theirishtimes--2020-03-21--Coronavirus: Cases in Republic rise to 785 as Government response criticised

The number of confirmed coronavirus patients in the Republic has risen to 785 after 102 newly discovered cases were confirmed on Saturday evening .
This means the cases in Ireland have more than doubled in the last three days and comes at a time when the Government ’ s response to the crisis is coming under criticism from the opposition .
The Government was scrambling this weekend to amend its €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment scheme which Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has admitted is likely to be insufficient for many people .
More than 140,000 people have lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of restrictions introduced to curb the virus .
DCU economics lecturer Tony Foley said on Saturday the final job loss total will exceed the 300,000 lost during the economic crash around the banking crisis .
Main events in the coronavirus crisis on Saturday • Live Blog : All the main events as they happened While the existing restrictions have caused huge economic upheaval nationally , and at a time when the global economy is undergoing similar upheaval , the HSE ’ s chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry repeated on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for additional measures , if those in place were property adhered to .
He said 10,000 people have now been tested in the Republic and there are now 32 test centres operational , meaning that the waiting times for testing and receiving results should fall .
Mr Donohoe said on Friday night that he accepted that for many people the €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment is not enough “ and we need to consider that , but we need to do something really quickly for those at risk of losing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government has announced changes to its existing financial support arrangements , which would allow employers to top up the Covid-19 unemployment payment offered by the State .
Sources said Ministers were now looking at a broader scheme similar to measures being introduced elsewhere in Europe and the UK , where the government has committed to pay 80 per cent of wages , up to £2,500 ( €2,700 ) per month , for people out of work as a result of the pandemic .
While acknowledging the concerns around the €203 payment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be highly responsive .
None of us could have imagined something like this could have happened as quickly as it did . ''
Mr Donohoe ’ s Cabinet colleague and Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty on Saturday also accepted the Government ’ s €203 Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment was insufficient for those who have lost incomes due to the crisis .
Speaking to RTÉ radio , Ms Doherty said the payment was an emergency aid and said the Government recognises something different is now required .
She said her department was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend and said she hoped Mr Donohoe would be in a position to announce the details in the coming days .
Trade unions are calling for up to 75 per cent of an employee ’ s wages to be covered by the Government with the remainder covered by employers .
Fianna Fail has criticised the Government ’ s overall response to the pandemic and in particular the emergency payment , saying it does not come close to meeting the needs of people who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael McGrath said the Government must focus on designing a scheme that enables people to receive as much of their income as possible for this temporary period .
Mr McGrath - whose party is involved with government formation talks with Fine Gael - also criticised the Government ’ s overall response to the crisis , describing it as “ piecemeal , underwhelming and poorly executed ” .
He said it was not tenable to expect those who have lost their job to survive on €203 per week “ while waiting weeks for even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Meanwhile , the Minister for Health has said pubs that remain open in defiance of the Government ’ s advice to close for at least two weeks during the coronavirus pandemic will be shut down under new emergency powers signed into law on Friday .
Simon Harris said he has heard rumours of pubs not following the public health advice and he had seen video clips on social media of pubs “ beginning to open in various fashion.
” “ We will shut you down if you are a pub that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the people of this country , you are also letting down your fellow publicans who are helping out and complying at great difficulty to them and their staff at a very challenging time , ” he said on Saturday .

A member of the National Ambulance Service with members of the defence forces on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin. Defence forces tents have been set up as a testing centre for Covid-19. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The number of confirmed coronavirus patients in the Republic has risen to 785 after 102 newly discovered cases were confirmed on Saturday evening.
This means the cases in Ireland have more than doubled in the last three days and comes at a time when the Government's response to the crisis is coming under criticism from the opposition.
The Government was scrambling this weekend to amend its €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment scheme which Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has admitted is likely to be insufficient for many people.
More than 140,000 people have lost their jobs in the State so far as a result of restrictions introduced to curb the virus. DCU economics lecturer Tony Foley said on Saturday the final job loss total will exceed the 300,000 lost during the economic crash around the banking crisis.
READ MORE
Main events in the coronavirus crisis on Saturday
While the existing restrictions have caused huge economic upheaval nationally, and at a time when the global economy is undergoing similar upheaval, the HSE’s chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry repeated on Saturday that there was as yet no need for additional measures, if those in place were property adhered to.
He said 10,000 people have now been tested in the Republic and there are now 32 test centres operational, meaning that the waiting times for testing and receiving results should fall.
Mr Donohoe said on Friday night that he accepted that for many people the €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment is not enough “and we need to consider that, but we need to do something really quickly for those at risk of losing their jobs”.
Proposal
In the interim, the Government has announced changes to its existing financial support arrangements, which would allow employers to top up the Covid-19 unemployment payment offered by the State.
Sources said Ministers were now looking at a broader scheme similar to measures being introduced elsewhere in Europe and the UK, where the government has committed to pay 80 per cent of wages, up to £2,500 (€2,700) per month, for people out of work as a result of the pandemic.
While acknowledging the concerns around the €203 payment, Mr Donohoe said: “We have to be highly responsive. None of us could have imagined something like this could have happened as quickly as it did."
Mr Donohoe's Cabinet colleague and Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty on Saturday also accepted the Government's €203 Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment was insufficient for those who have lost incomes due to the crisis.
Different approach
Speaking to RTÉ radio, Ms Doherty said the payment was an emergency aid and said the Government recognises something different is now required.
She said her department was working on a new approach over the weekend and said she hoped Mr Donohoe would be in a position to announce the details in the coming days.
Trade unions are calling for up to 75 per cent of an employee’s wages to be covered by the Government with the remainder covered by employers.
Fianna Fail has criticised the Government’s overall response to the pandemic and in particular the emergency payment, saying it does not come close to meeting the needs of people who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic.
The party’s finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said the Government must focus on designing a scheme that enables people to receive as much of their income as possible for this temporary period.
Mr McGrath - whose party is involved with government formation talks with Fine Gael - also criticised the Government’s overall response to the crisis, describing it as “piecemeal, underwhelming and poorly executed”.
He said it was not tenable to expect those who have lost their job to survive on €203 per week “while waiting weeks for even basic child dependant or adult dependant top-ups”.
Members of the Naval service outside the 3Arena in Dublin on Friday. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Pubs will be shut
Meanwhile, the Minister for Health has said pubs that remain open in defiance of the Government’s advice to close for at least two weeks during the coronavirus pandemic will be shut down under new emergency powers signed into law on Friday.
Simon Harris said he has heard rumours of pubs not following the public health advice and he had seen video clips on social media of pubs “beginning to open in various fashion.”
“We will shut you down if you are a pub that is remaining open, you are letting down the people of this country, you are also letting down your fellow publicans who are helping out and complying at great difficulty to them and their staff at a very challenging time,” he said on Saturday.


theirishtimes--2020-03-21--Coronavirus – the science: Will Covid-19 die this summer?

