier also cautioned that any lifting of restrictions should be gradual , but in the meantime anyone who is unwell should call their GP .
Speaking on Morning Ireland , Dr Favier said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change whether people visit their GP or not .
“ We ’ re here , we have the capacity , we can see you.
” GPs are concerned that patients with conditions such as chest pains , stroke , breast lumps are not attending their GP because of their fear of contracting Covid-19 , Dr Favier said .
Dr Favier said she had not had to refer a patient to have a breast lump checked in some time , nor had she seen any patients suffering the symptoms of a heart attack or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t seen a breast lump or people with chest pains , I had a man who was afraid to ring despite stroke symptoms .
“ Where have all the other illnesses gone ?
” Older patients who are cocooning should still call their GP if they feel unwell , she said .

Live samples in test tubes are held in a container during the opening of the new Covid-19 testing lab in Glasgow, Scotland. Photograph: Getty Images
Increased Covid-19 testing is needed before restrictions can be eased as only one in 10 cases is being identified at present, an Immunology expert has said.
Paul Moynagh’s comments come as healthcare representatives voiced concern about lifting measures designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The professor of Immunology at Maynooth University said if restrictions were lifted without increasing the level of testing then it was inevitable that cases of the virus would continue to increase.
“I believe that we’re only picking up one in ten cases, we need to address that,” he told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.
READ MORE
State health officials announced on Wednesday evening a further 49 coronavirus-related deaths and 631 new cases. This brought the death toll to 769 laboratory-confirmed coronavirus-related deaths in the State and the total number of cases to 16,671.
The Department of Health’s National Public Health Emergency Team said in addition there was a total of 113 “probable or suspected” coronavirus-related deaths including 102 in nursing homes.
Professor of general practice at the University of Limerick Liam Glynn, who has been tracking he rate of infection of Covid-19, has also advised against the immediate lifting of restrictions.
“I think we can certainly be planning it at this point,” he told Newstalk Breakfast.
“The thing to be clear about though is this is the first wave of Covid-19 and we probably have achieved something like 10 per cent immunity in the population with this particular wave.
“But as night follows day, if we release all restrictions tomorrow we will get another significant surge in Covid-19 infections – that’s the thing everybody’s got to bear in mind,” said Dr Glynn, who is also a GP.
“We can start to plan easing restrictions ... it’s like a wartime situation. We have to know ourselves and we have to know our enemy – and we get this knowledge from testing.
President of the Irish College of General Practitioners Dr Mary Favier also cautioned that any lifting of restrictions should be gradual, but in the meantime anyone who is unwell should call their GP.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Dr Favier said any changes in testing criteria should not change whether people visit their GP or not.
“We’re here, we have the capacity, we can see you.”
GPs are concerned that patients with conditions such as chest pains, stroke, breast lumps are not attending their GP because of their fear of contracting Covid-19, Dr Favier said.
Dr Favier said she had not had to refer a patient to have a breast lump checked in some time, nor had she seen any patients suffering the symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke.
“I haven’t seen a breast lump or people with chest pains, I had a man who was afraid to ring despite stroke symptoms.
“Where have all the other illnesses gone?”
Older patients who are cocooning should still call their GP if they feel unwell, she said.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Ivermectin emerges as possible treatment option for Covid-19

Could a drug discovered in the 1970s help to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic ?
New evidence from research in Australia shows that the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin can inhibit the virus that causes Covid-19 from replicating in cells in the lab .
While findings show promise , the news should be greeted with caveats , according to Donegal scientist Professor William C. Campbell , who shared a Nobel Prize for his role in the discovery of ivermectin .
“ The report is , in itself , of great importance , ” says Prof Campbell of the study , which was carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melbourne .
“ But perspective is needed , even though perspective can be boring when the results are exciting.
” The researchers in Melbourne grew mammalian cells in the lab and infected them with the Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 .
Then they exposed the cells and viruses in the lab to ivermectin , a drug that has been widely used for decades to control parasitic worms and insects in livestock , pets and humans .
One of the best known uses of ivermectin in humans is against the worm that causes river @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drug for that use for millions of people in affected areas .
Prof Campbell , a graduate of Trinity College Dublin , shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for his part in the discovery and development of ivermectin and its use in treating river blindness .
While he was working at Merck Research Laboratories in New Jersey , he was part of an extensive team that identified a substance called avermectin , which was produced by bacteria and could stop parasitic worm infections .
The compound was enhanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment for parasitic diseases such as heart worm in dogs and river blindness in humans .
The Royal Irish Academy will publish Campbell ’ s memoir this June .
While ivermectin has not been approved as a drug against viruses , it is known to be effective in the lab against a broad range of viruses including HIV , Dengue and Influenza .
The Australian research showed that ivermectin resulted in a 5,000-fold reduction of Sars-CoV-2 RNA within 48 hours .
“ Ivermectin therefore warrants further investigation for possible benefits in humans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journal ‘ Antiviral Reports ’ .
The experiments used high concentrations of ivermectin , notes Proff Campbell : “ the concentration of drug needed to kill the virus in the lab was many times higher than the concentration of ivermectin found in the blood of people in the normal use of ivermectin to control parasitic disease .
“ So the probability of ivermectin being used safely to kill the virus in people must be considered low , ” he says .
“ On the other hand , there is , as the authors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility that a safe dosage of ivermectin might reduce the rate of viral replication in the mammalian body , or affect the virus in other ways that might be revealed by further research .
That is a more positive prospect.
” Commenting on the study , lead researcher Dr Kylie Wagstaff from the Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University says : “ Ivermectin is very widely used and seen as a safe drug .
We need to figure out now whether the dosage you can use it at in humans will be effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

