theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Toilet paper manufacturer struggles to meet ‘unprecedented demand’

Ireland ’ s leading manufacturer of toilet paper says it is doing its best to meet demand as people stockpile as a result of the coronavirus .
Aldar Tissue , based in Finglas in Dublin , employs 22 staff .
The company has its own brand , Jasmine , and also manufacturers for Aldi , SuperValu and Musgraves .
It is one of only two toilet tissue manufacturers in Ireland .
The other is Dawn Paper , based in Slane , Co Meath .
The sight of shoppers panic-buying toilet paper and rows of empty shelves have become enduring images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland but worldwide .
Aldar managing director Darren Farrell said orders from retailers were up 200 per cent since the outbreak began and the company was working seven days a week and 16 hours a day .
Currently , it is at capacity producing 50,000 rolls of toilet tissue per hour .
The company ’ s order book is full for the next three months and it can take no more orders .
Mr Farrell said demand was “ unprecedented ” worldwide .
“ This has never been seen before in toilet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials from paper mills in the Middle East and Portugal .
The paper that is used in toilet tissue is virgin pulp .
Mr Farrell believes the run on toilet paper is due to a number of factors .
People perceive that the product is manufactured in China and that the country , where the coronavirus originated , is refusing to export it .
He said this was untrue and that most toilet paper used in Ireland was also manufactured in Ireland .
“ We have taken orders in the last week for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s gone absolutely phenomenal .
Can we keep up with demand ?
Obviously not .
We are doing our best , ” he said .
Mr Farrell , whose background is in trading paper , founded the company in 2013 .
He said toilet tissue is a commodity in constant demand in the country and will never go out of fashion .
“ It will always be there unless they come up with a new concept .
It is a product that has 100 per cent penetration into every household in the country @ @ @ @ @

Customers swamped the aisles in both Sundrive and Crumlin Shopping Centres despite Government reassurances about supplies.
Ireland’s leading manufacturer of toilet paper says it is doing its best to meet demand as people stockpile as a result of the coronavirus.
Aldar Tissue, based in Finglas in Dublin, employs 22 staff. The company has its own brand, Jasmine, and also manufacturers for Aldi, SuperValu and Musgraves.
It is one of only two toilet tissue manufacturers in Ireland. The other is Dawn Paper, based in Slane, Co Meath.
The sight of shoppers panic-buying toilet paper and rows of empty shelves have become enduring images of the coronavirus pandemic, not just in Ireland but worldwide.
READ MORE
Aldar managing director Darren Farrell said orders from retailers were up 200 per cent since the outbreak began and the company was working seven days a week and 16 hours a day.
Currently, it is at capacity producing 50,000 rolls of toilet tissue per hour.
The company’s order book is full for the next three months and it can take no more orders.
Mr Farrell said demand was “unprecedented” worldwide. “This has never been seen before in toilet tissue.”
The company sources its raw materials from paper mills in the Middle East and Portugal. The paper that is used in toilet tissue is virgin pulp.
Mr Farrell believes the run on toilet paper is due to a number of factors. People perceive that the product is manufactured in China and that the country, where the coronavirus originated, is refusing to export it.
He said this was untrue and that most toilet paper used in Ireland was also manufactured in Ireland.
“We have taken orders in the last week for the next three months. It’s gone absolutely phenomenal. Can we keep up with demand? Obviously not. We are doing our best,” he said.
Mr Farrell, whose background is in trading paper, founded the company in 2013.
He said toilet tissue is a commodity in constant demand in the country and will never go out of fashion.
“It will always be there unless they come up with a new concept. It is a product that has 100 per cent penetration into every household in the country,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Coronavirus: Ireland to see ramping up of testing amid jump in new cases

Borders around the world have started to shut as the Covid-19 pandemic worsens and Europe becomes its new epicentre .
Twenty new cases of the disease were reported in the Republic on Friday evening , the second-highest daily jump in the figures .
There are now 90 confirmed cases and one death in the Republic , along with 29 cases in Northern Ireland , which reported nine new positive tests on Friday .
Denmark announced it was closing its borders to other nationalities ; Canada advised against non-essential international travel anywhere ; and the Czech Republic , Slovakia and Malta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Italy recorded 250 deaths from the disease in a single day , the biggest increase so far and almost as bad as China ’ s worst day for deaths in February .
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney issued a new travel advisory on Friday night .
“ In light of rapidly changing conditions and restrictions across a number of EU countries , my Department is now advising people to exercised ‘ a high degree of caution ’ before deciding to travel to other EU States , ” he posted on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to update advice , he added .
The advice does not apply to the UK , he confirmed .
Earlier , the department advised against all travel to Italy and all non-essential travel to Spain .
Of the new Irish cases , six are associated with travel , and 12 with contacts of confirmed cases .
Four of the latter involve healthcare workers .
The remaining two cases are the result of community transmission .
The largest cluster of cases involve 16 people who have been infected with the virus in a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials are now saying anyone with a new fever of 38 degrees or more , or chills and/or respiratory tract infection including cough will require testing .
This is expected to lead to a big increase in the number of people needing to be tested .
However , GPs will be able to refer patients directly to the National Ambulance Service for testing without having to first consult public health doctors , as was the case up to now .
There also plans to start providing testing facilities in 12 specified centres in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials told a press briefing in HSE headquarters in Dublin .
On Wednesday , the Defence Forces will move to a “ status yellow ” force posture , with about 330 troops available to aid the HSE response to coronavirus .
About 800 more troops will be available on an hour ’ s notice under the status yellow , Vice-Admiral Mark Mellet , the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces , said on Friday .
Amid confusion and some mixed messages about what social restrictions parents should apply to their children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged parents not to arrange playdates for groups of young children for now .
“ However , rather than staying indoors , consider outdoor activities such as playing football in the open in small groups of three or four while maintaining social distancing of 2 metres , ” said Dr Ronan Glynn , assistant chief medical officer .
A number of doctors on Friday advocated for a stricter interpretation of the rules on mixing .
Dr Glynn said the restrictions on social interactions were not “ absolutist ” but “ if children continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measures won ’ t be as effective ” .
Meanwhile , chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said officials were not telling pubs and restaurants to close as part of the social restriction measures and they were “ not talking lockdowns ” .
“ We ’ re not locking down the country , I ’ ve heard rumours of army and gardaí but we have no plans for that , ” he said .
The HSE said it was talking to hotels regarding isolation beds , while hundreds of prisoners may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service warned of “ significant challenges ” it faced containing the spread of the virus .
Minister for Health Simon Harris and Dr Holohan are due to meet their counterparts in Northern Ireland on Saturday against a backdrop of diverging approaches to the crisis on either side of the Border .
President Michael D Higgins has called on people to work “ in a spirit of solidarity and co-operation ” in confronting difficulties triggered by the virus .

Twenty new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic, bringing the total to 90, after nine new cases were discovered in Northern Ireland, with the total there climbing to 29. Video: RTÉ News
Borders around the world have started to shut as the Covid-19 pandemic worsens and Europe becomes its new epicentre.
Twenty new cases of the disease were reported in the Republic on Friday evening, the second-highest daily jump in the figures. There are now 90 confirmed cases and one death in the Republic, along with 29 cases in Northern Ireland, which reported nine new positive tests on Friday.
Denmark announced it was closing its borders to other nationalities; Canada advised against non-essential international travel anywhere; and the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Malta all announced travel restrictions and quarantine measures.
Italy recorded 250 deaths from the disease in a single day, the biggest increase so far and almost as bad as China's worst day for deaths in February.
READ MORE
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney issued a new travel advisory on Friday night.
“In light of rapidly changing conditions and restrictions across a number of EU countries, my Department is now advising people to exercised ‘a high degree of caution’ before deciding to travel to other EU States,” he posted on Twitter at 10pm. The Department will continue to update advice, he added.
The advice does not apply to the UK, he confirmed.
Earlier, the department advised against all travel to Italy and all non-essential travel to Spain.
Of the new Irish cases, six are associated with travel, and 12 with contacts of confirmed cases. Four of the latter involve healthcare workers.
The remaining two cases are the result of community transmission.
The largest cluster of cases involve 16 people who have been infected with the virus in a single part of the country.
Public health officials are now saying anyone with a new fever of 38 degrees or more, or chills and/or respiratory tract infection including cough will require testing.
This is expected to lead to a big increase in the number of people needing to be tested. However, GPs will be able to refer patients directly to the National Ambulance Service for testing without having to first consult public health doctors, as was the case up to now.
There also plans to start providing testing facilities in 12 specified centres in addition to people’s homes, officials told a press briefing in HSE headquarters in Dublin.
‘Status yellow’
On Wednesday, the Defence Forces will move to a "status yellow" force posture, with about 330 troops available to aid the HSE response to coronavirus.
About 800 more troops will be available on an hour’s notice under the status yellow, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellet, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, said on Friday.
Amid confusion and some mixed messages about what social restrictions parents should apply to their children, who are now off school, officials urged parents not to arrange playdates for groups of young children for now.
"However, rather than staying indoors, consider outdoor activities such as playing football in the open in small groups of three or four while maintaining social distancing of 2 metres," said Dr Ronan Glynn, assistant chief medical officer.
A number of doctors on Friday advocated for a stricter interpretation of the rules on mixing.
Dr Glynn said the restrictions on social interactions were not “absolutist” but “if children continue to mix with children as normal, the measures won’t be as effective”.
Meanwhile, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said officials were not telling pubs and restaurants to close as part of the social restriction measures and they were "not talking lockdowns".
“We’re not locking down the country, I’ve heard rumours of army and gardaí but we have no plans for that,” he said.
Isolation beds
The HSE said it was talking to hotels regarding isolation beds, while hundreds of prisoners may be released from jail as the Irish Prison Service warned of “significant challenges” it faced containing the spread of the virus.
Minister for Health Simon Harris and Dr Holohan are due to meet their counterparts in Northern Ireland on Saturday against a backdrop of diverging approaches to the crisis on either side of the Border.
President Michael D Higgins has called on people to work “in a spirit of solidarity and co-operation” in confronting difficulties triggered by the virus.