This is part of a series of regular updates from Irish Times Environment and Science Editor Kevin O ’ Sullivan who is examaining scientific initiatives and developments on coronavirus .
Part one can be found here The horrible aspect of the Covid-19 pandemic is nobody knows when it will it end .
It begs difficult questions : Will it return like seasonal flu ?
Will it be killed off by summer conditions ?
Empty , mocked-up shells of SARS-CoV-2 ( the medical term for the virus ) , may help explain how well the virus stands up to heat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physicists at the University of Utah .
They want to understand how it reacts as seasons change , notably whether summer will do anything to slow spread .
“ Coronavirus spreads similarly to the influenza virus , as small mucus droplets suspended in the air .
Viruses lose infectivity because the particles lose structural integrity , ” explained University of Utah physicist Saveez Saffarian .
“ The physics of how the droplets evolve in different temperature and humidity conditions affect how infectious it is.
” Scientists are evaluating how the virus ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Viruses are not able to do anything on their own , as they are simply shells with genetic instructions tucked inside ; when a virus invades a host ’ s cells , it uses that cell ’ s machinery to replicate itself , over and over again .
The researchers are working with dummy versions of the virus ’ s protective outer shell .
Using the sequenced genetic make-up of Covid-19 , they are building synthetic versions of these shells with no viral genomes inside , which are uninfectious .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus packaging that holds everything together , ” his colleague Michael Vershinin said .
“ The idea is to figure out what makes this virus fall apart , what makes it tick , what makes it die.
” They hope to find out how well the virus will transmit in different conditions , from outdoors in summer heat to indoors in air-conditioned offices .
This could influence how long social distancing and lockdown policies will need to be in place .
The daily posting from # CovidWatch , courtesy of Prof Liam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Callghan remains the best summary of Irish trends , complete with pithy public health advice .
For Friday it reads : “ Cases are increasing ( in part due to more testing ) but now more than ever we have to cocoon our elderly and stay in our family units .
# Lockdown may be needed sooner than later.
” The case for lockdown is getting more support throughout the scientific community , on the basis that after several weeks of it , authorities can identify infected people through contact tracing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further infections .
“ After a few weeks of lockdown almost all infectious people are identified and their contacts are isolated prior to symptoms and can not infect others , ” according to US physicist Dr Yaneer Bar-Yam , expert in the social challenges associated with pandemics .
“ If someone develops symptoms , the people with them can be isolated .
So including these cases and a few random ones , it takes four to five weeks to stop the outbreak .
China and South Korea showed this actually works , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific indicator of the wrecking ball that ’ s going to hit was the results of modelling by a team at Imperial College London .
It predicted a massive overload of hospitals and many deaths ; 250,000 in the UK , 2.2 million in the US .
It was so shocking the research was distributed widely before publication in a scientific journal , and sent to the White House over the weekend .
It prompted many countries to scale-up their restrictions .
Some scientists have since challenged some of its conclusions , notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will need to be in place for many months , perhaps until a vaccine becomes available ” .
They contend this is wrong – including a finding that resurgent outbreaks are likely – as it did not factor in the benefits of lockdown and contact tracing sufficiently .
There is , however , no dissenting voice on its essential conclusion , the need to scale up restrictions rapidly and move to lockdown .
One of the UK government ’ s top coronavirus experts Prof Neil Ferguson was centrally involved .
He had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing coronavirus symptoms and revealed he was probably infectious when he attended a Downing Street press conference on Tuesday – yet another indication of Covid-19 ’ s infectivity He tweeted : “ Sigh .
Developed a slight dry but persistent cough yesterday and self-isolated even though I felt fine .
Then developed high fever at 4am today .
There is a lot of Covid-19 in Westminster.
” - China reports no domestic cases for the second day in a row after a two-month lockdown .
- ” If a country does a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ , then within 6-10 weeks they should see very few cases and be able to open back up.
” The prediction of billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates .
He knows something about pandemics having warned repeatedly one was overdue in the form a flu or novel cornonaravirus – lots of social isolation and lockdown needed in meantime .
- Medical authorities in China indicate the Japanese drug favipiravir used to treat flu ( developed by a Fujifilm subsidiary ) , “ has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in @ @ @ @ @

A graphic representation of novel coronavirus created by Irish scientist Eoin Winston of Nexu and Jason McLellan from the University of Texas. It includes a realistic representation of its distinctive spike protein which may be key to developing a vaccine.
[ found here ]
‘When will it end?’
The horrible aspect of the Covid-19 pandemic is nobody knows when it will it end. It begs difficult questions: Will it return like seasonal flu? Will it be killed off by summer conditions?
Empty, mocked-up shells of SARS-CoV-2 (the medical term for the virus), may help explain how well the virus stands up to heat, humidity and other environmental changes, say physicists at the University of Utah.
They want to understand how it reacts as seasons change, notably whether summer will do anything to slow spread.
"Coronavirus spreads similarly to the influenza virus, as small mucus droplets suspended in the air. Viruses lose infectivity because the particles lose structural integrity," explained University of Utah physicist Saveez Saffarian.
READ MORE
“The physics of how the droplets evolve in different temperature and humidity conditions affect how infectious it is.”
Scientists are evaluating how the virus’s protective outer shell responds under different conditions. Viruses are not able to do anything on their own, as they are simply shells with genetic instructions tucked inside; when a virus invades a host’s cells, it uses that cell’s machinery to replicate itself, over and over again.
The researchers are working with dummy versions of the virus's protective outer shell. Using the sequenced genetic make-up of Covid-19, they are building synthetic versions of these shells with no viral genomes inside, which are uninfectious. "We're making a faithful replica of the virus packaging that holds everything together," his colleague Michael Vershinin said. "The idea is to figure out what makes this virus fall apart, what makes it tick, what makes it die."
They hope to find out how well the virus will transmit in different conditions, from outdoors in summer heat to indoors in air-conditioned offices. This could influence how long social distancing and lockdown policies will need to be in place.
CovidWatch latest
The daily posting from #CovidWatch, courtesy of Prof Liam Glynn of UL and Dr Mike O'Callghan remains the best summary of Irish trends, complete with pithy public health advice.
For Friday it reads: “Cases are increasing (in part due to more testing) but now more than ever we have to cocoon our elderly and stay in our family units. #Lockdown may be needed sooner than later.”
The case for lockdown is getting more support throughout the scientific community, on the basis that after several weeks of it, authorities can identify infected people through contact tracing and isolate them and their contacts to prevent further infections.
“After a few weeks of lockdown almost all infectious people are identified and their contacts are isolated prior to symptoms and cannot infect others,” according to US physicist Dr Yaneer Bar-Yam, expert in the social challenges associated with pandemics.
"If someone develops symptoms, the people with them can be isolated. So including these cases and a few random ones, it takes four to five weeks to stop the outbreak. China and South Korea showed this actually works," he declared.
The most chilling prediction
The single most stark scientific indicator of the wrecking ball that's going to hit was the results of modelling by a team at Imperial College London.
It predicted a massive overload of hospitals and many deaths; 250,000 in the UK, 2.2 million in the US. It was so shocking the research was distributed widely before publication in a scientific journal, and sent to the White House over the weekend.
It prompted many countries to scale-up their restrictions. Some scientists have since challenged some of its conclusions, notably the finding “large scale social distancing will need to be in place for many months, perhaps until a vaccine becomes available”.
They contend this is wrong – including a finding that resurgent outbreaks are likely – as it did not factor in the benefits of lockdown and contact tracing sufficiently. There is, however, no dissenting voice on its essential conclusion, the need to scale up restrictions rapidly and move to lockdown.
One of the UK government's top coronavirus experts Prof Neil Ferguson was centrally involved. He had to self-isolate in his central London flat after developing coronavirus symptoms and revealed he was probably infectious when he attended a Downing Street press conference on Tuesday – yet another indication of Covid-19's infectivity
He tweeted: “Sigh. Developed a slight dry but persistent cough yesterday and self-isolated even though I felt fine. Then developed high fever at 4am today. There is a lot of Covid-19 in Westminster.”
Grounds for optimism
- China reports no domestic cases for the second day in a row after a two-month lockdown.
- "If a country does a good job with testing and 'shut down', then within 6-10 weeks they should see very few cases and be able to open back up." The prediction of billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates. He knows something about pandemics having warned repeatedly one was overdue in the form a flu or novel coronavirus – lots of social isolation and lockdown needed in meantime.
- Medical authorities in China indicate the Japanese drug favipiravir used to treat flu (developed by a Fujifilm subsidiary), "has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment" for coronavirus.
[ @KOSullivanIT ]


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Coronavirus in Ireland: HSE says 40,000 people are waiting for a test