Ivermectin is used to rid animals and humans of many internal and external blood-sucking parasites. File photograph: Getty Images
Could a drug discovered in the 1970s help to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic? New evidence from research in Australia shows that the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin can inhibit the virus that causes Covid-19 from replicating in cells in the lab.
While findings show promise, the news should be greeted with caveats, according to Donegal scientist Professor William C. Campbell, who shared a Nobel Prize for his role in the discovery of ivermectin.
"The report is, in itself, of great importance," says Prof Campbell of the study, which was carried out by scientists at Monash University in Melbourne. "But perspective is needed, even though perspective can be boring when the results are exciting."
The researchers in Melbourne grew mammalian cells in the lab and infected them with the Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19. Then they exposed the cells and viruses in the lab to ivermectin, a drug that has been widely used for decades to control parasitic worms and insects in livestock, pets and humans.
READ MORE
Nobel Prize winner and TCD graduate, Professor William Campbell, had a major role in the discovery of ivermectin. Photograph: Laura Hutton
One of the best known uses of ivermectin in humans is against the worm that causes river blindness - the pharmaceutical company Merck donated the drug for that use for millions of people in affected areas.
Prof Campbell, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for his part in the discovery and development of ivermectin and its use in treating river blindness.
While he was working at Merck Research Laboratories in New Jersey, he was part of an extensive team that identified a substance called avermectin, which was produced by bacteria and could stop parasitic worm infections.
The compound was enhanced and developed as ivermectin, becoming a treatment for parasitic diseases such as heart worm in dogs and river blindness in humans. The Royal Irish Academy will publish Campbell's memoir this June.
While ivermectin has not been approved as a drug against viruses, it is known to be effective in the lab against a broad range of viruses including HIV, Dengue and Influenza.
The Australian research showed that ivermectin resulted in a 5,000-fold reduction of Sars-CoV-2 RNA within 48 hours. “Ivermectin therefore warrants further investigation for possible benefits in humans,” explains the study authors in the journal ‘Antiviral Reports’.
The experiments used high concentrations of ivermectin, notes Proff Campbell: “the concentration of drug needed to kill the virus in the lab was many times higher than the concentration of ivermectin found in the blood of people in the normal use of ivermectin to control parasitic disease.
“So the probability of ivermectin being used safely to kill the virus in people must be considered low,” he says.
“On the other hand, there is, as the authors of the report point out, the possibility that a safe dosage of ivermectin might reduce the rate of viral replication in the mammalian body, or affect the virus in other ways that might be revealed by further research. That is a more positive prospect.”
Commenting on the study, lead researcher Dr Kylie Wagstaff from the Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University says: "Ivermectin is very widely used and seen as a safe drug. We need to figure out now whether the dosage you can use it at in humans will be effective - that's the next step."


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Ireland's Muslims expected to fast for Ramadan 2020

For Ireland ’ s Muslim community Ramadan 2020 , which begins on Thursday , will be like none they have experienced before .
For healthy Muslims it means fasting from dawn to dusk each day .
This includes not drinking liquids .
In a statement the Irish Council of Imams said that “ based on consultation with doctors and specialised experts and in light of a number of scientific studies attesting to the great bodily benefits and increasing one ’ s immunity achieved by fasting , which are the most needed nowadays , it is not permissible for Muslims able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during this Ramadan .
Dr Ali Selim , spokesman for the Irish Council of Imams , said Muslim scholars had taken medical advice on whether or not drinking water should be waived this year , as dryness of the throat is a symptom of Covid-19 , but they had been told it would be fine to continue with a healthy person not drinking between dawn and dusk over the coming 30 days , as in any other year .
“ It was even said that fasting reinforces immunity , ” Dr Selim said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are not expected to fast .
This year none of the major gatherings that usually accompany Ramadan will take place over the coming 30 days due to Government Covid-19 social distancing regulations , Dr Selim said .
This includes Itikaf , a period of retreat in a mosque that as many as 800 people would normally take part in at the Clonskeagh mosque in south Dublin .
Also included is Eid , the major celebration marking the end of Ramadan , on Saturday , May 23rd , and Sunday 24th next , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part every year at the Clonskeagh mosque .
To date , and despite there being an estimated 2,000 Muslim doctors and carestaff involved in the Irish healthcare system , there have been no Muslim deaths from Covid-19 in Ireland , Dr Selim said .

Dr Ali Selim: Muslim scholars had taken medical advice on whether drinking water should be waived this year
For Ireland’s Muslim community Ramadan 2020, which begins on Thursday, will be like none they have experienced before.
For healthy Muslims it means fasting from dawn to dusk each day. This includes not drinking liquids.
In a statement the Irish Council of Imams said that “based on consultation with doctors and specialised experts and in light of a number of scientific studies attesting to the great bodily benefits and increasing one’s immunity achieved by fasting, which are the most needed nowadays, it is not permissible for Muslims able to fast to break their fasting” during this Ramadan.
Dr Ali Selim, spokesman for the Irish Council of Imams, said Muslim scholars had taken medical advice on whether or not drinking water should be waived this year, as dryness of the throat is a symptom of Covid-19, but they had been told it would be fine to continue with a healthy person not drinking between dawn and dusk over the coming 30 days, as in any other year.
READ MORE
“It was even said that fasting reinforces immunity,” Dr Selim said.
People who are ill, however, are not expected to fast.
This year none of the major gatherings that usually accompany Ramadan will take place over the coming 30 days due to Government Covid-19 social distancing regulations, Dr Selim said.
This includes Itikaf, a period of retreat in a mosque that as many as 800 people would normally take part in at the Clonskeagh mosque in south Dublin.
Also included is Eid, the major celebration marking the end of Ramadan, on Saturday, May 23rd, and Sunday 24th next, in which up to 5,000 people take part every year at the Clonskeagh mosque.
To date, and despite there being an estimated 2,000 Muslim doctors and carestaff involved in the Irish healthcare system, there have been no Muslim deaths from Covid-19 in Ireland, Dr Selim said.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Man arrested following non-fatal stabbing in Dublin

Gardaí are investigating a stabbing that occurred at a house in the Church Road area of East Wall , Dublin @ @ @ @ @ A man in his 30s received a stab wound following an assault at about 10.45pm @ @ @ @ @ Mater hospital with what is understood to be non-life threatening injuries .
A man , @ @ @ @ @ was arrested at the scene and taken to Store St Garda station where he remains @ @ @ @ @ the Criminal Justice Act 1984 .