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Creche sector may face monthly shortfall of €12m

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has identified a potential funding shortfall of approximately €12 million per month in the creche sector , The Irish Times has learned .
The shortfall may arise due to a significant drop-off in payments from parents to creches on top of childcare subsidies .
Sources said they believed if the Covid-19 emergency measures are extended , childcare settings will either not ask parents to pay these fees , or parents will not be able to pay them , leading to millions of euros per month to disappear from the sector .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressures this will create for some operators .
This will , in turn , create retention problems for employers , as childcare workers seek employment elsewhere .
Significant numbers of childcare workers are from outside the State , and they may also return home , it is feared .
It is understood that the funding issues were raised at a stakeholders meeting in the Department of Children on Thursday evening .
Furthermore , it is thought that the issue has been raised by officials in the department who are trying to identify potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance .
Creches and their employees are particularly vulnerable , because while schools and colleges have been closed , the State continues to pay wages to workers there .
The majority of creches are privately run .
The funding shortfall will disproportionately affect so called “ full service ” childcare settings , which offer care to children from the age of six months and above .
These younger children are not covered by the early childhood care and education ( ECCE ) scheme or National Childcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lion ’ s share of state income is generated .
Their business model largely relies on top-up payments from working parents , which , if they do not materialise , will put them under severe pressures .
Frances Byrne , director of policy and advocacy with Early Childcare Ireland , the industry group representing creches and other childcare settings , said full service settings accounted for about 34 per cent of all facilities in the State .
“ There will be a cohort of those that have a very high dependency on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their income , ” Ms Byrne said .
Many of these businesses are in cities and often have parents in higher income positions , or children who come from households where both parents are working full time .
“ If we end up in a situation where this drags on , for the best of public health reasons ... we ’ re concerned we could be facing into very serious sustainability issues.
” Joan O ’ Sullivan , owner/manager of Little Footsteps creche in Swords , which has eight staff and 32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been secured through conversations with parents .
“ The next couple of weeks are secure , after that , I really have no idea what will happen , ” she said .
“ My service is quite small , will we survive ?
I don ’ t know .
There ’ s no doubt employers may be making huge efforts , but if this extended , employers won ’ t be able to pay and then parents won ’ t pay us.
” “ State funding won ’ t cover our mortgage and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future hold ?
I don ’ t know.
” The stakeholder meeting also discussed potential plans to provide childcare for frontline workers key to the efforts to contain Covid-19 .
Several options were mooted , including childcare workers otherwise employed in creches acting as babysitters , or creche settings being established near hospitals .
However , each one brings practical and public health challenges , and would need the approval of the Chief Medical Officer , sources said .
The HSE said in a statement that it was “ very encouraged by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and their supports following the announcement yesterday and we are grateful for that ” .

Joan O’Sullivan, Swords creche owner, who has had to shut her business following the closure of all schools and childcare facilities. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell / The Irish Times
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has identified a potential funding shortfall of approximately €12 million per month in the creche sector, The Irish Times has learned.
The shortfall may arise due to a significant drop-off in payments from parents to creches on top of childcare subsidies.
Sources said they believed if the Covid-19 emergency measures are extended, childcare settings will either not ask parents to pay these fees, or parents will not be able to pay them, leading to millions of euros per month to disappear from the sector. There is deep concern within the department at the pressures this will create for some operators.
This will, in turn, create retention problems for employers, as childcare workers seek employment elsewhere. Significant numbers of childcare workers are from outside the State, and they may also return home, it is feared.
READ MORE
It is understood that the funding issues were raised at a stakeholders meeting in the Department of Children on Thursday evening.
Furthermore, it is thought that the issue has been raised by officials in the department who are trying to identify potential funding solutions with their colleagues in the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance.
Creches and their employees are particularly vulnerable, because while schools and colleges have been closed, the State continues to pay wages to workers there. The majority of creches are privately run.
The funding shortfall will disproportionately affect so called “full service” childcare settings, which offer care to children from the age of six months and above. These younger children are not covered by the early childhood care and education (ECCE) scheme or National Childcare Scheme (NCS), under which the lion’s share of state income is generated.
Their business model largely relies on top-up payments from working parents, which, if they do not materialise, will put them under severe pressures.
Frances Byrne, director of policy and advocacy with Early Childcare Ireland, the industry group representing creches and other childcare settings, said full service settings accounted for about 34 per cent of all facilities in the State.
“There will be a cohort of those that have a very high dependency on fees on a day-to-day basis in terms of their income,” Ms Byrne said.
Many of these businesses are in cities and often have parents in higher income positions, or children who come from households where both parents are working full time.
“If we end up in a situation where this drags on, for the best of public health reasons... we’re concerned we could be facing into very serious sustainability issues.”
‘Huge efforts’
Joan O’Sullivan, owner/manager of Little Footsteps creche in Swords, which has eight staff and 32 children, said her immediate future had been secured through conversations with parents.
“The next couple of weeks are secure, after that, I really have no idea what will happen,” she said.
“My service is quite small, will we survive? I don’t know. There’s no doubt employers may be making huge efforts, but if this extended, employers won’t be able to pay and then parents won’t pay us.”
“State funding won’t cover our mortgage and our wage bill. What does the future hold? I don’t know.”
The stakeholder meeting also discussed potential plans to provide childcare for frontline workers key to the efforts to contain Covid-19. Several options were mooted, including childcare workers otherwise employed in creches acting as babysitters, or creche settings being established near hospitals. However, each one brings practical and public health challenges, and would need the approval of the Chief Medical Officer, sources said.
The HSE said in a statement that it was “very encouraged by the attendance levels and the response of our staff and their supports following the announcement yesterday and we are grateful for that”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Concerns for undocumented migrants seeking medical care

Concerns are increasing among up to 20,000 undocumented migrants about being deported if they seek healthcare during the coronavirus outbreak .
The Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland ( MRCI ) is calling for assurances that no undocumented person will be issued with a “ Section 3 ” deportation order as a result of coming forward for medical care for coronavirus .
Though no one is asked their immigration status at the point of seeking medical care , if they were to need further treatment or hospitalisation they could be asked for a PPS number , said Edel McGinley director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our experience over the last year or two years , that when they then apply for a PPS number – because the healthcare has to be paid for – and they are not entitled to one , they can end up being reported by a social welfare officer to the gardaí , ” she said .
“ It has made undocumented hesitant about seeking healthcare .
“ Undocumented people are always living in fear , but in a crisis situation like we are in now there must be reassurance that they will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for testing or medical attention .
They need to be included in the planning for this.
” The MRCI met Department of Justice officials on Friday at which the matter was raised .
Ms McGinley said while officials offered assurances deportation orders would not be enforced , bar in exceptional circumstances , during the crisis , there were no reassurances that deportation orders would not be made as a result of people seeking medical attention .
A Department of Justice spokesman told The Irish Times : “ Healthcare professional do not request details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their care .
In these circumstances the hypothetical question of referring the details to the immigration service would not arise.
” Ms McGinley said migrants – both documented and undocumented – could be “ at the sharp end ” of the Covid-19 outbreak , medically , emotionally and financially .
“ We are getting a lot of calls .
People are very worried .
Both documented and undocumented are asking , ‘ How do we access entitlements ?
’ , ‘ How do we survive ?
’ ” International students , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they are not studying , are not entitled to any welfare payments in the event of being laid off .
Nor are undocumented migrant workers entitled to financial supports .
Both these cohorts are working “ across the labour force ” said Ms McGinley – “ in home-care , childcare , restaurants , catering , construction , agriculture , maintenance , IT ” .
“ Many of these will be hit by a downturn and people are really worried about short-term lay-offs , involuntary lay-offs .
”

The Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland is calling for assurances that no undocumented person will be issued with a deportation order as a result of coming forward for medical care for coronavirus. Photograph: Patrick T Fallon/Bloomberg
Concerns are increasing among up to 20,000 undocumented migrants about being deported if they seek healthcare during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MRCI) is calling for assurances that no undocumented person will be issued with a "Section 3" deportation order as a result of coming forward for medical care for coronavirus.
Though no one is asked their immigration status at the point of seeking medical care, if they were to need further treatment or hospitalisation they could be asked for a PPS number, said Edel McGinley director of the MRCI.
“It has been our experience over the last year or two years, that when they then apply for a PPS number – because the healthcare has to be paid for – and they are not entitled to one, they can end up being reported by a social welfare officer to the gardaí,” she said. “It has made undocumented hesitant about seeking healthcare.
READ MORE
“Undocumented people are always living in fear, but in a crisis situation like we are in now there must be reassurance that they will be safe if they need to come forward for testing or medical attention. They need to be included in the planning for this.”
The MRCI met Department of Justice officials on Friday at which the matter was raised.
Ms McGinley said while officials offered assurances deportation orders would not be enforced, bar in exceptional circumstances, during the crisis, there were no reassurances that deportation orders would not be made as a result of people seeking medical attention.
‘Very worried’
A Department of Justice spokesman told The Irish Times: “Healthcare professional do not request details of the immigration status of any patients in their care. In these circumstances the hypothetical question of referring the details to the immigration service would not arise.”
Ms McGinley said migrants – both documented and undocumented – could be “at the sharp end” of the Covid-19 outbreak, medically, emotionally and financially.
“We are getting a lot of calls. People are very worried. Both documented and undocumented are asking, ‘How do we access entitlements?’, ‘How do we survive?’”
International students, most of whom have a right to work when they are not studying, are not entitled to any welfare payments in the event of being laid off. Nor are undocumented migrant workers entitled to financial supports. Both these cohorts are working “across the labour force” said Ms McGinley – “in home-care, childcare, restaurants, catering, construction, agriculture, maintenance, IT”.
“Many of these will be hit by a downturn and people are really worried about short-term lay-offs, involuntary lay-offs.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Medics on Ireland's coronavirus frontline: ‘We got protective shields from a hardware shop’

Dr Geoff Plant is coming to the end of his working day at the end of a challenging week .
At the 16-GP practice where he works in Waterford city , the number of patients turning up for appointments has dropped , but he spent one-third of his day on the phone to “ worried well ” patients , offering advice on respiratory symptoms , hygiene and testing .
“ We ’ re getting a lot of worried phone calls .
‘ My best friend met this guy whose colleague was diagnosed with Covid-19 – should I self-isolate ?
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
The answer is usually no , you don ’ t need to self-isolate if you know someone who knows someone diagnosed with Covid-19 .
“ If you could be a contact , Public Health will contact you to advise if you need to self-isolate.
” There is a lot of confusion , he says , about what “ self-isolation ” actually means .
The guidance on the HSE website , which was updated yesterday , is that self-isolation applies to people who are not feeling well and have come back from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong , Singapore , South Korea , Iran , Japan , and the Lombardy , Veneto , Emilia-Romagna or Piedmont regions of Italy – or were exposed to a laboratory-confirmed case should phone their GP or emergency department and self-isolate .
The guidance of the HSE continued to be that people who are feeling well should carry on with their normal routine , even if they have returned from an affected area .
However , yesterday Minister for Health Simon Harris asked people returning from Spain and Italy to restrict their movements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have a lot of people at the moment calling with a cough , saying ‘ I have a cold ; I ’ m self-isolating.
’ I say , ‘ Good on you ’ , but they ’ re not actually in the isolation category .
“ If you have respiratory symptoms and you ’ re not in the self-isolation category , once you ’ ve been symptom-free for three days , you no longer need to isolate.
” You don ’ t , he says , currently need to self-isolate for 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s getting go beyond a GP ’ s remit into the realm of moral and ethical issues .
“ There are a lot of questions like , ‘ Should I have the grandparents minding the kids ?
’ We can ’ t give direct medical advice on that .
But I would have a fear now the schools are closed that grandparents are going to be asked to mind children .
I would be wary of this , particularly if they ’ re unwell , or have co-existing illnesses .
I probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the beginning of the week , says Plant , it was business as usual , but by Tuesday evening , everything had changed .
“ One difficult thing for us at the moment is trying to keep up with those guidelines as they happen .
You try to implement one , and then there ’ s another one in place.
” For example , the guideline for GPs at the start of the week was that anyone who had been in a “ red-zone ” country should be dealt with over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guidance changed .
Now , anyone with fever , cough or respiratory symptoms should not come into the surgery .
They should phone in.
” Changing guidance yesterday also meant that people were being asked to contact their GP with respiratory symptoms , even if they have not been in an at-risk area .
It ’ s a “ huge change ” , he says .
“ Implementing it is difficult for all GP practices .
Our receptionists have to ask anyone calling in , ‘ Are you suffering from respiratory symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nurse and then possibly a doctor is ringing them back.
” When the doctor or nurse calls to triage and finds that a patient does have respiratory symptoms , but has not travelled to a red-zone area , or had contact with a known case of Covid-19 , “ we ’ re often able to advise over the phone .
A lot of it is mild cold symptoms.
” If they are suffering respiratory symptoms or a fever , and have travelled to a red-zone area , or been in close proximity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 minutes – with a known Covid-19 case , or if they have symptoms and have attended a healthcare facility abroad where patients were being treated , the situation escalates .
“ We ring Public Health and get advice from there.
” Plant points out that GPs have not so far been able to order a test for Covid-19 .
“ A public health doctor is the only one able to order tests ” , though he adds that that might change .
Of the patients who have respiratory symptoms but no other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to attend .
“ That ’ s a whole new ballgame .
We ’ re going to use a separate section of the building .
We will be telling them to park their car outside , and ring us to let us know they ’ re here .
They will then be phoned to say when it ’ s time to come in .
They ’ ll be asked to cover their mouth on their way in .
One GP and possibly a nurse will see them and we ’ ll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gloves , goggles and a face mask.
” Acquiring the protective equipment has been another challenge .
“ We were struggling to get it during the week , but we ’ ve been told we ’ re getting a large delivery of protective equipment on Monday.
” In the meantime , they ’ ve had to think outside the box .
“ We got protective shields from a hardware shop , like farmers might use.
” The other major challenge throughout this week has been trying to protect frontline staff .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to keep one metre back from our main reception staff .
People aren ’ t obeying it ; they just keep stepping over the line and coughing on the reception staff .
So we ’ re getting a glass partition installed in front of the reception desk and using rope cordoning.
” The one piece of advice Plant gives to everyone is to wash their hands frequently ; cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow and keep social distancing .
“ I think GPs are all feeling like we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ re worried about what ’ s coming up .
We ’ re worried about our loved ones , the same as everyone .
But we have to keep working regardless .
”

Dr Geoff Plant is coming to the end of his working day at the end of a challenging week.
At the 16-GP practice where he works in Waterford city, the number of patients turning up for appointments has dropped, but he spent one-third of his day on the phone to "worried well" patients, offering advice on respiratory symptoms, hygiene and testing.
“We’re getting a lot of worried phone calls. ‘My best friend met this guy whose colleague was diagnosed with Covid-19 – should I self-isolate?’ That kind of thing,” he says.
The answer is usually no, you don’t need to self-isolate if you know someone who knows someone diagnosed with Covid-19. “If you could be a contact, Public Health will contact you to advise if you need to self-isolate.”
READ MORE
There is a lot of confusion, he says, about what "self-isolation" actually means. The guidance on the HSE website, which was updated yesterday, is that self-isolation applies to people who are not feeling well and have come back from a red-zone country – currently China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Iran, Japan, and the Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna or Piedmont regions of Italy – or were exposed to a laboratory-confirmed case should phone their GP or emergency department and self-isolate.
The guidance of the HSE continued to be that people who are feeling well should carry on with their normal routine, even if they have returned from an affected area.
However, yesterday Minister for Health Simon Harris asked people returning from Spain and Italy to restrict their movements for the next two weeks.
“We have a lot of people at the moment calling with a cough, saying ‘I have a cold; I’m self-isolating.’ I say, ‘Good on you’, but they’re not actually in the isolation category.
Symptom-free
“If you have respiratory symptoms and you’re not in the self-isolation category, once you’ve been symptom-free for three days, you no longer need to isolate.” You don’t, he says, currently need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Some of the questions he’s getting go beyond a GP’s remit into the realm of moral and ethical issues. “There are a lot of questions like, ‘Should I have the grandparents minding the kids?’ We can’t give direct medical advice on that. But I would have a fear now the schools are closed that grandparents are going to be asked to mind children. I would be wary of this, particularly if they’re unwell, or have co-existing illnesses. I probably wouldn’t do it myself.”
At the beginning of the week, says Plant, it was business as usual, but by Tuesday evening, everything had changed. “One difficult thing for us at the moment is trying to keep up with those guidelines as they happen. You try to implement one, and then there’s another one in place.”
For example, the guideline for GPs at the start of the week was that anyone who had been in a “red-zone” country should be dealt with over the phone. “On Tuesday night, the guidance changed. Now, anyone with fever, cough or respiratory symptoms should not come into the surgery. They should phone in.”
It's a 'huge change', he says. 'Implementing it is difficult for all GP practices'
Changing guidance yesterday also meant that people were being asked to contact their GP with respiratory symptoms, even if they have not been in an at-risk area.
It’s a “huge change”, he says. “Implementing it is difficult for all GP practices. Our receptionists have to ask anyone calling in, ‘Are you suffering from respiratory symptoms?’ If they answer yes, a nurse and then possibly a doctor is ringing them back.”
When the doctor or nurse calls to triage and finds that a patient does have respiratory symptoms, but has not travelled to a red-zone area, or had contact with a known case of Covid-19, “we’re often able to advise over the phone. A lot of it is mild cold symptoms.”
If they are suffering respiratory symptoms or a fever, and have travelled to a red-zone area, or been in close proximity – defined as within two metres for 15 minutes – with a known Covid-19 case, or if they have symptoms and have attended a healthcare facility abroad where patients were being treated, the situation escalates. “We ring Public Health and get advice from there.”
Plant points out that GPs have not so far been able to order a test for Covid-19. “A public health doctor is the only one able to order tests”, though he adds that that might change.
Red flags
Of the patients who have respiratory symptoms but no other red flags, a minority will still need to attend. “That’s a whole new ballgame. We’re going to use a separate section of the building. We will be telling them to park their car outside, and ring us to let us know they’re here. They will then be phoned to say when it’s time to come in. They’ll be asked to cover their mouth on their way in. One GP and possibly a nurse will see them and we’ll be fully gowned, with a plastic gown, gloves, goggles and a face mask.”
Acquiring the protective equipment has been another challenge. “We were struggling to get it during the week, but we’ve been told we’re getting a large delivery of protective equipment on Monday.”
In the meantime, they’ve had to think outside the box. “We got protective shields from a hardware shop, like farmers might use.”
The other major challenge throughout this week has been trying to protect frontline staff. “We have signs on the door asking people to keep one metre back from our main reception staff. People aren’t obeying it; they just keep stepping over the line and coughing on the reception staff. So we’re getting a glass partition installed in front of the reception desk and using rope cordoning.”
The one piece of advice Plant gives to everyone is to wash their hands frequently; cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow and keep social distancing. “I think GPs are all feeling like we’re about to do our Leaving Cert. We’re worried about what’s coming up. We’re worried about our loved ones, the same as everyone. But we have to keep working regardless.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Thinking Anew – Mary’s Yes to God