About 40,000 people are currently waiting to be tested for the coronavirus in Ireland , the HSE said during a briefing on Sunday morning .
HSE national director for operations Anne O ’ Connor said the waiting period for a test was now 4 to 5 days and said it has accelerated the provision of testing sites .
It said it and was looking to reduce the waiting period for a test in the coming days .
The HSE said it has 32 test centres around the country and is working towards having 50 in place .
It also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Irish hospital system to deal with an anticipated surge in patients requiring hospital care during the coronavirus pandemic .
The executive said the number of people involved in contact tracing was now around 1,400 , compared to 40 , at the start of the crisis .
The HSE said it was “ doubling the bed capacity we currently have in our hospital system , [ BY ADDING ] another 10,000 beds .
These will include isolation , less acute need and high acute needs , those who are in need of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of coronavirus in the Republic and the virus has claimed three lives here .
The Department of Health said 102 new cases were reported on Saturday .
Cases in Ireland have more than doubled in the last three days and comes at a time when the Government ’ s response to the crisis is coming under criticism from the opposition .
The HSE also said the number of intensive care unit beds - including beds in private hospitals - would rise to 500 .
The HSE is also in the process of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are less acutely sick can be cared for without visiting a hospital .
About 40,000 people are currently waiting to be tested for the coronavirus in Ireland , the HSE has said .
In terms of the procurement of medical equipment to combat the pandemic , the HSE said it had secured an additional ventilators - required by those suffering breathing difficulties as a result of Covid-19 - and said a further 1,000 will be delivered over the coming weeks .
The executive is anticipating the delivery of a large consignment of personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks , a million goggles , 400,000 gowns and suits .
The Government was scrambling this weekend to amend its €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment scheme which Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has admitted is likely to be insufficient for many people .
More than 140,000 people have lost their jobs in the State so far as a result of restrictions introduced to curb the virus .
DCU economics lecturer Tony Foley said on Saturday the final job loss total will exceed the 300,000 lost during the economic crash around the banking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused huge economic upheaval nationally , and at a time when the global economy is undergoing similar upheaval , the HSE ’ s chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry repeated on Saturday that there was as yet no need for additional measures , if those in place were property adhered to .
He said 10,000 people have now been tested in the Republic and there are now 32 test centres operational , meaning that the waiting times for testing and receiving results should fall .
Mr Donohoe has accepted that for many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not enough “ and we need to consider that , but we need to do something really quickly for those at risk of losing their jobs ” .
In the interim , the Government has announced changes to its existing financial support arrangements , which would allow employers to top up the Covid-19 unemployment payment offered by the State .
Sources said Ministers were now looking at a broader scheme similar to measures being introduced elsewhere in Europe and the UK , where the government has committed to pay 80 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €2,700 ) per month , for people out of work as a result of the pandemic .
While acknowledging the concerns around the €203 payment , Mr Donohoe said : “ We have to be highly responsive .
None of us could have imagined something like this could have happened as quickly as it did.
” Mr Donohoe ’ s Cabinet colleague and Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty on Saturday also accepted the Government ’ s €203 Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment was insufficient for those who have lost incomes due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Doherty said the payment was an emergency aid and said the Government recognises something different is now required .
She said her department was working on a new approach over the weekend and said she hoped Mr Donohoe would be in a position to announce the details in the coming days .
Fianna Fail has criticised the Government ’ s overall response to the pandemic and in particular the emergency payment , saying it does not come close to meeting the needs of people who have lost their jobs as a result @ @ @ @

There are now about 40,000 people in Ireland waiting for a test for the coronavirus, the HSE said at a briefing on Sunday.
A fourth person has died from Covid-19 and 121 new cases have been confirmed, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
The patient who died, a male in the east of the country, had an underlying health condition, the HPSC said on Sunday evening.
Chief medical officer at the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan extended his sympathies to the family and friends of the patient who died on Sunday.
With the additional 121 cases reported on Sunday, there are now a total of 906 confirmed cases of the disease in the Republic.
READ MORE
A second patient death from Covid-19 in Northern Ireland was confirmed on Sunday.
Main events in the coronavirus crisis on Sunday
The National Public Health Emergency team released a breakdown of data for the first 712 cases, as of Friday midnight. The average age of patients in the Republic was 44 and 30 per cent (211 cases) had been hospitalised. Seventeen needed admission to intensive care.
Dr Holohan said the cases confirmed on Sunday were most likely exposed to Covid-19 prior to the introduction of the public health measures implemented on Friday, March 13th which saw schools, colleges and crèches closed and many work places request their staff to work from home
“It is vital that everyone complies with the public health advice on hand and cough hygiene, working from home where possible and practising social distancing of 2 metres,” he said, on a day when there was evidence of many people visiting seaside towns or the mountains for a day out.
Minister for Health Simon Harris said people gathering in public areas was not adhering to social distancing.
Warnings over social distancing were repeated on Sunday after many people visited beaches, seaside towns and the mountains for a day out. Above, walkers on Dollymount beach in Dublin. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
He said the National Health Emergency Team will examine in the coming days whether new restrictions are needed. He also thanked retailers and councils who had voluntarily closed their outlets and public attractions. On Sunday night McDonalds said it would close all its restaurants in Ireland and the UK on Monday evening.
Testing
There are also now about 40,000 people in Ireland waiting for a test for coronavirus, the HSE said on Sunday.
The HSE’s chief operations officer Anne O’Connor said patients were waiting on average between four and five days for results.
She said the HSE had accelerated the provision of testing sites and was looking to reduce the waiting period in the coming days.
There are 35 testing sites operating in Ireland and by Tuesday this would increase to 41, the HSE said.
Financial package
It was also confirmed on Sunday that the Government is worked on a revised financial support package for employees and businesses worst hit by the pandemic.
An estimated 140,000 people have lost their jobs with fears that up to 400,000 could be out of work shortly, due to the impact of the crisis.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said the Government will introduce a significant financial package next week for those who have lost their jobs due to coronavirus-related disruption and for others at risk of becoming unemployed.
The Government had previously set aside €3 billion in emergency funding to deal with the fallout from the pandemic but now accepts this is insufficient.
A core part of the Government’s response was the €203 weekly payment for employees and self-employed people who have lost their jobs or had hours cut.
More than 58,000 people had applied for the payment three days after its introduction following the closure of schools, childcare facilities and pubs.
However, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has said the €203 per week pandemic unemployment payment is not enough for many people "and we need to consider that, but we need to do something really quickly for those at risk of losing their jobs".
The level of this payment has also been criticised by the Opposition.
Liz Connor and her daughters Ellen (8) and Grace (6) wear protective facemasks as they go for a walk on Mother’s Day in Dublin. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Repatriation
Separately, the Government has announced a flight to bring home more than 100 Irish people stranded in Peru.
Mr Coveney said an agreement has been reached between British Airways and Aer Lingus to charter a flight.
“Between British Airways and Aer Lingus, we now have an agreement to charter a BA plane, to send it to Lima,” he told RTÉ’s This Week.
He also said any decision to further tighten restrictions on the movement of people to deal with the coronavirus crisis will be taken on foot of medical advice and not political pressure.
A member of the National Ambulance Service on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin where defence forces tents have been set up alongside the LE Samuel Beckett ahead of it becoming operational as a testing centre for Covid-19. Photograph: PA
Equipment
After doctors raised concerns about a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for use when dealing with patients with Covid-19, HSE chief executive Paul Reid said the health service had “a good stock overall”.
He said the HSE has been working in a difficult market and had recently placed an order for more than €200 million worth of equipment from China.
He said this equipment would include 11 million masks, one million goggles, 400,000 gowns and suits.
Supplies of the new equipment would be air freighted to Ireland, the HSE chief said.
Mr Reid also said he expected to see the emergence of significant clusters of cases of coronavirus.
He also said procurement of ventilators was continuing. “We’ve already secured 300 and a further 1,000 will be delivered over the coming weeks.
Mr Reid said the HSE was working with the private hospital sector now had a capacity for about 500 intensive care beds.
Mr Reid said the pandemic would place the Irish health service under stress “like we’ve never known before”’ over the coming weeks.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: ‘There is literally no way out,’ says Irish man stranded in Peru