A man in his 30s received a stab wound following an assault.
Gardaí are investigating a stabbing that occurred at a house in the Church Road area of East Wall, Dublin, on Wednesday night.
A man in his 30s received a stab wound following an assault at about 10.45pm and was taken to the Mater hospital with what is understood to be non-life threatening injuries.
A man, aged in his 50s, was arrested at the scene and taken to Store St Garda station where he remains detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Gardaí said investigations are ongoing.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Shifting rainfall patterns a growing threat to farming in sub-Saharan Africa

One of the more ominous indicators of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa has been the dramatic recent shifts in rainfall patterns .
With rain-fed agriculture crucial for the livelihoods of millions in the region , a better understanding of this is critical to help the most vulnerable to mitigate climate impacts .
UCD ’ s School of Earth Sciences is involved in a collaboration with Irish-based NGO Self Help Africa ( SHA ) in examining isotopes from deposits found in caves in southern Africa to assess historic rainfall patterns before the era of written records .
To better understand current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 184 weather stations and seven river-line gauges across Malawi and Zambia .
“ We are looking at the critical periods in a crop ’ s growth cycle , in terms of temperature and rainfall , and aiming to change the planting dates so you can avoid these periods , ” according to Paul Wagstaff , senior agricultural adviser with SHA .
Although not indigenous to Africa , as with the potato in Ireland , maize has become a staple for many smallholder farmers , and is now favoured over more traditional crops such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is productive , its key limitation is a lack of tolerance to high temperatures and drought conditions .
Gathering timely information via rain gauges and other technologies is only half the story .
Disseminating this in a timely manner to farmers in remote areas is equally important .
Basic mobile phones are an almost universal and vital part of life in Zambia , with a 2012 study finding that adults spend almost 20 per cent of their daily income on phone credit .
A technology company , Viamo , has developed a user-friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region can dial a number and receive up-to-date information on rainfall in their area , with advice on , for instance , when to plant .
As the system is voice-activated , illiterate farmers can receive recorded instructions in their local language .
If a user has a specific problem , such as insects , the low-cost system can quickly guide them to the appropriate information .
It also issues severe weather and disease outbreak alerts .
While cheaper mobiles are common in Zambia , Kenya has a greater number of smartphones , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmers .
One system , developed in conjunction with Penn State University in the United States , uses an app that employs artificial intelligence to detect viral diseases in cassava .
This app integrates with the UN ’ s Food and Agriculture Organisation remote sensing software which monitors water availability in a given area .
I visited Zambia in late February in the aftermath of the latest severe drought to hit the region to assess the impacts , as well as to see what steps were being taken to mitigate the impacts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of ongoing extreme weather conditions , about 2.5 million Zambians are now in receipt of food aid .
Among these is Catherine Milambo , who farms in the village of Malalika in Kafue , in southern Zambia .
She described how her typical maize harvest would amount to about 15,000kg , but drought conditions have seen this plummet to about 500kg .
Her family now receive aid in the form of mealie meal ( a coarse flour made from maize ) and small amounts of cash .
Another villager , Habeene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting of trees for charcoal , believing it is contributing to the irregular rainfall that now plagues the region .
She has begun to plant fruit trees as part of a project to help farmers diversify crops and increase food resilience .
Dennis Mooya , senior agriculture officer with Zambia ’ s ministry of agriculture , works with local communities in Kafue and surrounding areas to help them cope with the tough new conditions .
“ Thirty years ago , we all knew that by the time it was [ Zambian ] independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season would have started , but now it ’ s after November 15th before you have the first planting rains.
” This loss of almost a month in the traditional rainy season has a major impact on rural smallholders dependent on rain-fed agriculture , he acknowledges .
“ I think we need to awaken to the fact that we have a problem , a climate-related challenge , ” Mooya adds .
“ Now , let ’ s ask ourselves what if it doesn ’ t rain completely – what are you going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 per cent of the food produced in Zambia is grown by smallholders .
“ We need to start thinking about smart agriculture and water-harvesting technologies for these farmers.
” Climate stresses are being exacerbated by unsustainable practices , such as indiscriminate ploughing and land clearance for crops , unmonitored grazing by farm animals and excessive monocropping , according to Wallace Benn , environmental officer in Kafue .
Concerted efforts to introduce conservation agriculture techniques are ongoing .
These include no-till planting and maintaining almost total soil cover to prevent it drying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperatures and dramatic shifts in rainfall .
“ Now , with the whole climate change scenario , everything is falling apart .
We even have situations where people are migrating within the country to do something with their lives other than agriculture , ” he adds .
“ The western world is trying to dedicate resources more to ( climate ) mitigation – we understand this urgency , but the urgency in developing countries is not mitigation , it ’ s in adaptation , ” says Carol Mwape Zulu , chief climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our livelihoods are impacted and the infrastructure , the little that is there , is getting damaged .
It ’ s drawing development back , ” says Mwape Zulu , who is based in the capital , Lusaka .
Dedicating more resources towards adaptation , she believes “ would be a fair response by the western world towards assisting developing countries ” .
In its formal submission to the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change , Zambia projected climate-driven GDP reductions in the coming decades as a result of declining agricultural activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels , the potential impact of an energy crisis , the higher cost of treating climate-related diseases , and the loss of natural resources ” .
South of Lusaka is the Kariba dam , a vast hydroelectric station capable of producing 25 times more power than Ireland ’ s Ardnacrusha plant , and source of about half the electrical needs of both Zambia and neighbouring Zimbabwe .
The dam is fed by lake Kariba , the world ’ s largest artificial lake .
Despite its huge size , the lake has dropped by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , leading to frequent power cuts in both countries .
It is deeply ironic that a clean electricity source in a country with extremely low CO2 emissions ( Zambians produce 0.29 tons of CO2 per capita , or 40 times less than the average Irish person ) should be severely impacted by the climate-heating effect of emissions produced in the “ developed ” world .
Another indirect climate impact is that Zambia is now experiencing rapid deforestation , with more than 270,000 hectares being lost annually .
Much of this is as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce charcoal to try to offset income losses due to drought and flood damage .
The frequent power cuts make charcoal popular in the cities as a reliable material for cooking .
Charcoal sellers now line almost every roadside in rural Zambia .
Since the western world has so far failed to act to rein in emissions , mean annual temperatures in Zambia are , according to Irish Aid , projected to rise by a further 1.2 to 3.4 degrees by mid-century .
This , even before the impacts of coronavirus are taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dangerously uncertain future .
– John Gibbons travelled to Zambia with Self Help Africa and received practical assistance from the Irish Embassy in Lusaka