Thinking Anew – Mary’s Yes to God

Clearly the liturgical year was compiled by a man .
The feast of the Annunciation ( when the angel Gabriel shares God ’ s saving plan with Mary ) falls on March 25th , exactly nine months before Christmas Day , the feast of the birth of Christ .
Apparently Jesus , as the perfect baby , did not keep his poor mother waiting for the birth any longer than he had to , and arrived precisely to schedule .
Like many Christians , I have a special love for Mary .
Interestingly many Muslims have a special love for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and she is the only woman in the Qur ’ an who is named .
I often reflect on what a courageous , resilient woman she must have been , to rise so gamely to the unique demands made of her .
Again and again we are reminded in Scripture that nobody can be forced into the Kingdom of God , and when the Church loses sight of this it is a blasphemy .
Central to our faith is the precious notion of consent , and the incarnation was utterly dependent upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being asked of her .
The angel announced to her the news that she had been chosen and outlined to her what was going to happen and then .
.
.
he waited .
God ’ s plan was conditional upon her response .
Mary asked questions – sensible , assertive questions – and then she said “ Yes !
I ’ m in !
So be it !
I trust you Lord !
” Mary inspires us because she goes ahead of us .
Her yes to God led her to places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none of us would wish to go .
But it is a fact of life that love will inevitably be costly , and at times will feel like a pain in the heart instead of a joy .
I remember my Auntie Mary saying to me that the hardest thing in the world is to watch someone you love suffer , and she was so right .
She knew this to her cost because Uncle Frank ’ s last years were full of suffering – he had to be cared for in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this was a great agony for both of them .
Mary the mother of Jesus was to know this pain in her heart as her as-yet-unborn baby ’ s journey through life unfolded .
In the film The Passion of the Christ there is a pivotal scene when Mary turns her face away from the suffering of her son carrying his cross on this first Good Friday .
Into her mind flashes an episode from his childhood when as a little boy he fell and hurt his knee .
He called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they are in pain ) and she comforted him .
Now a grown man , bleeding and abused and staggering to his place of execution , Jesus still needs her .
She can no longer make everything all right by kissing his knee .
But she can refuse to abandon him , come hell or high water .
She can choose not to look away , and she accompanied him to the end , and beyond .
Most of us , by the grace of God , are not called to cradle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though some of us may be , or may have been , and such scenes are playing out right now all over the world .
But many of us have to deal with watching someone we love suffer , and it can feel unbearable .
Let it comfort us that Mary was called into this dark place also .
Mary inspires and encourages us to say yes to God , whatever joys and sorrows lie in store .
If God is our Father and Jesus is our brother , by adoption , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psalmist tells us that “ Those who look to him are radiant ” , and if Mary is radiant it is because she is always pointing beyond herself to her beloved Son .
She invites us to love Jesus as much as she loves him , as we are invited by Jesus to love Mary as much as he loves her .

Clearly the liturgical year was compiled by a man. The feast of the Annunciation (when the angel Gabriel shares God’s saving plan with Mary) falls on March 25th, exactly nine months before Christmas Day, the feast of the birth of Christ. Apparently Jesus, as the perfect baby, did not keep his poor mother waiting for the birth any longer than he had to, and arrived precisely to schedule.
Like many Christians, I have a special love for Mary. Interestingly many Muslims have a special love for her too, for their own reasons, and she is the only woman in the Qur’an who is named.
I often reflect on what a courageous, resilient woman she must have been, to rise so gamely to the unique demands made of her.
Again and again we are reminded in Scripture that nobody can be forced into the Kingdom of God, and when the Church loses sight of this it is a blasphemy.
READ MORE
Central to our faith is the precious notion of consent, and the incarnation was utterly dependent upon Mary’s consent to what was being asked of her.
The angel announced to her the news that she had been chosen and outlined to her what was going to happen and then . . . he waited. God’s plan was conditional upon her response.
Mary asked questions – sensible, assertive questions – and then she said “Yes! I’m in! So be it! I trust you Lord!”
Mary inspires us because she goes ahead of us.
Her yes to God led her to places of great joy but also places where none of us would wish to go.
But it is a fact of life that love will inevitably be costly, and at times will feel like a pain in the heart instead of a joy.
I remember my Auntie Mary saying to me that the hardest thing in the world is to watch someone you love suffer, and she was so right.
She knew this to her cost because Uncle Frank’s last years were full of suffering – he had to be cared for in a nursing home instead of at home, and this was a great agony for both of them.
Mary the mother of Jesus was to know this pain in her heart as her as-yet-unborn baby’s journey through life unfolded.
In the film The Passion of the Christ there is a pivotal scene when Mary turns her face away from the suffering of her son carrying his cross on this first Good Friday.
Into her mind flashes an episode from his childhood when as a little boy he fell and hurt his knee. He called for his mum (as children always do when they are in pain) and she comforted him.
Now a grown man, bleeding and abused and staggering to his place of execution, Jesus still needs her.
She can no longer make everything all right by kissing his knee.
But she can refuse to abandon him, come hell or high water. She can choose not to look away, and she accompanied him to the end, and beyond.
Most of us, by the grace of God, are not called to cradle our dead children in our arms, though some of us may be, or may have been, and such scenes are playing out right now all over the world.
But many of us have to deal with watching someone we love suffer, and it can feel unbearable.
Let it comfort us that Mary was called into this dark place also.
Mary inspires and encourages us to say yes to God, whatever joys and sorrows lie in store.
If God is our Father and Jesus is our brother, by adoption, then Mary is our mother also.
The psalmist tells us that “Those who look to him are radiant”, and if Mary is radiant it is because she is always pointing beyond herself to her beloved Son.
She invites us to love Jesus as much as she loves him, as we are invited by Jesus to love Mary as much as he loves her.


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Defence Forces to shift to ‘status yellow’ with 330 troops aiding HSE

The Defence Forces will move to a “ status yellow ” force posture on Wednesday of next week , with in the region of 330 troops available to aid the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) response to coronavirus .
About 800 more troops will be available on an hour ’ s notice under the status yellow , Vice-Admiral Mark Mellet , the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces said on Friday .
The status yellow is one level higher than the Defence Forces ’ usual “ force posture ” , which is denoted as blue .
Vice-Admiral Mellett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Defence Forces would be going on a status red alert from Monday , and emphasised that his troops would be offering support functions to the HSE .
There is no plan to put troops on the streets in their capacity as an aid to the civil power , he said .
“ [ Status yellow ] is a resource-generating mechanism , it ’ s not about the issue of troops on the streets or any of that misinformation that ’ s out there , ” he said .
A platoon of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supplement the HSE at each of the nine barracks around the country , as well as at Haulbowline Naval Base and Baldonnell , the Air Corps headquarters .
A larger , company-sized force of about 100 people can be mustered at any of the bases within an hour under the status yellow , he said .
He said the functions fulfilled by the Defence Forces would be as drivers , chefs , emergency medical technicians , maintenance , engineers or perhaps decontamination teams .
If needed , he said his personnel could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 .
He confirmed that the Defence Forces properties and capabilities were being audited as use for isolation facilities or other medical facilities that the HSE may need .
In the first instance , he said that would focus on their properties but he said the armed forces could provide tented facilities if needs be .
Speaking to The Irish Times , he also said naval vessels could be pressed into action as testing facilities , as the navy had developed the skillset to test for illnesses in large numbers during humanitarian missions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there was no current plan to do so .
“ A ship would be a suitable platform for a testing facility , You can call the upper deck a Covid area and have your personnel in [ personal protective equipment ] doing the testing , but at the moment we ’ re not at that stage , ” he said .
He said at the moment there is no plan to deploy troops to support the gardaí on the streets , although such a scenario could not ultimately be ruled out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now is not on our radar but as a contingency it is core business to us to aid the civil power.
” He said he was satisfied he had sufficient resources to manage the Defence Forces involvement in the Covid-19 crisis , despite recent concerns over the levels of personnel available to the service .
“ I have the manpower resource that has been allocated by government and that ’ s the resource I play with , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve never met a chief of defence who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources , but my job is to maximise the return from the defences I have , and that ’ s what I ’ m doing .
I ’ ll manage the Defence Forces against the ask from the HSE.
” However , he said that , if necessary , he would examine pulling troops back from overseas missions , where 550 are currently serving .
He also confirmed that the Defence Forces are in discussions with members who have left the force and are considering “ re-entry ” .
“ If I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have recently left the Defence Forces that I can bring back in , I ’ m going to try and ensure that the legislative provisions are available to me that will allow that to happen , ” he said .
He also confirmed some members who were planning to retire “ are being asked to extend in the service ” but said that number was low .
He said it was likely members of the Defence Forces would be infected with Covid-19 during their work in the weeks ahead .
Four members are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welfare of our personnel is of primacy in this , and I have to be conscious that many of my personnel will get Covid .
It ’ s a statistical reality , it is impossible to avoid that.
” He criticised the spread of misinformation about the Defence Forces ’ planned reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak .
“ They ’ re not doing a public service , anyone who is providing fake news or misinterpreting facts or trying to raise fears , ” he said .
“ We ’ d ask anybody who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing just to ask , and you ’ ll get the facts.
” He also said he believed ongoing industrial relations issues in the force would not hamper its response .
He is planning to meet with soldiers ’ representative groups this week .
“ I have full confidence in the loyalty , dedication and commitment of the men and women of the Defence Forces .
We ’ ve moved into a different phase in the context of our absolute determination to meet the priorities of the HSE , ” he said @