When Peru announced its national coronavirus lockdown on March 16th Galway native Gearóid McKendrick ( 28 ) was up Machu Picchu without a phone signal and so oblivious to the sudden end of his holiday .
“ It was not until we woke up in the hostel the next morning that we heard the lockdown had been announced and we had until midnight to get out of the country , ” says the IT worker who has been backpacking around South America since December .
Immediately he attempted to contact Air Canada which whom he was due to fly home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called and sent them emails but still haven ’ t been able to get through.
” Efforts to contact his travel insurance company to see if it would cover the extra expense of a new flight home also proved fruitless .
“ I ’ ve had no response from them either so I am kind of at a loss at what to do , ” he says , speaking from the Cusco hostel where he been holed up all week .
He then tried to get a flight out with Colombian carrier Avianca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office was overwhelmed by people with the same idea .
There was not enough time to get a bus out of Peru before borders closed or even as far as the capital Lima , 24 hours away by road .
It was a remarkable development in a country that seemed little concerned with the Covid-19 pandemic when McKendrick entered Peru on March 10th .
He is one of an estimated 100 or so Irish travellers stuck in the Andean nation that the Tánaiste Simon Coveney says the Government is working on bringing home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not expecting to get a free flight home or anything like that , ” he is keen to emphasise .
“ We are more than willing to pay a reasonable amount .
The issue is that there is literally no way out and there is no flight for us to get.
” At one stage it looked like an Avianca charter flight would be organised to fly the stranded Irish out at more than US $ 3,500 ( €3,250 ) a ticket , a fare McKendrick would have struggled to pay .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has been in touch with the Irish consulate in Peru and the embassy in neighbouring Chile and despite getting a daily email from the Department of Foreign Affairs , McKendrick says the situation is frustrating : “ I understand they are doing everything they can to help us .
But it is just the lack of information in terms of what is the solution for getting us home.
” He is also worried that any eventual flight will require him to get to Lima when the lockdown means “ making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a challenge ” .
McKendrick is the only Irish citizen in his hostel where he is one of 15 foreign tourists , including two Welsh friends he has been travelling with for the last few weeks .
Police are patrolling the streets outside to ensure people are only going outdoors to buy food and medicine and they are even reportedly entering other hostels in the city to enforce social distancing .
The group in the hostel , which also includes Australians and Dutch travellers , are being well looked after with the owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing information and organising movie nights to help pass the time .
McKendrick is also in regular contact with his family back home .
But as time passes he is increasingly concerned about the delay in resolving his situation : “ I have an underlying medical condition which I take prescription medication for and I have a three week supply left .
Stuff like that is on your mind the whole time .
”

When Peru announced its national coronavirus lockdown on March 16th Galway native Gearóid McKendrick (28) was up Machu Picchu without a phone signal and so oblivious to the sudden end of his holiday.
"It was not until we woke up in the hostel the next morning that we heard the lockdown had been announced and we had until midnight to get out of the country," says the IT worker who has been backpacking around South America since December.
Immediately he attempted to contact Air Canada which whom he was due to fly home from Colombia next month: "I called and sent them emails but still haven't been able to get through."
Efforts to contact his travel insurance company to see if it would cover the extra expense of a new flight home also proved fruitless. "I've had no response from them either so I am kind of at a loss at what to do," he says, speaking from the Cusco hostel where he been holed up all week.
READ MORE
He then tried to get a flight out with Colombian carrier Avianca but that proved impossible as its Cusco office was overwhelmed by people with the same idea. There was not enough time to get a bus out of Peru before borders closed or even as far as the capital Lima, 24 hours away by road.
The crowd outside the local Avianca office when Gearóid McKendrick tried unsuccessfully to buy a flight out of Cusco
It was a remarkable development in a country that seemed little concerned with the Covid-19 pandemic when McKendrick entered Peru on March 10th. He is one of an estimated 100 or so Irish travellers stuck in the Andean nation that the Tánaiste Simon Coveney says the Government is working on bringing home. "The Irish people here are not expecting to get a free flight home or anything like that," he is keen to emphasise. "We are more than willing to pay a reasonable amount. The issue is that there is literally no way out and there is no flight for us to get."
At one stage it looked like an Avianca charter flight would be organised to fly the stranded Irish out at more than US$3,500 (€3,250) a ticket, a fare McKendrick would have struggled to pay. But that plan has so far not materialised.
He has been in touch with the Irish consulate in Peru and the embassy in neighbouring Chile and despite getting a daily email from the Department of Foreign Affairs, McKendrick says the situation is frustrating: "I understand they are doing everything they can to help us. But it is just the lack of information in terms of what is the solution for getting us home."
The inside of the Cusco hostel where Gearóid McKendrick is one of 15 stranded travellers
He is also worried that any eventual flight will require him to get to Lima when the lockdown means “making it to Cusco airport no mind Lima is a challenge”. McKendrick is the only Irish citizen in his hostel where he is one of 15 foreign tourists, including two Welsh friends he has been travelling with for the last few weeks. Police are patrolling the streets outside to ensure people are only going outdoors to buy food and medicine and they are even reportedly entering other hostels in the city to enforce social distancing.
The group in the hostel, which also includes Australians and Dutch travellers, are being well looked after with the owners serving up breakfast every day and are sharing information and organising movie nights to help pass the time.
View from Cusco hostel where Gearóid McKendrick is now stranded
McKendrick is also in regular contact with his family back home. But as time passes he is increasingly concerned about the delay in resolving his situation: “I have an underlying medical condition which I take prescription medication for and I have a three week supply left. Stuff like that is on your mind the whole time.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--McDonald’s Irish restaurants to close on Monday due to coronavirus

All McDonald ’ s restaurants in the UK and Ireland will close by 7pm on Monday to protect the safety of its employees and customers , the company has said .
The move is a big blow to the beef sector in Ireland , according to the Irish Farmers ’ Association .
The fast-food company , which has 135,000 employees in the UK and Ireland , said it has taken the “ difficult decision ” in a statement posted to Twitter – adding that stores will close by that time on Monday “ at the latest ” .
The decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for pubs , clubs and restaurants to shut on Friday , although he stressed they could continue with a takeaway service .
“ This is not a decision we are taking lightly , but one made with the wellbeing and safety of our employees in mind as well as in the best interests of our customers , ” McDonald ’ s said .
“ We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen.
” In a statement , the IFA said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Irish beef .
Their closure is a big blow to the sector .
“ Unfortunately , it is reflective of what is happening across Europe , where closures have had an impact on the food service sector .
However , some of this has been mitigated by an increase in retail demand.
” The IFA said its president Tim Cullinan wrote to European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski last week noting the commission needed to stand ready to support the EU beef market after the impact of Covid-19 .
“ The Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of production for farmers .
They can not sustain any further cuts , ” he said .
Paul Pomroy , chief executive of McDonald ’ s UK & Ireland , said : “ Over the last 24 hours , it has become clear that maintaining safe social distancing whilst operating busy takeaway and drive-thru restaurants is increasingly difficult.
” – PA

Members of the syndicat UNIA union demonstrate outside a McDonald’s restaurant over the company’s approach to social distancing over the coronavirus pandemic, in Crissier, Switzerland, on March 20th. Photograph: Jean-Christophe Bott/EPA
All McDonald's restaurants in the UK and Ireland will close by 7pm on Monday to protect the safety of its employees and customers, the company has said.
The move is a big blow to the beef sector in Ireland, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association.
The fast-food company, which has 135,000 employees in the UK and Ireland, said it has taken the “difficult decision” in a statement posted to Twitter – adding that stores will close by that time on Monday “at the latest”.
The decision comes after British prime minister Boris Johnson called for pubs, clubs and restaurants to shut on Friday, although he stressed they could continue with a takeaway service.
READ MORE
“This is not a decision we are taking lightly, but one made with the wellbeing and safety of our employees in mind as well as in the best interests of our customers,” McDonald’s said.
“We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as it is safe for us to reopen.”
‘Important buyer’
In a statement, the IFA said: “McDonald’s is an important buyer of Irish beef. Their closure is a big blow to the sector.
"Unfortunately, it is reflective of what is happening across Europe, where closures have had an impact on the food service sector. However, some of this has been mitigated by an increase in retail demand."
The IFA said its president Tim Cullinan wrote to European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski last week noting the commission needed to stand ready to support the EU beef market after the impact of Covid-19. "The Irish beef price is already well below the cost of production for farmers. They cannot sustain any further cuts," he said.
Paul Pomroy, chief executive of McDonald's UK & Ireland, said: "Over the last 24 hours, it has become clear that maintaining safe social distancing whilst operating busy takeaway and drive-thru restaurants is increasingly difficult." – PA


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Coronavirus tests begin at Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium in Cork

The health service has opened a large-scale coronavirus testing centre in a GAA stadium in Cork , with plans to eventually test up to 2,000 people a day at the facility .
Hundreds of people were referred by the HSE to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for test appointments on Sunday from 10am .
Ten testing bays were set up and those with appointments were allowed drive into the stadium in batches .
Swab tests were carried out by test teams wearing protective clothing .
Only those who were referred by their GPs were admitted and results are expected to take three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Irish Times has learned the HSE is in the process of setting up coronavirus test centres at Defence Forces camps in Co Cork , as it seeks to deal with a backlog of 40,000 people needing tests .
Kilworth Army Camp is one of the facilities lined up for use , which was previously used in the late 1960s to accommodate families from Northern Ireland who had fled their homes when the Troubles erupted .
Another facility which could be used for testing is Fitzgerald Camp in Fermoy .
The health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing centre in the coming days on board the LÉ Eithne at Kennedy Quay near Cork city centre , after it sailed from the naval base at Haulbowline in Cork harbour on Friday .
The HSE has already opened a testing centre on the LÉ Samuel Beckett at Sir John Rogerson Quay in Dublin , while preparations are ongoing to start testing on the LÉ William Butler Yeats at the Galway docks in coming days .
Many naval personnel gained experience carrying out tests for infectious diseases while rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make ships available to the HSE .