One of the more ominous indicators of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa has been the dramatic recent shifts in rainfall patterns. With rain-fed agriculture crucial for the livelihoods of millions in the region, a better understanding of this is critical to help the most vulnerable to mitigate climate impacts.
UCD's School of Earth Sciences is involved in a collaboration with Irish-based NGO Self Help Africa (SHA) in examining isotopes from deposits found in caves in southern Africa to assess historic rainfall patterns before the era of written records.
To better understand current rainfall patterns, SHA has also deployed 184 weather stations and seven river-line gauges across Malawi and Zambia. "We are looking at the critical periods in a crop's growth cycle, in terms of temperature and rainfall, and aiming to change the planting dates so you can avoid these periods," according to Paul Wagstaff, senior agricultural adviser with SHA.
Although not indigenous to Africa, as with the potato in Ireland, maize has become a staple for many smallholder farmers, and is now favoured over more traditional crops such as sorghum and millet. While maize is productive, its key limitation is a lack of tolerance to high temperatures and drought conditions.
READ MORE
Gathering timely information via rain gauges and other technologies is only half the story. Disseminating this in a timely manner to farmers in remote areas is equally important. Basic mobile phones are an almost universal and vital part of life in Zambia, with a 2012 study finding that adults spend almost 20 per cent of their daily income on phone credit.
Messaging system
A technology company, Viamo, has developed a user-friendly SMS-based messaging system where farmers in the region can dial a number and receive up-to-date information on rainfall in their area, with advice on, for instance, when to plant.
As the system is voice-activated, illiterate farmers can receive recorded instructions in their local language. If a user has a specific problem, such as insects, the low-cost system can quickly guide them to the appropriate information. It also issues severe weather and disease outbreak alerts.
While cheaper mobiles are common in Zambia, Kenya has a greater number of smartphones, and this offers more sophisticated services for farmers. One system, developed in conjunction with Penn State University in the United States, uses an app that employs artificial intelligence to detect viral diseases in cassava. This app integrates with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation remote sensing software which monitors water availability in a given area.
I visited Zambia in late February in the aftermath of the latest severe drought to hit the region to assess the impacts, as well as to see what steps were being taken to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the region.
As a result of ongoing extreme weather conditions, about 2.5 million Zambians are now in receipt of food aid. Among these is Catherine Milambo, who farms in the village of Malalika in Kafue, in southern Zambia. She described how her typical maize harvest would amount to about 15,000kg, but drought conditions have seen this plummet to about 500kg. Her family now receive aid in the form of mealie meal (a coarse flour made from maize) and small amounts of cash.
Another villager, Habeene Mable, explained her concern at the cutting of trees for charcoal, believing it is contributing to the irregular rainfall that now plagues the region. She has begun to plant fruit trees as part of a project to help farmers diversify crops and increase food resilience.
Dennis Mooya, senior agriculture officer with Zambia's ministry of agriculture, works with local communities in Kafue and surrounding areas to help them cope with the tough new conditions. "Thirty years ago, we all knew that by the time it was [Zambian] independence day on October 24th, the rainy season would have started, but now it's after November 15th before you have the first planting rains."
This loss of almost a month in the traditional rainy season has a major impact on rural smallholders dependent on rain-fed agriculture, he acknowledges. “I think we need to awaken to the fact that we have a problem, a climate-related challenge,” Mooya adds. “Now, let’s ask ourselves what if it doesn’t rain completely – what are you going to eat?”
He points out that 70 per cent of the food produced in Zambia is grown by smallholders. “We need to start thinking about smart agriculture and water-harvesting technologies for these farmers.”
Climate stresses are being exacerbated by unsustainable practices, such as indiscriminate ploughing and land clearance for crops, unmonitored grazing by farm animals and excessive monocropping, according to Wallace Benn, environmental officer in Kafue. Concerted efforts to introduce conservation agriculture techniques are ongoing. These include no-till planting and maintaining almost total soil cover to prevent it drying out.
Benn is deeply concerned at rising temperatures and dramatic shifts in rainfall. “Now, with the whole climate change scenario, everything is falling apart. We even have situations where people are migrating within the country to do something with their lives other than agriculture,” he adds.
"The western world is trying to dedicate resources more to (climate) mitigation – we understand this urgency, but the urgency in developing countries is not mitigation, it's in adaptation," says Carol Mwape Zulu, chief climate change officer in the ministry of lands.
"Our livelihoods are impacted and the infrastructure, the little that is there, is getting damaged. It's drawing development back," says Mwape Zulu, who is based in the capital, Lusaka. Dedicating more resources towards adaptation, she believes "would be a fair response by the western world towards assisting developing countries".
In its formal submission to the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, Zambia projected climate-driven GDP reductions in the coming decades as a result of declining agricultural activity “and its associated effects on poverty levels, the potential impact of an energy crisis, the higher cost of treating climate-related diseases, and the loss of natural resources”.
Hydroelectric station
South of Lusaka is the Kariba dam, a vast hydroelectric station capable of producing 25 times more power than Ireland's Ardnacrusha plant, and source of about half the electrical needs of both Zambia and neighbouring Zimbabwe. The dam is fed by lake Kariba, the world's largest artificial lake. Despite its huge size, the lake has dropped by about six metres in the past three years, leading to frequent power cuts in both countries.
It is deeply ironic that a clean electricity source in a country with extremely low CO2 emissions (Zambians produce 0.29 tons of CO2 per capita, or 40 times less than the average Irish person) should be severely impacted by the climate-heating effect of emissions produced in the “developed” world.
Another indirect climate impact is that Zambia is now experiencing rapid deforestation, with more than 270,000 hectares being lost annually. Much of this is as a result of farmers cutting trees to produce charcoal to try to offset income losses due to drought and flood damage. The frequent power cuts make charcoal popular in the cities as a reliable material for cooking. Charcoal sellers now line almost every roadside in rural Zambia.
Since the western world has so far failed to act to rein in emissions, mean annual temperatures in Zambia are, according to Irish Aid, projected to rise by a further 1.2 to 3.4 degrees by mid-century. This, even before the impacts of coronavirus are taken into account, paves the way to a dangerously uncertain future.
– John Gibbons travelled to Zambia with Self Help Africa and received practical assistance from the Irish Embassy in Lusaka