Defence Force Cadets of the 96th Cadet Class are training with the HSE as part of their contact tracing team in efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Video: Alan Betson
The Defence Forces will move to a "status yellow" force posture on Wednesday of next week, with in the region of 330 troops available to aid the Health Service Executive (HSE) response to coronavirus.
About 800 more troops will be available on an hour's notice under the status yellow, Vice-Admiral Mark Mellet, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces said on Friday.
The status yellow is one level higher than the Defence Forces’ usual “force posture”, which is denoted as blue.
Vice-Admiral Mellett said there was no truth to rumours that the Defence Forces would be going on a status red alert from Monday, and emphasised that his troops would be offering support functions to the HSE. There is no plan to put troops on the streets in their capacity as an aid to the civil power, he said.
READ MORE
“[Status yellow] is a resource-generating mechanism, it’s not about the issue of troops on the streets or any of that misinformation that’s out there,” he said.
A platoon of about 30 people would be constantly available to supplement the HSE at each of the nine barracks around the country, as well as at Haulbowline Naval Base and Baldonnell, the Air Corps headquarters.
A larger, company-sized force of about 100 people can be mustered at any of the bases within an hour under the status yellow, he said. He said the functions fulfilled by the Defence Forces would be as drivers, chefs, emergency medical technicians, maintenance, engineers or perhaps decontamination teams. If needed, he said his personnel could take samples from people suspected to have Covid-19.
Isolation and medical facilities
He confirmed that the Defence Forces properties and capabilities were being audited as use for isolation facilities or other medical facilities that the HSE may need. In the first instance, he said that would focus on their properties but he said the armed forces could provide tented facilities if needs be.
Speaking to The Irish Times, he also said naval vessels could be pressed into action as testing facilities, as the navy had developed the skillset to test for illnesses in large numbers during humanitarian missions in the Mediterranean, although he emphasised that there was no current plan to do so.
“A ship would be a suitable platform for a testing facility, You can call the upper deck a Covid area and have your personnel in [personal protective equipment] doing the testing, but at the moment we’re not at that stage,” he said.
He said at the moment there is no plan to deploy troops to support the gardaí on the streets, although such a scenario could not ultimately be ruled out. “It’s a scenario that right now is not on our radar but as a contingency it is core business to us to aid the civil power.”
Vice-Admiral Mark Mellet, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces: the functions of the Defence Forces will be as drivers, chefs, emergency medical technicians, maintenance, engineers or perhaps decontamination teams. If needed, they could take samples from people suspected to have Covid-19. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
He said he was satisfied he had sufficient resources to manage the Defence Forces involvement in the Covid-19 crisis, despite recent concerns over the levels of personnel available to the service. “I have the manpower resource that has been allocated by government and that’s the resource I play with,” he said.
“I’ve never met a chief of defence who wouldn’t like to have more resources, but my job is to maximise the return from the defences I have, and that’s what I’m doing. I’ll manage the Defence Forces against the ask from the HSE.”
Returning troops
However, he said that, if necessary, he would examine pulling troops back from overseas missions, where 550 are currently serving. He also confirmed that the Defence Forces are in discussions with members who have left the force and are considering “re-entry”.
“If I have people who are fit and qualified who have recently left the Defence Forces that I can bring back in, I’m going to try and ensure that the legislative provisions are available to me that will allow that to happen,” he said.
He also confirmed some members who were planning to retire “are being asked to extend in the service” but said that number was low.
He said it was likely members of the Defence Forces would be infected with Covid-19 during their work in the weeks ahead. Four members are currently self-isolating.
“The health and welfare of our personnel is of primacy in this, and I have to be conscious that many of my personnel will get Covid. It’s a statistical reality, it is impossible to avoid that.”
He criticised the spread of misinformation about the Defence Forces’ planned reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak. “They’re not doing a public service, anyone who is providing fake news or misinterpreting facts or trying to raise fears,” he said.
“We’d ask anybody who wants to know what the Defence Forces are doing just to ask, and you’ll get the facts.” He also said he believed ongoing industrial relations issues in the force would not hamper its response. He is planning to meet with soldiers’ representative groups this week.
“I have full confidence in the loyalty, dedication and commitment of the men and women of the Defence Forces. We’ve moved into a different phase in the context of our absolute determination to meet the priorities of the HSE,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: HSE health professionals not in frontline service to be redeployed

HSE personnel with nursing , medical and social care professional qualifications who are no longer engaged in frontline duties should be identified and re-deployed to assist where their skills are most required , the health authority has said in a new policy for use during the coronavirus outbreak .
In an updated document produced on Friday , the HSE said staff who retired in the past two years may be re-hired as part of the crisis management measures .
“ If necessary , employees may be required to work different hours or in a different location .
In this regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and urgency of need , ” the HSE said .
“ Notice requirements normally associated with alterations to the usual practice of scheduling shift changes , changes to hours of work and/or changes to work locations will be suspended for the duration of Covid-19 infection as redeployment needs will require assessment on a daily basis.
” The HSE also said in the updated policy document that in order to deal with the effects of Covid-19 infection , there may be a requirement for some or all identified non-essential services to be cancelled or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are curtailed or temporarily suspended [ non-essential services ] will be deemed available to be redeployed to assist in other essential service areas that are experiencing staffing shortages .
“ Employees most at risk of contracting Covid-19 in the workplace [ eg age 60 years or over , have a long-term medical condition , immune suppressed , pregnant ] will be assigned to non-direct contact areas.
” Controversial proposals put forward last week by the HSE to effectively ban strikes and disputes for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak , which were rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new version of the policy document .
Earlier proposals allowing the HSE to outsource some services if necessary have been omitted from the new document .
However , there is a separate side note governing outsourcing of services .
In this note the HSE said it acknowledged the unions ’ position with regard to outsourcing .
It said it continued to be committed to the provisions of the current public service agreement ( regarding outsourcing ) “ in normal circumstances ” .
However , it said the categorisation of the current outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak “ were now presenting us all with a unique , challenging and unprecedented situation ” .
The trade union Siptu said on Friday it would not agree to the HSE document as long as the reference to outsourcing remained in it .
However , the country ’ s largest public service union , Fórsa , on Friday pledged full co-operation with measures for tackling Covid-19 but sought engagement on operational matters .
Meanwhile , the National Bus and Rail Union ( NBRU ) has said it can not guarantee that its members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the absence of social distancing recommendations advanced by health experts being implemented in the State-owned bus and train companies .
General secretary Dermot O ’ Leary also said it would back members who made a conscious decision not to handle cash over fears of contracting the virus .
He said Bus Éireann , in particular , should inform customers as a matter of urgency that they must buy tickets in advance of travelling or use a Leap card .
He said these were health and welfare matters for staff rather than industrial relation @ @