The health service has opened a large-scale coronavirus testing centre in a GAA stadium in Cork, with plans to eventually test up to 2,000 people a day at the facility.
Hundreds of people were referred by the HSE to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for test appointments on Sunday from 10am.
Ten testing bays were set up and those with appointments were allowed drive into the stadium in batches. Swab tests were carried out by test teams wearing protective clothing.
Only those who were referred by their GPs were admitted and results are expected to take three to five days to process.
READ MORE
Meanwhile, The Irish Times has learned the HSE is in the process of setting up coronavirus test centres at Defence Forces camps in Co Cork, as it seeks to deal with a backlog of 40,000 people needing tests.
Kilworth Army Camp is one of the facilities lined up for use, which was previously used in the late 1960s to accommodate families from Northern Ireland who had fled their homes when the Troubles erupted. Another facility which could be used for testing is Fitzgerald Camp in Fermoy.
The health service also has plans to establish a testing centre in the coming days on board the LÉ Eithne at Kennedy Quay near Cork city centre, after it sailed from the naval base at Haulbowline in Cork harbour on Friday.
The HSE has already opened a testing centre on the LÉ Samuel Beckett at Sir John Rogerson Quay in Dublin, while preparations are ongoing to start testing on the LÉ William Butler Yeats at the Galway docks in coming days.
Many naval personnel gained experience carrying out tests for infectious diseases while rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, which has influenced the decision to make ships available to the HSE.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Vulnerable asylum seekers must be moved from centres ‘without delay’

Asylum seekers must be moved out of direct provision centres “ without delay ” to avoid the rapid spread of the virus among some of the State ’ s most vulnerable , a Cork doctor has warned .
Dr Eamonn Faller , an infectious disease specialist registrar at Cork University Hospital , described direct provision centres as “ powder kegs for Covid-19 ” and said the Government could not call for social distancing while centres for asylum seekers remained “ hopelessly overcrowded ” .
“ There are many vulnerable people in direct provision who have no way to self-isolate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these people out of these centres is absolutely crucial and must be done without delay.
” The warning comes after residents of a direct provision centre in the west of the country were informed that an asylum seeker in the centre had tested positive for Covid-19 .
In a letter distributed on Saturday , residents were told the person in question had been removed from the centre and the two people who shared a room with the patient had been placed in isolation .
These two people are in direct daily contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the centre .
“ They will be kept isolated for a period of time until public health are happy that they have not contracted the virus or decide they need to be tested .
These residents will not share communal areas of the centre but are allowed outside by themselves to get fresh air and exercise.
” The roommates had also been told to wear a mask when they left the room and not to engage with other residents or staff , said the letter .
Residents at the centre were informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be asked to move bedrooms and that the restaurant would continue to operate but that numbers eating together would be restricted .
Residents were also told they may leave the centre to stay with friends or family during this period but would have to remain at that location until the Covid-19 pandemic had passed .
Asylum seekers support groups and charities have been warning for weeks of the potentially devastating effects of an outbreak of the virus in the State ’ s direct provision centres .
The Irish Refugee Council ( IRC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are within the HSE risk categories to accommodation where they can adhere to social distancing rules and cocoon if necessary .
“ We are gravely concerned that current accommodation is not suitable for people in these categories during this crisis , ” said Nick Henderson of the IRC .
“ We stand ready to assist in any such move including finding appropriate accommodation and support.
” Graham Clifford , who runs the Sanctuary Runners ’ movement , agreed that residents aged over 60 or with underlying health conditions needed to leave centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another which puts at risk both the lives of the most vulnerable in these centres and wider society as a whole .
There are empty hotels , empty airbnb properties , empty college accommodation – if appropriate , we should use these before it ’ s too late .
What are we waiting for ?
” In a public letter released on Sunday , residents of the Clondalkin Towers direct provision centre in Dublin called for those most at risk to be moved .
“ Every life is equal , ” they wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call for this action to take place .
Now is the time to act , not next week , now .
Lives depend on it.
” There are 5,686 people , including 1,739 children , residing in 39 direct provision centres around the country .
There are an additional 1,585 people , including 285 children , staying in emergency accommodation .
A spokesman from the Department of Justice said : “ The National Public Health Emergency Team ’ s policy is to maintain patient confidentiality at all times , and any confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily basis .
”

Residents of a direct provision centre in the west of the country were informed that an asylum seeker in the centre had tested positive for Covid-19. Photograph: Nexu Science Communication/via REUTERS
Asylum seekers must be moved out of direct provision centres “without delay” to avoid the rapid spread of the virus among some of the State’s most vulnerable, a Cork doctor has warned.
Dr Eamonn Faller, an infectious disease specialist registrar at Cork University Hospital, described direct provision centres as “powder kegs for Covid-19” and said the Government could not call for social distancing while centres for asylum seekers remained “hopelessly overcrowded”.
“There are many vulnerable people in direct provision who have no way to self-isolate,” said Dr Faller. “Moving these people out of these centres is absolutely crucial and must be done without delay.”
The warning comes after residents of a direct provision centre in the west of the country were informed that an asylum seeker in the centre had tested positive for Covid-19.
READ MORE
In a letter distributed on Saturday, residents were told the person in question had been removed from the centre and the two people who shared a room with the patient had been placed in isolation.
These two people are in direct daily contact with public health officials, said the manager of the centre. “They will be kept isolated for a period of time until public health are happy that they have not contracted the virus or decide they need to be tested. These residents will not share communal areas of the centre but are allowed outside by themselves to get fresh air and exercise.”
The roommates had also been told to wear a mask when they left the room and not to engage with other residents or staff, said the letter.
Residents at the centre were informed that as the situation develops they may be asked to move bedrooms and that the restaurant would continue to operate but that numbers eating together would be restricted.
Residents were also told they may leave the centre to stay with friends or family during this period but would have to remain at that location until the Covid-19 pandemic had passed.
Devastating effects
Asylum seekers support groups and charities have been warning for weeks of the potentially devastating effects of an outbreak of the virus in the State’s direct provision centres.
The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) called on the Government to move people who are within the HSE risk categories to accommodation where they can adhere to social distancing rules and cocoon if necessary.
“We are gravely concerned that current accommodation is not suitable for people in these categories during this crisis,” said Nick Henderson of the IRC. “We stand ready to assist in any such move including finding appropriate accommodation and support.”
Graham Clifford, who runs the Sanctuary Runners’ movement, agreed that residents aged over 60 or with underlying health conditions needed to leave centres immediately.
“Every day wasted is another which puts at risk both the lives of the most vulnerable in these centres and wider society as a whole. There are empty hotels, empty airbnb properties, empty college accommodation – if appropriate, we should use these before it’s too late. What are we waiting for?”
In a public letter released on Sunday, residents of the Clondalkin Towers direct provision centre in Dublin called for those most at risk to be moved.
“Every life is equal,” they wrote. “Use whatever means you can to call for this action to take place. Now is the time to act, not next week, now. Lives depend on it.”
There are 5,686 people, including 1,739 children, residing in 39 direct provision centres around the country. There are an additional 1,585 people, including 285 children, staying in emergency accommodation.
A spokesman from the Department of Justice said: “The National Public Health Emergency Team’s policy is to maintain patient confidentiality at all times, and any confirmed cases are notified by NPHET on a daily basis.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--RTÉ confirms staff member tests positive for Covid-19

RTÉ has confirmed that a staff member has tested positive for Covid-19 .
“ Importantly , this person is safe @ @ @ @ @ is following the Health Service Executive [ HSE ] guidelines for self-isolation , ” the @ @ @ @ @ .
In line with HSE guidelines , those who have had direct contact recently with @ @ @ @ @ positive are being made aware and advised on the measures to take .
“ RTÉ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 very seriously and , in line with our business continuity plans , will continue @ @ @ @ @ to prioritise staff health and welfare as we continue to provide vital news , information @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland at this time , ” a spokesman added .
On Twitter , RTÉ @ @ @ @ @ Fergal Bowers , tweeted : “ Very best wishes on a speedy recovery to our @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 and is safe and at home .
“ We are all in this together @ @ @ @ @ to overcome the impact of the virus , ” he added .