theirishtimes--2020-04-22--‘No evidence’ Covid-19 can be transmitted by shopping

With shoppers visiting supermarkets in record numbers since the start of the coronavirus crisis , Ireland ’ s food safety watchdog has been prompted to clarify the key steps people need to take to keep themselves safe as they stock up on essentials .
Recent retail data has shown that March was the biggest month of grocery sales recorded in Ireland with spending climbing by an average of 27 per cent with even more significant increases reported in some frozen foods and ambient food sections .
There have also been reports of people taking drastic steps such as washing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products in quarantine for as much as 72 hours to ensure there are no traces of Covid-19 on packaging .
Such actions are not needed , according to Dr Linda Gordon , the chief specialist in microbiology with Safefood .
“ Currently , there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging , ” she said .
She stressed that it was “ important to follow good hygiene practices when handling or preparing foods .
You should always wash your hands and surfaces often , separate raw meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right temperature and put food in the fridge as soon as you can.
” She said people should not wash or disinfect food packaging .
“ It ’ s not necessary to sanitise the outside of food packaging as there is no current evidence that the virus can be transmitted in this way.
” She stressed that the main risk of transmission remained from close contact with infected people .
“ Our advice is to maintain good hygiene habits and to wash your hands regularly and to follow current public health guidelines re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consumers who may find themselves cooking more than they usually do .
“ Typically , if there is food left over after a meal , get it into the fridge within two hours – you can help cool it more quickly by dividing it into smaller portions .
However , remember that cooked rice is high-risk and must be cooled and put in the fridge within one hour .
Any leftovers properly stored should be eaten within three days but if you ’ re in any doubt , throw it out into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant increase in online food shopping had highlighted the importance of storing and handling food at home properly .
“ As we would normally do , put away shopping as soon as you get it , especially perishable foods which must be stored in the fridge or freezer , ” Dr Gordon said .
“ And always wash your hands after handling any food packaging and before you begin to prepare food .
If you ’ re going food shopping for yourself or others , wash your hands before you go and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again after you unpack your shopping .
”

There have been reports of people washing their groceries before storing them or leaving products in quarantine for 72 hours. Photographer: Dara Mac Dónaill
With shoppers visiting supermarkets in record numbers since the start of the coronavirus crisis, Ireland’s food safety watchdog has been prompted to clarify the key steps people need to take to keep themselves safe as they stock up on essentials.
Recent retail data has shown that March was the biggest month of grocery sales recorded in Ireland with spending climbing by an average of 27 per cent with even more significant increases reported in some frozen foods and ambient food sections.
There have also been reports of people taking drastic steps such as washing their groceries before storing them and even leaving products in quarantine for as much as 72 hours to ensure there are no traces of Covid-19 on packaging.
Such actions are not needed, according to Dr Linda Gordon, the chief specialist in microbiology with Safefood.
READ MORE
“Currently, there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging,” she said.
She stressed that it was “important to follow good hygiene practices when handling or preparing foods. You should always wash your hands and surfaces often, separate raw meat from other foods, cook to the right temperature and put food in the fridge as soon as you can.”
She said people should not wash or disinfect food packaging. “It’s not necessary to sanitise the outside of food packaging as there is no current evidence that the virus can be transmitted in this way.”
She stressed that the main risk of transmission remained from close contact with infected people. “Our advice is to maintain good hygiene habits and to wash your hands regularly and to follow current public health guidelines re social distancing.”
Two hours
She also offered advice to consumers who may find themselves cooking more than they usually do.
“Typically, if there is food left over after a meal, get it into the fridge within two hours – you can help cool it more quickly by dividing it into smaller portions. However, remember that cooked rice is high-risk and must be cooled and put in the fridge within one hour. Any leftovers properly stored should be eaten within three days but if you’re in any doubt, throw it out into your brown bin.”
She said a significant increase in online food shopping had highlighted the importance of storing and handling food at home properly.
“As we would normally do, put away shopping as soon as you get it, especially perishable foods which must be stored in the fridge or freezer,” Dr Gordon said. “And always wash your hands after handling any food packaging and before you begin to prepare food. If you’re going food shopping for yourself or others, wash your hands before you go and, as soon as you come home and again after you unpack your shopping.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-24--European centre warns against lifting Covid-19 restrictions too quickly

Irish Covid-19 infection rates rose by a higher percentage than elsewhere in Europe during the middle of April , according to a report from the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention ( ECDC ) .
Warning against the lifting of public restrictions too quickly , the Rapid Risk Assessment ninth update from the ECDC notes that the first wave of Covid-19 has passed its peak in 20 EU and EEA ( European Economic Area ) countries .
However , it said in Ireland , together with Sweden and the UK , the “ 14-day incidence is increasing and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each country since the start of the pandemic ” .
According to the ECDC , the 14-day incidence is a measure of the prevalence of active cases in the population .
The incidence rate ranges from 5.3 per 100,000 of population in Greece to 210.7 in Ireland .
Rates are more than 100 cases per 100,000 in Belgium ( 163.8 ) , Spain ( 135.6 ) , the UK ( 110.7 ) and Luxembourg ( 105.6 ) .
However , a series of medical experts cautioned against over-interpretation of the ECDC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is required in creating Covid-19 “ league tables ” so early in the disease ’ s history .
In addition , while Ireland is carrying out an average number of tests compared to other EU states , it is carrying out more than the 10 countries against whom it performed worst in this table .
The numbers in mid-April are also inflated by the arrival of older test results in Ireland from a German laboratory .
The report notes an increasing number of outbreaks in long-term care homes across Europe with high associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of the elderly .
The ECDC cautions against any moves that would lift restrictions put in place to control the spread too quickly .
Such measures have helped reduce transmission rates by 18 per cent since April 8th .
“ These measures are highly disruptive to society , both economically and socially .
This is why there is significant interest in defining a sound approach to adjusting the measures and phasing out ‘ stay-at-home ’ policies , ” it said .
“ However , lifting measures too quickly , without appropriate monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may cause a sudden resurgence of sustained community transmission.
” The question posed now is how to balance the need to safeguard public health with some sort of return to economic and social activity , something the Joint European Roadmap towards lifting Covid-19 containment measures seeks to address .
Most new European cases have been reported in the UK ( 77,436 ) , Spain ( 69,146 ) , Italy ( 51,410 ) , Germany ( 46,469 ) , and France ( 42,934 ) .
In a statement the Department of Health said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emergency Team ] monitors and reports daily on case information relating to Covid-19 .
“ The cumulative growth rate in cases has continued to reduce and is now approaching zero while the Reproduction number in Ireland is now estimated at between 0.5 and 0.8 .
“ Data continues to be reported and assessed across a range of sources including numbers hospitalised , numbers admitted to intensive care , mortality and recovery rates .
“ All of this information , together with the work of the IEMAG [ Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making .
”