HSE said staff who retired in the past two years may be rehired as part of the crisis management measures. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images
HSE personnel with nursing, medical and social care professional qualifications who are no longer engaged in frontline duties should be identified and re-deployed to assist where their skills are most required, the health authority has said in a new policy for use during the coronavirus outbreak.
In an updated document produced on Friday, the HSE said staff who retired in the past two years may be re-hired as part of the crisis management measures.
“If necessary, employees may be required to work different hours or in a different location. In this regard, redeployment will be based on need and urgency of need,” the HSE said.
“Notice requirements normally associated with alterations to the usual practice of scheduling shift changes, changes to hours of work and/or changes to work locations will be suspended for the duration of Covid-19 infection as redeployment needs will require assessment on a daily basis.”
READ MORE
The HSE also said in the updated policy document that in order to deal with the effects of Covid-19 infection, there may be a requirement for some or all identified non-essential services to be cancelled or postponed.
“Employees in positions that are curtailed or temporarily suspended [non-essential services] will be deemed available to be redeployed to assist in other essential service areas that are experiencing staffing shortages.
“Employees most at risk of contracting Covid-19 in the workplace [eg age 60 years or over, have a long-term medical condition, immune suppressed, pregnant] will be assigned to non-direct contact areas.”
Strikes and disputes
Controversial proposals put forward last week by the HSE to effectively ban strikes and disputes for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak, which were rejected by unions, were dropped from the new version of the policy document.
Earlier proposals allowing the HSE to outsource some services if necessary have been omitted from the new document. However, there is a separate side note governing outsourcing of services.
In this note the HSE said it acknowledged the unions’ position with regard to outsourcing. It said it continued to be committed to the provisions of the current public service agreement (regarding outsourcing) “in normal circumstances”.
However, it said the categorisation of the current outbreak, and the Government announcement regarding the coronavirus outbreak “were now presenting us all with a unique, challenging and unprecedented situation”.
The trade union Siptu said on Friday it would not agree to the HSE document as long as the reference to outsourcing remained in it.
However, the country's largest public service union, Fórsa, on Friday pledged full co-operation with measures for tackling Covid-19 but sought engagement on operational matters.
Transport union
Meanwhile, the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) has said it cannot guarantee that its members will continue operating public transport services in the absence of social distancing recommendations advanced by health experts being implemented in the State-owned bus and train companies.
General secretary Dermot O’Leary also said it would back members who made a conscious decision not to handle cash over fears of contracting the virus.
He said Bus Éireann, in particular, should inform customers as a matter of urgency that they must buy tickets in advance of travelling or use a Leap card.
He said these were health and welfare matters for staff rather than industrial relation issues.


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Coronavirus Ireland: 39 new cases and second death confirmed in the Republic

A total of 129 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ireland , after 39 new cases were announced on Saturday evening , along with a second death in a patient who was infected with coronavirus .
The person who died , a male in the east of the country , had an underlying condition .
Dr Tony Holohan , the chief medical officer , extended his condolences to the family and friends of this person .
The new cases are among 21 males and 10 females .
Some 21 are associated with the east of the country , 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and two in the west .
Dr Holohan , delivered a strong warning about compliance with social distancing measures following anecdotal evidence that activity in pubs and restaurants would suggest recommendations are not being observed .
“ There are a lot of anecdotal reports of busy restaurants and pubs .
It ’ s important to get the message out .
Listen to the message , take personal responsibility… reduce as much as possible social activity.
” He said while playgrounds were closed , in small numbers social experiences and exercise experiences for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should restrcit their activities outside the home to walks , which he encouraged for physical and mental health .
He also emphasised that now is a good time for smokers to reconsider their habit , as some emerging evidence suggests a link between severe symptoms of the disease and smoking .
Dr Holohan told a press conference that the positive rate in testing is increasing , from two per cent to around three per cent , which suggests that while the higher number of cases is being driven by higher levels of testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease circulating .
Dr Ronan Glynn said that amid a huge number of calls to out of hours GP services and emergency numbers , such calls - especially to 999 and 112 - should be restricted to genuine emergencies , and not be made by symptomatic people who wish to be tested .
The Irish College of General Practitioners ( ICGP ) has advised that from Monday GPs wil be able to order the test electronically through their IT system .
It also said the HSE will have enhanced capacity for testing from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said reducing it “ means some of the kinds of activities we traditionally enjoy in pubs and restaurants , ” although he said there are restaurants that have changed arrangements to allow for social distancing .
He said it was particularly important that message be circulated among young adults .
On testing , Dr Cillian De Gascun said in a busy flu season stretching to 32 weeks , around 20,000 tests would be done , or around 600 per week .
Last weekend , the National Virus Reference Laboratory , which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
He said they will be prioritising hospitalised patients for testing as the case definition - which determines who is eligible for testing - expands , and the testing rolls out into new centres beyond the NVRL .
Some of the new cases are healthcare workers , but there was no precise figure disclosed .
It is anticipated that the turnaround times for hospitalised cases will be in the 12-24 hour timeframe .
Those being tested in the community can expect to see results within a 2-4 day timeframe .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will climb from its current level to something closer representing positive tests in suspected cases of normal flu , which can be more than 40 per cent .
“ We expect to see the percentage of positive tests rise well north of where it is now , ” Dr Holohan said .
There is no capacity problem with ventilators in the country at the moment , and there is substantial planning to increase the numbers of staff , beds and ventilators available , the briefing heard .
The medics strongly emphasised that travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People in vulnerable groups , Dr Holohan said , are not compatible with flying .
For those not in a vulnerable group , it ’ s hard to see how you would travel for leisure reasons and maintain the advice being given for social distancing , he said .
“ For the most part , travel , as an exercise , is something you should avoid.
” Asked about UK guidelines that people should self-isolate only for seven days , Dr De Gascun strongly defended Ireland ’ s recommended 14 day timeframe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data gleaned from 72,000 cases in China .
“ The UK has had fewer than 500 cases , and they ’ ve gone with their own guidance , I ’ m not sure what number they ’ re looking at.
” The Department of Health , Dr Holohan said , is working with behavioural science experts and companies to analyse behaviour and compliance with recommendations .
He said that while he was walking to work in the morning , he saw good compliance , but while returning in the evening , he saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked about Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster ’ s comments that once schools in Northern Ireland close , they will remain closed for 16 weeks , he said that there was no decision made on lifting containment measures on March 29th , and that they would constantly be kept under review .
There are currently 142,538 globally confirmed cases , with 61,517 outside China .
In Europe , Italy has the most with 17,660 followed by Spain ( 4,231 ) , France ( 3,640 ) , Germany ( 3,062 ) and @ @ @ @ @

A total of 129 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the Republic, after 39 new cases were announced on Saturday evening, along with a second death in a patient who was infected with coronavirus.
The person who died, a male in the east of the country, had an underlying condition. Dr Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, extended his condolences to the family and friends of this person.
The new cases are among 21 males and 10 females. Some 21 are associated with the east of the country, 13 the south, three in the north-west, and two in the west.
There are 163 cases on the island of Ireland after five new cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Saturday bringing the total number of cases there to 34.
READ MORE
Dr Holohan, delivered a strong warning about compliance with social distancing measures following anecdotal evidence that activity in pubs and restaurants would suggest recommendations are not being observed.
“There are a lot of anecdotal reports of busy restaurants and pubs. It’s important to get the message out. Listen to the message, take personal responsibility… reduce as much as possible social activity.”
He said while playgrounds were closed, in small numbers social experiences and exercise experiences for children may still be appropriate.
People should restrcit their activities outside the home to walks, which he encouraged for physical and mental health. He also emphasised that now is a good time for smokers to reconsider their habit, as some emerging evidence suggests a link between severe symptoms of the disease and smoking.
Higher level of disease
Dr Holohan told a press conference that the positive rate in testing is increasing, from two per cent to around three per cent, which suggests that while the higher number of cases is being driven by higher levels of testing, there are also higher levels of disease circulating.
Dr Ronan Glynn said that amid a huge number of calls to out of hours GP services and emergency numbers, such calls - especially to 999 and 112 - should be restricted to genuine emergencies, and not be made by symptomatic people who wish to be tested.
Testing
The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) has advised that from Monday GPs wil be able to order the test electronically through their IT system. It also said the HSE will have enhanced capacity for testing from Monday.
On discretionary social activity, he said reducing it “means some of the kinds of activities we traditionally enjoy in pubs and restaurants,” although he said there are restaurants that have changed arrangements to allow for social distancing. He said it was particularly important that message be circulated among young adults.
On testing, Dr Cillian De Gascun said in a busy flu season stretching to 32 weeks, around 20,000 tests would be done, or around 600 per week. Last weekend, the National Virus Reference Laboratory, which he heads up, was testing 600 per day.
He said they will be prioritising hospitalised patients for testing as the case definition - which determines who is eligible for testing - expands, and the testing rolls out into new centres beyond the NVRL. Some of the new cases are healthcare workers, but there was no precise figure disclosed.
It is anticipated that the turnaround times for hospitalised cases will be in the 12-24 hour timeframe. Those being tested in the community can expect to see results within a 2-4 day timeframe. It is expected that the positive rate of tests will climb from its current level to something closer representing positive tests in suspected cases of normal flu, which can be more than 40 per cent. “We expect to see the percentage of positive tests rise well north of where it is now,” Dr Holohan said.
Ventilator capacity
There is no capacity problem with ventilators in the country at the moment, and there is substantial planning to increase the numbers of staff, beds and ventilators available, the briefing heard.
The medics strongly emphasised that travel should be kept to a minimum. People in vulnerable groups, Dr Holohan said, are not compatible with flying. For those not in a vulnerable group, it’s hard to see how you would travel for leisure reasons and maintain the advice being given for social distancing, he said. “For the most part, travel, as an exercise, is something you should avoid.”
Asked about UK guidelines that people should self-isolate only for seven days, Dr De Gascun strongly defended Ireland’s recommended 14 day timeframe, which he said was based on WHO data gleaned from 72,000 cases in China. “The UK has had fewer than 500 cases, and they’ve gone with their own guidance, I’m not sure what number they’re looking at.”
The Department of Health, Dr Holohan said, is working with behavioural science experts and companies to analyse behaviour and compliance with recommendations. He said that while he was walking to work in the morning, he saw good compliance, but while returning in the evening, he saw poor compliance in “certain establishments”.
Asked about Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster’s comments that once schools in Northern Ireland close, they will remain closed for 16 weeks, he said that there was no decision made on lifting containment measures on March 29th, and that they would constantly be kept under review.
There are currently 142,538 globally confirmed cases, with 61,517 outside China. In Europe, Italy has the most with 17,660 followed by Spain (4,231), France (3,640), Germany (3,062) and Switzerland (1,125).