Coronavirus: In line with HSE guidelines, those who have had direct contact recently with the person who has tested positive are being made aware and advised on the measures to take.
RTÉ has confirmed that a staff member has tested positive for Covid-19.
"Importantly, this person is safe and well at home and is following the Health Service Executive [HSE] guidelines for self-isolation," the broadcaster said in a statement.
In line with HSE guidelines, those who have had direct contact recently with the person who has tested positive are being made aware and advised on the measures to take.
"RTÉ is treating the matter of Covid-19 very seriously and, in line with our business continuity plans, will continue to take all necessary steps to prioritise staff health and welfare as we continue to provide vital news, information and entertainment to the public in Ireland at this time," a spokesman added.
READ MORE
On Twitter, RTÉ’s health correspondent, Fergal Bowers, tweeted: “Very best wishes on a speedy recovery to our colleague in RTÉ who has Covid-19 and is safe and at home.
“We are all in this together, in the national effort to overcome the impact of the virus,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Boy (8) seriously ill after being mauled by two rottweilers

An eight-year-old boy is seriously ill in hospital after being reportedly mauled by rottweilers in a house in Dublin .
It is believed the child was set upon by two of the dogs at a house in Saggart at about 4pm on Sunday .
It is thought at this stage that the dogs were owned by the boy ’ s family .
The child was taken to Tallaght hospital initially before being transferred to Crumlin children ’ s hospital .
His injuries are being described as “ serious ” .
A Garda spokesman said the dog warden had been notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ A full investigation into this incident is under way by gardaí at Tallaght Garda station , ” the spokesman said .
“ No further information is available at this time.
” Rottweilers are among 11 dog breeds for which ownership restrictions apply in Ireland .
Under the Control of Dogs ( Restriction of Certain Dogs ) Regulations , they must not be allowed in a public place unless they are on a strong leash or chain no longer than one metre and they must be muzzled .
They are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone over the age of 16 who is capable of controlling the dog .

A garda spokesman said the dog warden had been notified and the rottweilers had been ‘confiscated’.
An eight-year-old boy has died after being attacked by rottweilers in a house in Dublin on Sunday.
It is believed the child was mauled by two rottweilers at about 4pm at a house in Saggart, west Dublin and that the dogs were owned by the boy's family.
The child was taken to nearby Tallaght hospital initially before being transferred to Crumlin children's hospital.
Gardaí confirmed on Monday afternoon that the young boy had died.
READ MORE
A Garda spokesman said the dog warden had been notified and the rottweilers had been “confiscated”. They have since been put down.
“A full investigation into this incident is under way by gardaí at Tallaght Garda station,” the spokesman said.
Fr John Gilligan, parish priest in Saggart, said people were “in shock” at what he described as a “great tragedy”.
Sean Crowe, Sinn Féin TD for the area, said people are “horrified and appalled” by what happened.
“It is a wake up call for anyone who has dogs that are in any way dangerous. But I’m conscious that there is a family grieving at the moment, and dogs are as much part of your family as anyone else,” he said.
“At the moment, everyone just wants to send sympathy to the family at this time on their tragic loss.”
Rottweilers are among 11 dog breeds for which ownership restrictions apply in Ireland.
Under the Control of Dogs (Restriction of Certain Dogs) Regulations, they must not be allowed in a public place unless they are on a strong leash or chain no longer than one metre and they must be muzzled.
They are also allowed to be taken outside only by someone over the age of 16 who is capable of controlling the dog.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Groups gather at beaches and mountains despite social distancing

Large groups of people gathered at beaches , mountains and walking routes around the country on Sunday afternoon despite social distancing concerns and appeals from gardaí to the public to avoid such areas .
Traffic near locations including Powerscourt , Sally Gap , Glendalough and Enniskerry was extremely heavy on Sunday afternoon as people took to the mountains to go out walking during the good weather .
“ Please remember to practise social distancing when out and about today and avoid locations that may attract large groups of people , ” An Garda Síochána said in a tweet .
Wicklow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park at Glendalough , including the food franchises at the location , was closed from Sunday afternoon until further notice due to social distancing concerns .
Likewise , car parks at Glenbarrow in the Slieve Bloom mountains , were closed until further notice .
Traffic on the route to Howth , Co Dublin , was also heavy as dozens gathered on the beach to walk their dogs , play with their children and drink alcohol with friends .
Barry Murphy from Sutton and his partner Susan took their children Sofia ( 5 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beach “ to kick a ball , go for a walk and then go back home .
We ’ re not interacting with others .
It ’ s been surreal , we ’ re doing things differently and having to adapt , but on a nice day like today , you have to get out .
We only had to walk from around the corner and an open space like the beach was an obvious place for us , ” Mr Murphy said .
Similarly , Paul and Hayley Meagan drove their kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off a bit of energy ” .
“ Anything to get out of the house – same as everybody else here , I ’ d imagine .
It ’ s been hard to keep the kids occupied , ” Mr Meagan said .
“ But even at the minute , it ’ s quite stressful in an area where people are within two metres of you .
You can see other people are feeling the same way , ” he said , noting that other groups were keeping away from each other on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t stay too long , it ’ s literally just to get the kids out .
It ’ s our daughter ’ s birthday today and we had to cancel her party , so we had to bring her somewhere , ” Mrs Meagan added .
Stephen O ’ Dwyer has been “ sick of parks ” so he took his children Alex ( 12 ) and Ella ( 9 ) to the beach for the day .
“ My wife and I work from home and the kids aren ’ t at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep them entertained .
In general , people are keeping their distance though .
I haven ’ t had to ask anybody to step back , and the kids get it , so there have been no problems.
” Though it was predominantly families visiting the beaches , some were out to see friends or take a walk with partners .
A Dublin woman who gave her name only as Orla was out drinking in the sun with a group of five friends .
“ Life has been quite claustrophobic and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honest .
I live with one other woman and I haven ’ t seen my parents or close friends in a long time , so I ’ ve found it tricky , ” she said .
“ This is the first time in a while I ’ ve met a group .
Today has been gorgeous and you don ’ t appreciate how important it is to actually see other people .
It ’ s tough for people ’ s mental health .
I feel there ’ s a stigma as well when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re trying to keep our distance from each other.
” For Ralph Wadzinski and his partner , the visit to the beach on Sunday was for their “ mental wellness ” .
They avoided public transport and drove to the beach for a walk .
“ As much as we have a chance , we ’ re going outside because we might be stuck inside later .
But we are keeping our distance and using our common sense , ” he said .