Two-metre social distancing sign due to Covid-19 in Ireland at the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Irish Covid-19 infection rates rose by a higher percentage than elsewhere in Europe during the middle of April, according to a report from the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC).
Warning against the lifting of public restrictions too quickly, the Rapid Risk Assessment ninth update from the ECDC notes that the first wave of Covid-19 has passed its peak in 20 EU and EEA (European Economic Area) countries.
However, it said in Ireland, together with Sweden and the UK, the "14-day incidence is increasing and is currently at the highest level observed in each country since the start of the pandemic". According to the ECDC, the 14-day incidence is a measure of the prevalence of active cases in the population.
The incidence rate ranges from 5.3 per 100,000 of population in Greece to 210.7 in Ireland. Rates are more than 100 cases per 100,000 in Belgium (163.8), Spain (135.6), the UK (110.7) and Luxembourg (105.6).
READ MORE
However, a series of medical experts cautioned against over-interpretation of the ECDC’s numbers, saying “extreme caution” is required in creating Covid-19 “league tables” so early in the disease’s history.
In addition, while Ireland is carrying out an average number of tests compared to other EU states, it is carrying out more than the 10 countries against whom it performed worst in this table.
The numbers in mid-April are also inflated by the arrival of older test results in Ireland from a German laboratory.
The report notes an increasing number of outbreaks in long-term care homes across Europe with high associated mortality rates highlighting the “extreme vulnerability” of the elderly.
Restrictions
The ECDC cautions against any moves that would lift restrictions put in place to control the spread too quickly. Such measures have helped reduce transmission rates by 18 per cent since April 8th.
“These measures are highly disruptive to society, both economically and socially. This is why there is significant interest in defining a sound approach to adjusting the measures and phasing out ‘stay-at-home’ policies,” it said.
“However, lifting measures too quickly, without appropriate monitoring and health system capacity in place, may cause a sudden resurgence of sustained community transmission.”
The question posed now is how to balance the need to safeguard public health with some sort of return to economic and social activity, something the Joint European Roadmap towards lifting Covid-19 containment measures seeks to address.
Most new European cases have been reported in the UK (77,436), Spain (69,146), Italy (51,410), Germany (46,469), and France (42,934).
In a statement the Department of Health said: “The NPHET [National Public Health Emergency Team] monitors and reports daily on case information relating to Covid-19.
“The cumulative growth rate in cases has continued to reduce and is now approaching zero while the Reproduction number in Ireland is now estimated at between 0.5 and 0.8.
“Data continues to be reported and assessed across a range of sources including numbers hospitalised, numbers admitted to intensive care, mortality and recovery rates.
“All of this information, together with the work of the IEMAG [Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group] is monitored and used to inform decision making.”


theirishtimes--2020-04-24--Call for wage subsidies for childcare sector to be extended

The body representing creche owners is urging that wage subsidies enacted during the Covid-19 crisis be extended once the emergency passes in an effort to bring the cost of childcare under control .
The Department of Children & Youth Affairs ( DCYA ) last month announced it would top up the State ’ s existing wage subsidy scheme with additional funds , effectively making it responsible for the overwhelming majority of wages being paid in the sector .
Now , representative group Early Childhood Ireland ( ECI ) has written to the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which it says will eventually bring down the high level of fees paid for childcare by Irish parents .
The body also believes it will tackle the high rate of staff turnover in the sector .
In a document sent to political parties on Wednesday , ECI wrote that “ in the spirit of any new social contract , we hope that the new government will see to it that the Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme is left in place for sector staff ” .
“ This would also provide the basis for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help to improve the prospects and sustainability of the early years sector and affordability for parents.
” Ireland spends about 0.2 per cent of GDP on pre-primary education , compared with an OECD average of 0.8 per cent of GDP , according to Social Justice Ireland .
Irish parents pay among the highest fees in the OECD , while wages in the sector remain comparatively low .
Frances Byrne , director of policy and advocacy with ECI , said “ direct pay to the sector ’ s professionals would immediately improve the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and would increase quality provision for babies and children ” .
“ It would also assist the next government to target funding which would move Ireland off the bottom of the EU investment table and would , in time , mean a reduction in fees for parents.
” Separately , new data from DCYA shows that almost 80 per cent of childcare providers have signed up to the enhanced wage subsidy scheme .
Under the terms of the scheme , the State will pay 100 per cent of a wage , up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Services signing up for the scheme must give an undertaking not to charge parents any fees , and that their child ’ s place will be secure once creches reopen .
The DCYA data shows that from next month , if all services take up the scheme , the weekly costs to the department will be in the region of €6.04 million .
This compares with an average weekly cost of normal subsidies to the childcare sector , which have been suspended in favour of the wage payment scheme , of about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the exchequer is likely to be higher than the €6.04 million , as this accounts for the departmental contribution only .
The wider Government wage subsidy scheme , which picks up much of the wage bill for the sector , is not included in these calculations .
While the take-up figures are relatively strong , the Federation of Early Childhood Providers reiterated its warning that the scheme will not be enough to keep all settings open .
Chairwoman Elaine Dunne said some providers would struggle to meet their costs under the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of services are already privately reporting to us their intention to close ” .

The body representing creche owners is urging that wage subsidies enacted during the Covid-19 crisis be extended once the emergency passes in an effort to bring the cost of childcare under control.
The Department of Children & Youth Affairs (DCYA) last month announced it would top up the State’s existing wage subsidy scheme with additional funds, effectively making it responsible for the overwhelming majority of wages being paid in the sector.
Now, representative group Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) has written to the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, asking them to extend the measures, which it says will eventually bring down the high level of fees paid for childcare by Irish parents.
The body also believes it will tackle the high rate of staff turnover in the sector. In a document sent to political parties on Wednesday, ECI wrote that “in the spirit of any new social contract, we hope that the new government will see to it that the Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme is left in place for sector staff”.
READ MORE
“This would also provide the basis for a sensible way to target investment and would help to improve the prospects and sustainability of the early years sector and affordability for parents.” Ireland spends about 0.2 per cent of GDP on pre-primary education, compared with an OECD average of 0.8 per cent of GDP, according to Social Justice Ireland.
Irish parents pay among the highest fees in the OECD, while wages in the sector remain comparatively low. Frances Byrne, director of policy and advocacy with ECI, said "direct pay to the sector's professionals would immediately improve the current staff turnover rate of 23 per cent, and would increase quality provision for babies and children".
“It would also assist the next government to target funding which would move Ireland off the bottom of the EU investment table and would, in time, mean a reduction in fees for parents.”
Wage subsidies
Separately, new data from DCYA shows that almost 80 per cent of childcare providers have signed up to the enhanced wage subsidy scheme. Under the terms of the scheme, the State will pay 100 per cent of a wage, up to a limit of €586 per week. Services signing up for the scheme must give an undertaking not to charge parents any fees, and that their child’s place will be secure once creches reopen.
The DCYA data shows that from next month, if all services take up the scheme, the weekly costs to the department will be in the region of €6.04 million. This compares with an average weekly cost of normal subsidies to the childcare sector, which have been suspended in favour of the wage payment scheme, of about €10.4 million.
However, the cost to the exchequer is likely to be higher than the €6.04 million, as this accounts for the departmental contribution only. The wider Government wage subsidy scheme, which picks up much of the wage bill for the sector, is not included in these calculations.
While the take-up figures are relatively strong, the Federation of Early Childhood Providers reiterated its warning that the scheme will not be enough to keep all settings open. Chairwoman Elaine Dunne said some providers would struggle to meet their costs under the new scheme, and that "a substantial number of services are already privately reporting to us their intention to close".