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--An Post to allow ‘temporary agents’ to pick up welfare payments

An Post will allow a proxy to pick up social welfare payments on behalf of people who can not venture @ @ @ @ @ .
In the event of a customer not being able to collect their Department of @ @ @ @ @ payments personally at the post office , a nominated person ( temporary agent ) can @ @ @ @ @ payment on their behalf .
When collecting a payment , the temporary agent must produce @ @ @ @ @ as issued by the department as well as their own valid photo ID including current @ @ @ @ @ public service card .
To become a temporary agent , the recipient must complete a @ @ @ @ @ from the post office .
The move was welcomed by Independent Senator Frances Black .
@ @ @ @ @ the coming weeks whilst we encourage the most vulnerable people in our communities to stay @ @ @ @ @ much as possible , An Post have the below form available so a person can @ @ @ @ @ payment on their behalf .
”

To become a temporary agent, the recipient must complete a required form which is available from the post office. File photograph: The Irish Times
An Post will allow a proxy to pick up social welfare payments on behalf of people who cannot venture out because of the coronavirus.
In the event of a customer not being able to collect their Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection payments personally at the post office, a nominated person (temporary agent) can be nominated to collect the payment on their behalf.
When collecting a payment, the temporary agent must produce the recipient’s card as issued by the department as well as their own valid photo ID including current passport, driving licence or public service card.
To become a temporary agent, the recipient must complete a required form which is available from the post office.
READ MORE
The move was welcomed by Independent Senator Frances Black. She said: "Over the coming weeks whilst we encourage the most vulnerable people in our communities to stay home and stay safe as much as possible, An Post have the below form available so a person can nominate someone to collect their payment on their behalf."


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Covid-19: Beaumont Hospital to use kidney association building

Dublin ’ s Beaumont Hospital has taken over a 13-room residential facility used by the Irish Kidney Association on its campus for use as part of Covid-19 contingency planning .
The building was used by kidney transplant patients , dialysis patients and their families during extended stays .
In a letter sent on Friday to the association , the hospital ’ s chief operations officer , Valerie Caffrey , wrote that the facility was being sequestered as part of contingency planning and voluntary staff and service users would not be able to use it until further notice .
An undertaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be handed back in the appropriate condition when possible .
Users of the facility will now be accommodated in the Clayton Hotel , Dublin Airport , said association chief executive Mark Murphy .
Beaumont is home to the National Kidney Transplant Service and has the largest renal treatment facility in the country , catering for 1,027 patients .
Mr Murphy said he believed the facility would “ provide a very suitable asset to Beaumont Hospital in combatting Covid-19 ” .
He said that the association ’ s renal support centre had proven “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospital not only offers convenience to its users but it can alleviate an awful lot of unnecessary use of hospital beds when hotel facilities would suffice ” .
The facility is used by families and patients from all over the country .
He said he was unsure exactly how the Health Service Executive and Beaumont would use the facility , but suggested it could be an effective isolation unit for patients not in need of intensive care , or could become a residential facility for staff who can not go home if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permit it .
The rooms are all en suite .
“ We are exceptionally proud of the benefits to patients that this facility , which has been operating for 20 years , allows us to provide .
We understand that renal patients will be inconvenienced but these are unprecedented times .
Alternative accommodation has been organised for our service users , ” he said .
The association has already postponed its organ donation awareness week , which raises funds that support its work .
It is encouraging the public to Freetext Kidney to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event , Mr Murphy said the association ’ s “ overall priority is to keep our patients and carers safe ” .

The Irish Kidney Association building in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. Users of the facility will now be accommodated in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport. Photograph: Google Street View
Dublin's Beaumont Hospital has taken over a 13-room residential facility used by the Irish Kidney Association on its campus for use as part of Covid-19 contingency planning.
The building was used by kidney transplant patients, dialysis patients and their families during extended stays.
In a letter sent on Friday to the association, the hospital’s chief operations officer, Valerie Caffrey, wrote that the facility was being sequestered as part of contingency planning and voluntary staff and service users would not be able to use it until further notice. An undertaking has been given that the facility will be handed back in the appropriate condition when possible.
Users of the facility will now be accommodated in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport, said association chief executive Mark Murphy. Beaumont is home to the National Kidney Transplant Service and has the largest renal treatment facility in the country, catering for 1,027 patients.
READ MORE
Mr Murphy said he believed the facility would “provide a very suitable asset to Beaumont Hospital in combatting Covid-19”. He said that the association’s renal support centre had proven “how hotel-like accommodation on the campus of a hospital not only offers convenience to its users but it can alleviate an awful lot of unnecessary use of hospital beds when hotel facilities would suffice”.
Isolation unit
The facility is used by families and patients from all over the country. He said he was unsure exactly how the Health Service Executive and Beaumont would use the facility, but suggested it could be an effective isolation unit for patients not in need of intensive care, or could become a residential facility for staff who cannot go home if workloads or infection control protocols do not permit it. The rooms are all en suite.
“We are exceptionally proud of the benefits to patients that this facility, which has been operating for 20 years, allows us to provide. We understand that renal patients will be inconvenienced but these are unprecedented times. Alternative accommodation has been organised for our service users,” he said.
The association has already postponed its organ donation awareness week, which raises funds that support its work. It is encouraging the public to Freetext Kidney to 50300 to donate €4. When cancelling the event, Mr Murphy said the association’s “overall priority is to keep our patients and carers safe”.


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Wexford Bus cuts capacity ‘to assist with social distancing’

Regional bus company Wexford Bus will reduce capacity by half in order to allow enough space between passengers and minimise the risk of transferring coronavirus on a service .
On Saturday afternoon the company said it was introducing a two-seat per passenger policy on all coaches “ to assist with social distancing ” .
“ Wexford Bus is closely following the public health advice issue by the authorities in relation to the coronavirus .
The company is taking all necessary precautions and made a decision to reduce capacity by 50 per cent on all coaches from Sunday March 15th ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce cash use and handling by booking in advance online , using Leap Cards or free-travel passes .
The firm carried in excess of one million passengers in 2019 and has a fleet of 45 buses and coaches , connecting Wexford with Dublin and other parts of the country .
“ We are conscious that we have an obligation to get people to work safely during this time .
Keeping our staff and customers healthy and safe whilst doing our best to minimise the risk to all is our top priority , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Brittany ferries announced changes to schedules in response to the virus crisis .
These include restricting traffic on some routes to freight only .
These include the Rosslare to Bilbao service and will apply until at least April 9th .
Dublin coach company JJ Kavanagh & Sons has also indicated a suspension of services countrywide from Monday .
The carrier said the “ safety of its customers and staff is our main priority .
.
.
and we will suspend the operations of all services ” .
This is with the exception @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 617 , 363 and 367 routes .
Meanwhile , Earlier this week , the National Bus and Rail Union said it can not guarantee its members will continue operating public transport services in the absence of social distancing recommendations advanced by health experts being implemented in the State-owned bus and train companies , similar to those now being instituted on Wexford Bus routes .

Wexford Bus said it is following public health advice issue by the authorities.
Regional bus company Wexford Bus will reduce capacity by half in order to allow enough space between passengers and minimise the risk of transferring coronavirus on a service.
On Saturday afternoon the company said it was introducing a two-seat per passenger policy on all coaches “to assist with social distancing”.
“Wexford Bus is closely following the public health advice issue by the authorities in relation to the coronavirus. The company is taking all necessary precautions and made a decision to reduce capacity by 50 per cent on all coaches from Sunday March 15th”
Wexford Bus is also asking customers to reduce cash use and handling by booking in advance online, using Leap Cards or free-travel passes. The firm carried in excess of one million passengers in 2019 and has a fleet of 45 buses and coaches, connecting Wexford with Dublin and other parts of the country.
READ MORE
“We are conscious that we have an obligation to get people to work safely during this time. Keeping our staff and customers healthy and safe whilst doing our best to minimise the risk to all is our top priority,” said managing director Brendan Crowley.
Dublin coach company acts
Elsewhere, Brittany ferries announced changes to schedules in response to the virus crisis. These include restricting traffic on some routes to freight only. These include the Rosslare to Bilbao service and will apply until at least April 9th.
Dublin coach company JJ Kavanagh & Sons has also indicated a suspension of services countrywide from Monday. The carrier said the “safety of its customers and staff is our main priority . . . and we will suspend the operations of all services”. This is with the exception of its 139, 183, 607, 617, 363 and 367 routes.
Meanwhile, Earlier this week, the National Bus and Rail Union said it cannot guarantee its members will continue operating public transport services in the absence of social distancing recommendations advanced by health experts being implemented in the State-owned bus and train companies, similar to those now being instituted on Wexford Bus routes.