Large groups of people gathered at beaches, mountains and walking routes around the country on Sunday afternoon despite social distancing concerns and appeals from gardaí to the public to avoid such areas.
Traffic near locations including Powerscourt, Sally Gap, Glendalough and Enniskerry was extremely heavy on Sunday afternoon as people took to the mountains to go out walking during the good weather. "Please remember to practise social distancing when out and about today and avoid locations that may attract large groups of people," An Garda Síochána said in a tweet.
Wicklow County Council announced that the upper car park at Glendalough, including the food franchises at the location, was closed from Sunday afternoon until further notice due to social distancing concerns. Likewise, car parks at Glenbarrow in the Slieve Bloom mountains, were closed until further notice.
Barry Murphy and his partner Susan with their children Sofia and Leo: Due to Covid-19, “We’re not interacting with others.” Photograph: Jade Wilson
Traffic on the route to Howth, Co Dublin, was also heavy as dozens gathered on the beach to walk their dogs, play with their children and drink alcohol with friends.
READ MORE
‘Having to adapt’
Barry Murphy from Sutton and his partner Susan took their children Sofia (5) and Leo (7) to the beach "to kick a ball, go for a walk and then go back home. We're not interacting with others. It's been surreal, we're doing things differently and having to adapt, but on a nice day like today, you have to get out. We only had to walk from around the corner and an open space like the beach was an obvious place for us," Mr Murphy said.
Similarly, Paul and Hayley Meagan drove their kids from Maynooth to Howth to "burn off a bit of energy".
“Anything to get out of the house – same as everybody else here, I’d imagine. It’s been hard to keep the kids occupied,” Mr Meagan said. “But even at the minute, it’s quite stressful in an area where people are within two metres of you. You can see other people are feeling the same way,” he said, noting that other groups were keeping away from each other on the beach.
Paul and Hayley Meagan: drove their kids from Maynooth to Howth to “burn off a bit of energy”. Photograph: Jade Wilson
“We won’t stay too long, it’s literally just to get the kids out. It’s our daughter’s birthday today and we had to cancel her party, so we had to bring her somewhere,” Mrs Meagan added.
‘Keeping their distance’
Stephen O’Dwyer has been “sick of parks” so he took his children Alex (12) and Ella (9) to the beach for the day. “My wife and I work from home and the kids aren’t at school so it’s been hard to keep them entertained. In general, people are keeping their distance though. I haven’t had to ask anybody to step back, and the kids get it, so there have been no problems.”
Though it was predominantly families visiting the beaches, some were out to see friends or take a walk with partners.
A Dublin woman who gave her name only as Orla was out drinking in the sun with a group of five friends. “Life has been quite claustrophobic and a bit lonely, if I’m honest. I live with one other woman and I haven’t seen my parents or close friends in a long time, so I’ve found it tricky,” she said.
Stephen O’Dwyer and his children: “I haven’t had to ask anybody to step back, and the kids get it, so there have been no problems.” Photograph: Jade Wilson
“This is the first time in a while I’ve met a group. Today has been gorgeous and you don’t appreciate how important it is to actually see other people. It’s tough for people’s mental health. I feel there’s a stigma as well when you do meet people, even though we’re trying to keep our distance from each other.”
For Ralph Wadzinski and his partner, the visit to the beach on Sunday was for their "mental wellness". They avoided public transport and drove to the beach for a walk. "As much as we have a chance, we're going outside because we might be stuck inside later. But we are keeping our distance and using our common sense," he said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Coronavirus: Emirates to suspend most passenger flights

Emirates , which flies twice a day between Dublin and Dubai , has announced it is to suspend most of its passenger flights by March 25th as result of the coronavirus crisis .
It becomes the latest airline to dramatically scale back its operations as countries across the world impose travel restrictions and bookings collapse .
“ Emirates would like to clarify that while it will suspend the majority of its flights by March 25th , the airline will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to countries as long as borders remain open , and there is demand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The statement said that as “ a global network airline , we find ourselves in a situation where we can not viably operate passenger services until countries re-open their borders , and travel confidence returns , ” quoting Emirates Group chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum .
“ By Wednesday March 25th , although we will still operate cargo flights which remain busy , Emirates will have temporarily suspended all its passenger operations .
We continue to watch the situation closely , and as soon as things allow , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement continued .
The airline said it would not be cutting jobs , but would instead implement a temporary reduction in basic salary for most employees ranging from 25 per cent to 50 per cent .
Ryanair , Aer Lingus , British Airways and other airlines including United Airlines , Air France-KLM , EasyJet , and Finnair have all unveiled drastic measures to cut costs after several countries , including Germany and Spain , closed their borders .
Last week the Centre for Aviation warned that by the end of May most airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel restrictions that are being rolled out by governments around the world .

Emirates has announced it will suspend most passenger flights by March 25th. Photograph: Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty
Emirates, which flies twice a day between Dublin and Dubai, has announced it is to suspend most of its passenger flights by March 25th as result of the coronavirus crisis.
It becomes the latest airline to dramatically scale back its operations as countries across the world impose travel restrictions and bookings collapse.
“Emirates would like to clarify that while it will suspend the majority of its flights by March 25th, the airline will continue to operate passenger and cargo flights to countries as long as borders remain open, and there is demand,” the company said in a statement.
The statement said that as “a global network airline, we find ourselves in a situation where we cannot viably operate passenger services until countries re-open their borders, and travel confidence returns,” quoting Emirates Group chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum.
READ MORE
“By Wednesday March 25th, although we will still operate cargo flights which remain busy, Emirates will have temporarily suspended all its passenger operations. We continue to watch the situation closely, and as soon as things allow, we will reinstate our services,” the statement continued.
The airline said it would not be cutting jobs, but would instead implement a temporary reduction in basic salary for most employees ranging from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
Ryanair, Aer Lingus, British Airways and other airlines including United Airlines, Air France-KLM, EasyJet, and Finnair have all unveiled drastic measures to cut costs after several countries, including Germany and Spain, closed their borders.
Last week the Centre for Aviation warned that by the end of May most airlines would be bankrupt due to the unprecedented travel restrictions that are being rolled out by governments around the world.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Mother’s Day under Covid-19 sees gifts left on doorsteps with lots of love

Love , in the time of corona , has to keep its distance but on a Mother ’ s Day like no other many Irish people managed to make the best of a terrible situation by celebrating their mammies in ways which would have been unimaginable and intolerable four weeks ago .
Presents and treats were deposited outside houses and parents waved at from a safe distance and from behind tightly rolled up car windows .
Technology was deployed like never before , poems were written and DIY floral arrangements were made with flowers which had only just started peeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a cold , dark winter .
People appeared willing to keep their distance from their loved ones , acutely conscious that while the decisions they were taking were tough , they were also vital .
“ I know my daughter , son , son in law and grandchildren love me , ” Rosemary Arthurs told The Irish Times.
” I need nothing but a virtual hug and to survive .
That would be the best mother ’ s day present ever.
” The strange and frightening times the world is living through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , among them Siobhán O ’ Donoghue .
“ It ’ s funny , I never really do much for Mother ’ s Day .
I think it is another commercial ploy , ” she said .
Her parents are alive and live close to her .
This year her children “ spent the last five hours making cards and we will be baking for them .
Leaving items on doorsteps with lots of love.
” Sinead Phelan and her family had a picnic with a difference planned .
“ My parents will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picnic in their car while we sit in our bay window and do the same .
We ’ re connecting by phone .
The kids are so excited .
Simple things , tough times.
” Noelia Ruiz ’ s mother is high risk and she lives in Barcelona .
“ I can ’ t possibly go there for this day .
We WhatsApp everyday .
She ’ s now joined me in doing online yoga in the living room.
” Molly Twomey wrote her mother a poem in which she thanked her for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Christine Quinlan sent an online invite to her mother and four sisters in law “ to a virtual drinks party - we ’ re going to have a G & T each and do a group call .
I am already excited .
Not sure what to wear though.
” Over the last week Aisling Twomey said she had been sending things home from London to Cork every few days “ so my mom knows I think about her all the time .
None of them have arrived yet- but they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her , but I can send her small things.
” And , of course , Mother ’ s Day can be a two-way street as writer Stefanie Preissner discovered .
She is in self-isolation awaiting the results of a coronavirus test so obviously was not in a position to travel to see her mother .
So her mother came to her .
“ She drove from Cork to have lunch at my window , ” she said .