theirishtimes--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Relaxation of restrictions not a certainty, say officials

Public health officials have said there is no certainty restrictions will be relaxed next month , despite a range of positive data indicating “ significant suppression ” in growth of the Covid-19 virus .
Speaking last night , chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan warned against complacency and pointed to data from mobile phones and seismic sensors which suggested an increase in activity , or a “ slippage ” in compliance .
Dr Holohan said he understood the public ’ s frustration , however “ it would take very little indeed for us to lose the good work we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people may feel Ireland is on “ a pathway towards the slackening of measures on May 5th , that is not the case .
If the decision was to be made today , we wouldn ’ t be advising any of the restrictions in place be relaxed , ” he said .
“ It ’ s really important that people don ’ t anticipate that ’ s what ’ s going to happen on May 5th .
It is not a certainty that this is the position we ’ ll be in.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths of another 28 people who had been diagnosed with Covid-19 , alongside a significant spike in diagnosed cases of 936 .
This brought the laboratory-confirmed death toll to 794 and the number of confirmed cases to 17,607 .
Data from the Department of Health indicates the spread of the disease has slowed across a variety of measures .
Prof Philip Nolan , chairman of the National Public Health Emergency Team ’ s ( NPHET ) epidemiological modelling group , said there had been a “ very significant suppression of the growth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against all the different indicators you might use ” .
The reproduction rate of the virus , the so-called R0 number , is somewhere between 0.5 and 0.8 , meaning that on average every infected person is passing the virus on to less than one other person .
However , discussing the potential growth of that metric if measures were relaxed , he said an R number of 1.6 would see “ a dangerous peak in cases , perhaps up to 1,000 a week ” .
Meanwhile stricter measures are expected for passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be checked to ensure they would self-isolate under new measures to be announced shortly , Minister for Health Simon Harris told the Dáil on Thursday .
It would involve “ more than just taking a person at their word that they are following the isolation restrictions ” , he said .
The Dáil was also told that the Leaving Cert exams would start on July 29th .
However , Minister for Education Joe McHugh said the Government was considering all contingencies , including predictive assessment .
Earlier , opposition party leaders criticised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a lack of transparency , and raised questions about who is in control of decision-making .
Labour leader Alan Kelly questioned the make-up of the NPHET , which he said had grown substantially since it was convened in January , with 11 sub-groups .
He asked if the Government had approved this : “ Who is NPHET accountable to ?
Who makes the final decisions ?
” Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said there had been “ too often a sense of a resistance to being upfront about problems until the solution @ @ @ @ @

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the Dáil that the easing of Covid-19 public health measures "will be gradual" and may not mirror the manner in which they were introduced. Video: Oireachtas TV
Public health officials have said there is no certainty restrictions will be relaxed next month, despite a range of positive data indicating “significant suppression” in growth of the Covid-19 virus.
Speaking last night, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan warned against complacency and pointed to data from mobile phones and seismic sensors that suggested an increase in activity, or a “slippage” in compliance.
Dr Holohan said he understood the public’s frustration, but “it would take very little indeed for us to lose the good work we have done”.
The data we received this afternoon shows an increase in patterns of driving, walking and transit among those who use Apple devices in recent days.
However, we also know from @TIITraffic that car traffic along the national road network is a fraction of what it normally is. pic.twitter.com/85T6v2QlPs — Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) April 23, 2020
He said while people may feel Ireland is on “a pathway towards the slackening of measures on May 5th, that is not the case. If the decision was to be made today, we wouldn’t be advising any of the restrictions in place be relaxed,” he said.
READ MORE
“It’s really important that people don’t anticipate that’s what’s going to happen on May 5th. It is not a certainty that this is the position we’ll be in.”
He was speaking as he reported the deaths of another 28 people who had been diagnosed with Covid-19, alongside a significant spike in diagnosed cases of 936. This brought the laboratory-confirmed death toll to 794 and the number of confirmed cases to 17,607.
‘Significant suppression’
Data from the Department of Health indicates the spread of the disease has slowed across a variety of measures. Prof Philip Nolan, chairman of the National Public Health Emergency Team’s (NPHET) epidemiological modelling group, said there had been a “very significant suppression of the growth of Covid-19 . . . in Ireland monitored against all the different indicators you might use”.
The reproduction rate of the virus, the so-called R0 number, is somewhere between 0.5 and 0.8, meaning that on average every infected person is passing the virus on to less than one other person.
Valerio Calderoni, owner of an italian tipical restaurant, and his wife Martina, pose for a picture during a test for a of possible plexiglass separator between tables of restaurant ‘’Il Ciak’’, Trastevere district in Rome on Thursday. Photograph: Fabio Frustaci/EPA
However, discussing the potential growth of that metric if measures were relaxed, he said an R number of 1.6 would see “a dangerous peak in cases, perhaps up to 1,000 a week”.
Meanwhile, stricter measures are expected for passengers arriving into the State. Travellers would be checked to ensure they would self-isolate under new measures to be announced shortly, Minister for Health Simon Harris told the Dáil on Thursday. It would involve “more than just taking a person at their word that they are following the isolation restrictions”, he said.
Lack of transparency
The Dáil was also told the Leaving Cert exams would start on July 29th. However, Minister for Education Joe McHugh said the Government was considering all contingencies, including predictive assessment.
Earlier, Opposition party leaders criticised the Government over what they have claimed is a lack of transparency, and raised questions about who is in control of decision-making.
Labour leader Alan Kelly questioned the make-up of the NPHET, which he said had grown substantially since it was convened in January, with 11 sub-groups. He asked if the Government had approved this: “ Who is NPHET accountable to? Who makes the final decisions?”
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said there had been “too often a sense of a resistance to being upfront about problems until the solution has been found”.