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--North will continue to diverge from Republic on tackling Covid-19

Northern Ireland for the moment will continue to diverge from the Republic on how to address the coronavirus emergency , it became clear after Ministers from the North and South met in Armagh on Saturday .
While Taoiseach Leo Varadkar , who also attended the meeting , said coronavirus “ did not recognise borders ” DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill held to opposing views on whether schools , universities and childcare facilities should be closed in Northern Ireland , as happened in the South .
Mr Varadkar said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tackling the crisis North and South .
“ But the differences that exist are mostly around timing , ” he added .
“ What there isn ’ t any difference about is our common objective , which is to slow down this virus in its tracks and push it back as much as possible and limit the harm to human health and human life.
” On Saturday evening the North ’ s Department of Health reported five new positive tests for coronavirus bringing the number in Northern Ireland to 34 .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be breaking down politically along Orange and Green lines Ms Foster spoke about taking a “ phased and proportionate ” response to Covid-19 .
In the North Sinn Féin and the SDLP have called for school closures , as has Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin , while the DUP and the Ulster Unionist Party argue it is not yet the time for such action .
After the meeting of North-South Ministers in Armagh Ms Foster said she would continue to take the advice of the North ’ s chief medical officer Dr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the South , Dr Tony Holohan , has counselled against the immediate closure of schools and colleges .
Ms Foster also referred to how the British chief scientific officer said that politicians “ must take the right decision at the right time to ensure that we have the right impact ” .
She added that “ calm and mature leadership ” was required at this “ challenging time ” .
She made clear however that in due course , without mentioning a date , that schools and colleges would close .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is the right thing to do in terms of what is happening in Northern Ireland , ” she said , while adding that there was “ great co-operation ” between the North and South .
“ There isn ’ t a difference .
It is about the timing of when the interventions take place , ” she said .
Ms Foster indicated when it did happen schools would be closed through to September at least .
“ At some stage in the future , when we are advised on the medical evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , ” she added .
“ Children will be at home for quite a considerable period of time , given that when we do close the schools they will be closed for at least 16 weeks .
Then of course you are into the summer period , so they will be off school for a very long time.
” Ms O ’ Neill , however , called for immediate action in line with the South .
“ All parties accept the fact that schools will close , it is a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should close now .
I think we need to be consistent across this island , ” she said .
“ Disease knows no border .
We have to work on all-island collective basis in what is an emerging crisis , in what is a rapidly changing situation , ” added Ms O ’ Neill .
Referring to Border schools she said : “ I think the fact that you can have two schools a mile apart and one school ’ s open and one school ’ s closed that ’ s a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the public.
” On Thursday Ms O ’ Neill seemed happy to acquiesce with the general British government decision to keep schools and colleges open , saying that Ministers were being guided by the science , although , she added , it was a decision that would be kept under review .
On Friday however Ms O ’ Neill said schools and universities should close in line with measures announced in the Republic of Ireland on Thursday .
Asked why she changed her mind overnight , Ms O ’ Neill replied that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed the need to keep the matter under review .
“ Things changed .
.
.
overnight , ” she said .
Ms O ’ Neill added that the Northern Executive would meet on Monday to consider its continuing response to coronavirus .
On Thursday Ms Foster said it was “ disappointing ” that Mr Varadkar had not notified the Executive in advance of his statement about closing schools and taking other actions to address Covid-19 .
Mr Varadkar , indicating that no such slight was intended , said the Government had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it forward “ almost overnight ” by making the announcement in Washington .
He had concerns that word of the plan might emerge through social media if he had not made his Washington statement .
“ We gave as many people a heads-up as we could , including authorities here in Northern Ireland , ” he said .
The meeting also was attended by the Tánaiste Simon Coveney , health Ministers Robin Swann and Simon Harris and respective chief medical officers Michael McBride and Tony Holohan .
All the politicians present gave assurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

At the North-South ministerial meeting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar emphasised the need to ‘limit the harm to human health and human life’ from the virus. Photograph: PA
Northern Ireland for the moment will continue to diverge from the Republic on how to address the coronavirus emergency, it became clear after Ministers from the North and South met in Armagh on Saturday.
While Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who also attended the meeting, said coronavirus “did not recognise borders” DUP First Minister Arlene Foster and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill held to opposing views on whether schools, universities and childcare facilities should be closed in Northern Ireland, as happened in the South.
Mr Varadkar said it was inevitable there would be differences in approach to tackling the crisis North and South. “But the differences that exist are mostly around timing,” he added. “What there isn’t any difference about is our common objective, which is to slow down this virus in its tracks and push it back as much as possible and limit the harm to human health and human life.”
On Saturday evening the North’s Department of Health reported five new positive tests for coronavirus bringing the number in Northern Ireland to 34.
READ MORE
And as the response in the North appeared to be breaking down politically along Orange and Green lines Ms Foster spoke about taking a “phased and proportionate” response to Covid-19.
In the North Sinn Féin and the SDLP have called for school closures, as has Catholic primate Archbishop Eamon Martin, while the DUP and the Ulster Unionist Party argue it is not yet the time for such action.
After the meeting of North-South Ministers in Armagh Ms Foster said she would continue to take the advice of the North’s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride, who unlike his counterpart in the South, Dr Tony Holohan, has counselled against the immediate closure of schools and colleges.
‘Mature leadership’
Ms Foster also referred to how the British chief scientific officer said that politicians “must take the right decision at the right time to ensure that we have the right impact”. She added that “calm and mature leadership” was required at this “challenging time”.
She made clear however that in due course, without mentioning a date, that schools and colleges would close. “We will be taking that action when it is the right thing to do in terms of what is happening in Northern Ireland,” she said, while adding that there was “great co-operation” between the North and South.
“There isn’t a difference. It is about the timing of when the interventions take place,” she said.
Ms Foster indicated when it did happen schools would be closed through to September at least. “At some stage in the future, when we are advised on the medical evidence, they will have to close the schools,” she added.
“Children will be at home for quite a considerable period of time, given that when we do close the schools they will be closed for at least 16 weeks. Then of course you are into the summer period, so they will be off school for a very long time.”
Ms O’Neill, however, called for immediate action in line with the South. “All parties accept the fact that schools will close, it is a matter of when. In my opinion the schools should close now. I think we need to be consistent across this island,” she said.
“Disease knows no border. We have to work on all-island collective basis in what is an emerging crisis, in what is a rapidly changing situation,” added Ms O’Neill.
Referring to Border schools she said: “I think the fact that you can have two schools a mile apart and one school’s open and one school’s closed that’s a very confusing picture and a very confusing message for the public.”
On Thursday Ms O’Neill seemed happy to acquiesce with the general British government decision to keep schools and colleges open, saying that Ministers were being guided by the science, although, she added, it was a decision that would be kept under review.
Sinn Féin reaction
On Friday however Ms O’Neill said schools and universities should close in line with measures announced in the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
Asked why she changed her mind overnight, Ms O’Neill replied that in making her statement on Thursday she stressed the need to keep the matter under review. “Things changed . . . overnight,” she said.
Ms O’Neill added that the Northern Executive would meet on Monday to consider its continuing response to coronavirus.
On Thursday Ms Foster said it was “disappointing” that Mr Varadkar had not notified the Executive in advance of his statement about closing schools and taking other actions to address Covid-19.
Mr Varadkar, indicating that no such slight was intended, said the Government had a plan in place but had to bring it forward “almost overnight” by making the announcement in Washington. He had concerns that word of the plan might emerge through social media if he had not made his Washington statement.
“We gave as many people a heads-up as we could, including authorities here in Northern Ireland,” he said.
The meeting also was attended by the Tánaiste Simon Coveney, health Ministers Robin Swann and Simon Harris and respective chief medical officers Michael McBride and Tony Holohan.
All the politicians present gave assurance of great co-operation between Dublin and Belfast.


theirishtimes--2020-03-14--Man in his 40s killed after road traffic collision in Co Louth

A man in his 40s has been killed after being struck by a lorry as he attended to a vehicle @ @ @ @ @ occurred on the M1 southbound in Co Louth between Ardee and Castlebellingham shortly after midday @ @ @ @ @ was pronounced dead at the scene and while no other injuries were reported , the @ @ @ @ @ to hospital as a precaution .
The scene is preserved and a forensic team has @ @ @ @ @ While the road is now closed local diversions are in place .
Gardaí in Ardee @ @ @ @ @ to this incident to come forward and for any road users who may have camera @ @ @ @ @ and were travelling in the area at the time to make this footage available .
@ @ @ @ @ to contact Ardee Garda station on 041-6853222 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 , @ @ @ @ @

Scene of the collision after which gardaí in Ardee appealed for witnesses to come forward. Photograph: Ciara Wilkinson/The Irish Times
A man in his 40s has been killed after being struck by a lorry as he attended to a vehicle.
The fatal road-traffic collision occurred on the M1 southbound in Co Louth between Ardee and Castlebellingham shortly after midday at 12.15pm.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene and while no other injuries were reported, the male lorry driver was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The scene is preserved and a forensic team has been requested to attend. While the road is now closed local diversions are in place.
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Gardaí in Ardee are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward and for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time to make this footage available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ardee Garda station on 041-6853222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any Garda station.