theirishtimes--2020-04-23--Inmates with Covid-19 symptoms kept in 24-hour lock-up

Some prisoners awaiting tests for coronavirus are being kept in 24-hour lock-up with no access to showers as prison authorities try to prevent an outbreak of the disease in the system .
There are no confirmed cases in Irish prisons but some inmates who have displayed symptoms have been moved to a central isolation unit in Cloverhill Prison , where they must remain until their test results come back .
Other prisoners who appear to be ill but do not have enough symptoms to reach the threshold for a test have also been placed in isolation , as per HSE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cloverhill will also be used to isolate prisoners if they are diagnosed with coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 .
Prisoners displaying symptoms are not allowed to leave their cells for any reason .
The Irish Prison Service ( IPS ) has said it is trying to accommodate them in rooms with in-cell showers but that this is not possible in every case .
Details of the protocols are contained in a letter sent by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan in response to a number of questions by Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Jim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr O ’ Callaghan “ the number of cells with showers in the prison system is limited ” .
“ I would like to assure you , however , that all cells accommodating prisoners in isolation have standard washing facilities , and prisoners are provided with the ability to bathe through the provision of warm water , soap and towels.
” The IPS did not say how many prisoners are in isolation or how many do not have access to showers , when asked by this newspaper .
Prison authorities are installing phones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow prisoners who are isolating to use the prisoner phone system to contact prison services , including psychology services , during the day ” .
The movement of prisoners in all facilities , including those not suffering from Covid-19 symptoms , has been severely limited to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
To help relieve boredom , prisoners confined to their cells have been given access to a wider array of TV channels .
Last month , the IPS released about 200 prisoners on temporary release to free up space for isolating inmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent lower than it was at the start of March .
A small number of released inmates have now returned to prison , having allegedly committed further offences .
In his letter , Mr Flanagan said every effort was being taken to avoid an outbreak in the prison system .
“ As I am sure you will appreciate , an outbreak of Covid-19 in a prison setting could have a devastating effect because prisoners in general have a poorer level of heath than people at liberty and because incarceration , by its nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody to practise full physical distancing at all times.
” All physical visits have been banned and replaced with video-link visits until further notice .
Other measures include the introduction of “ tele-psychology ” – therapy sessions conducted over the phone – in most prisons .
“ The psychology service also provides audio resources on physical and mental health for the in-cell channel on the TV system which is in place in Mountjoy and Cork prisons .
The roll-out of this system to all prisons is currently being explored , ” Mr Flanagan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help people in custody feel safe , reduce stress , restore rest and sleep , and connect them to social supports.
” The Irish Penal Reform Trust said : “ The State has a duty to protect both the physical health and the mental health of prisoners in its care .
“ Measures to ensure prisoners held in isolation have access to psychological supports from their cells will help reduce incidents of self-harm and potentially save lives .
”

The Irish Prison Service has said it is trying to accommodate inmates with symptoms in rooms with in-cell showers but that this is not possible in every case.File Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Some prisoners awaiting tests for coronavirus are being kept in 24-hour lock-up with no access to showers as prison authorities try to prevent an outbreak of the disease in the system.
There are no confirmed cases in Irish prisons but some inmates who have displayed symptoms have been moved to a central isolation unit in Cloverhill Prison, where they must remain until their test results come back.
Other prisoners who appear to be ill but do not have enough symptoms to reach the threshold for a test have also been placed in isolation, as per HSE advice.
The special isolation unit in Cloverhill will also be used to isolate prisoners if they are diagnosed with coronavirus, also known as Covid-19.
READ MORE
Prisoners displaying symptoms are not allowed to leave their cells for any reason. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has said it is trying to accommodate them in rooms with in-cell showers but that this is not possible in every case.
Details of the protocols are contained in a letter sent by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan in response to a number of questions by Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Jim O'Callaghan.
The Minister told Mr O’Callaghan “the number of cells with showers in the prison system is limited”.
“I would like to assure you, however, that all cells accommodating prisoners in isolation have standard washing facilities, and prisoners are provided with the ability to bathe through the provision of warm water, soap and towels.”
The IPS did not say how many prisoners are in isolation or how many do not have access to showers, when asked by this newspaper.
Prison authorities are installing phones in the isolation cells “which will allow prisoners who are isolating to use the prisoner phone system to contact prison services, including psychology services, during the day”.
TV channels
The movement of prisoners in all facilities, including those not suffering from Covid-19 symptoms, has been severely limited to prevent the spread of coronavirus. To help relieve boredom, prisoners confined to their cells have been given access to a wider array of TV channels.
Last month, the IPS released about 200 prisoners on temporary release to free up space for isolating inmates, leaving the prison population 9 per cent lower than it was at the start of March. A small number of released inmates have now returned to prison, having allegedly committed further offences.
In his letter, Mr Flanagan said every effort was being taken to avoid an outbreak in the prison system.
“As I am sure you will appreciate, an outbreak of Covid-19 in a prison setting could have a devastating effect because prisoners in general have a poorer level of heath than people at liberty and because incarceration, by its nature, limits the ability for those in custody to practise full physical distancing at all times.”
Support measures
All physical visits have been banned and replaced with video-link visits until further notice.
Other measures include the introduction of “tele-psychology” – therapy sessions conducted over the phone – in most prisons.
“The psychology service also provides audio resources on physical and mental health for the in-cell channel on the TV system which is in place in Mountjoy and Cork prisons. The roll-out of this system to all prisons is currently being explored,” Mr Flanagan said.
“The goal is to help people in custody feel safe, reduce stress, restore rest and sleep, and connect them to social supports.”
The Irish Penal Reform Trust said: "The State has a duty to protect both the physical health and the mental health of prisoners in its care.
“Measures to ensure prisoners held in isolation have access to psychological supports from their cells will help reduce incidents of self-harm and potentially save lives.”