FRESH FRESIAS FOR MUM: Ellen Creed, of Dublin, with a bunch of flowers that was left outside her door, due to coronavirus "cocooning" of older persons, on Mother's Day. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien
Love, in the time of corona, has to keep its distance but on a Mother’s Day like no other many Irish people managed to make the best of a terrible situation by celebrating their mammies in ways which would have been unimaginable and intolerable four weeks ago.
Presents and treats were deposited outside houses and parents waved at from a safe distance and from behind tightly rolled up car windows.
Technology was deployed like never before, poems were written and DIY floral arrangements were made with flowers which had only just started peeking their heads above ground at the end of a cold, dark winter.
Mother’s Day under coronavirus restrictions sees grandmother Mary Ashe give a virtual hug to her grandchildren Charlie (8) and Billie May (3) Ashe at her home in Dublin. Photograph: Gary Ashe
People appeared willing to keep their distance from their loved ones, acutely conscious that while the decisions they were taking were tough, they were also vital.
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"I know my daughter, son, son in law and grandchildren love me," Rosemary Arthurs told The Irish Times." I need nothing but a virtual hug and to survive. That would be the best mother's day present ever."
The strange and frightening times the world is living through has changed the emphasis for many people, among them Siobhán O’Donoghue. “It’s funny, I never really do much for Mother’s Day. I think it is another commercial ploy,” she said.
Her parents are alive and live close to her. This year her children “spent the last five hours making cards and we will be baking for them. Leaving items on doorsteps with lots of love.”
FRESH FRESIAS FOR MUM: Ellen Creed, of Dublin, with a bunch of flowers that was left outside her door, due to coronavirus "cocooning" of older persons, on Mother's Day. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien
Sinead Phelan and her family had a picnic with a difference planned. "My parents will drive out to us and have a picnic in their car while we sit in our bay window and do the same. We're connecting by phone. The kids are so excited. Simple things, tough times."
Noelia Ruiz’s mother is high risk and she lives in Barcelona. “I can’t possibly go there for this day. We WhatsApp everyday. She’s now joined me in doing online yoga in the living room.”
Molly Twomey wrote her mother a poem in which she thanked her for helping her become the person she was.
Christine Quinlan sent an online invite to her mother and four sisters in law "to a virtual drinks party - we're going to have a G&T each and do a group call. I am already excited. Not sure what to wear though."
Over the last week Aisling Twomey said she had been sending things home from London to Cork every few days "so my mom knows I think about her all the time. None of them have arrived yet- but they will. I can't fly home to her, but I can send her small things."
And, of course, Mother's Day can be a two-way street as writer Stefanie Preissner discovered.
She is in self-isolation awaiting the results of a coronavirus test so obviously was not in a position to travel to see her mother.
So her mother came to her. “She drove from Cork to have lunch at my window,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Three arrested in operation targeting dissident republicans

Detectives investigating dissident republicans have arrested three men during an ongoing operation in the midlands , gardaí have said .
@ @ @ @ @ in their 40s and one in his 50s , were detained on Sunday under section @ @ @ @ @ the State Act .
They are all being questioned at Garda stations in Dublin .
@ @ @ @ @ officers from the Special Detective Unit during an operation backed up by the armed Emergency @ @ @ @ @ other national Garda units .
Gardaí said the operation remained “ live ” and further @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey , in charge of policing and security @ @ @ @ @ ” signals the force ’ s “ determination to ensure the security of our State @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing critical Covid-19 situation ” .
“ All of An Garda Síochána ’ s @ @ @ @ @ is to protect the security of the State continue to be fully resourced and active @ @ @ @ @ time , ” he added .

The men are being questioned at Garda stations in Dublin.
Detectives investigating dissident republicans have arrested three men during an ongoing operation in the midlands, gardaí have said.
The men, two aged in their 40s and one in his 50s, were detained on Sunday under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
They are all being questioned at Garda stations in Dublin.
The suspects were arrested by officers from the Special Detective Unit during an operation backed up by the armed Emergency Response Unit as well as other national Garda units.
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Gardaí said the operation remained “live” and further searches were being carried out.
According to Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey, in charge of policing and security, the "ongoing operation" signals the force's "determination to ensure the security of our State, in the midst of the ongoing critical Covid-19 situation".
“All of An Garda Síochána’s specialist units whose responsibility it is to protect the security of the State continue to be fully resourced and active keeping people safe at this time,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Coronavirus cases now confirmed in every county in Ireland

A fourth person has died from coronavirus and 121 new cases have been confirmed , according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) .
The patient who died , a male in the east of the country , had an underlying health condition , the HPSC said on Sunday evening .
This brings to four the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic .
Chief medical officer at the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan extended his sympathies to the family and friends of the patient who died on Sunday .
With the additional 121 cases reported on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 906 confirmed cases of the disease .
According to an analysis of the 712 cases notified up to last Friday , men now make up 55 per cent of cases and women 44 per cent .
The average age of patients is 44 and 30 per cent ( 211 cases ) have been hospitalised .
Up to Friday , 17 cases have needed admission to intensive care .
At least one confirmed case of the disease , also known as Covid-19 , has been recorded in every county in Ireland , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been the only county where no case had been reported .
One in five cases ( 22 per cent ) is associated with healthcare workers .
Community transmission accounts for 44 per cent of cases , close contacts for 22 per cent and travel abroad for 33 per cent .
Dublin accounts for over half of all cases , followed by Cork , were 14 per cent of cases have occurred .
Dr Holohan said the cases confirmed today were most likely exposed to Covid-19 prior to the introduction of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13th .
“ It is vital that everyone complies with the public health advice on hand and cough hygiene , working from home where possible and practising social distancing of 2 metres .
“ Public health doctors carrying out contact tracing are advising that confirmed cases are now reporting fewer contacts , which is an encouraging sign that people are following the public health guidance .
“ I would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone adhering to public health advice .
You are actively helping flatten the curve and limit the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tested should act as though their test is positive and should self-isolate now , while they await testing and results .
”

People follow social distancing guidelines as they go for a run in Dublin’s city centre. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
A fourth person has died from coronavirus and 121 new cases have been confirmed, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
The patient who died, a male in the east of the country, had an underlying health condition, the HPSC said on Sunday evening.
This brings to four the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic.
Chief medical officer at the Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan extended his sympathies to the family and friends of the patient who died on Sunday.
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With the additional 121 cases reported on Sunday, there are now a total of 906 confirmed cases of the disease.
According to an analysis of the 712 cases notified up to last Friday, men now make up 55 per cent of cases and women 44 per cent.
The average age of patients is 44 and 30 per cent (211 cases) have been hospitalised.
Up to Friday, 17 cases have needed admission to intensive care.
At least one confirmed case of the disease, also known as Covid-19, has been recorded in every county in Ireland, according to the HPSC; previously, Monaghan had been the only county where no case had been reported.
One in five cases (22 per cent) is associated with healthcare workers. Community transmission accounts for 44 per cent of cases, close contacts for 22 per cent and travel abroad for 33 per cent.
Dublin accounts for over half of all cases, followed by Cork, were 14 per cent of cases have occurred.
Public health measures
Dr Holohan said the cases confirmed today were most likely exposed to Covid-19 prior to the introduction of the public health measures implemented on Friday, March 13th.
“It is vital that everyone complies with the public health advice on hand and cough hygiene, working from home where possible and practising social distancing of 2 metres.
“Public health doctors carrying out contact tracing are advising that confirmed cases are now reporting fewer contacts, which is an encouraging sign that people are following the public health guidance.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone adhering to public health advice. You are actively helping flatten the curve and limit the spread of Covid-19.
“Anyone waiting to be tested should act as though their test is positive and should self-isolate now, while they await testing and results.”


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Appeal for information after motorcyclist killed in Co Waterford

Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact them about a road traffic collision in which a man in his 30s was killed when his motorcycle hit a wall in Co Waterford on Sunday .
The collision happened at Seapark , Ballymacarbry , near the Nire Valley at around 11.40am when the motorcyclist collided with a stone wall .
The road was closed and diversions were put in place to allow Garda forensic collision investigators carry out an examination of the scene after the body of the deceased was removed to hospital for a postmortem examination .
Gardaí are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any road users who travelled in the area and may have dash cam footage , to contact Dungarvan Garda station on 058-48600 .
Gardaí are also looking for witnesses in relation to two fatalities on Friday .
A teenager died after being hit by a jeep on the R436 Clara to Ballycumber road in the Erry area of Clara , Co Offaly , at approximately 7:30pm .
And a man in his 20s died when his car was in a collision with a lorry on the N2 north of Collon , Co Louth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Police Service of Northern Ireland have named the motorcyclist who died following a collision on the Belfast Road , Bangor , on Friday evening as Andrew Browning ( 56 ) , from Donaghadee , Co Down .
They have asked for witnesses to get in touch .

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact Dungarvan Garda station on 058-48600. File photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact them about a road traffic collision in which a man in his 30s was killed when his motorcycle hit a wall in Co Waterford on Sunday.
The collision happened at Seapark, Ballymacarbry, near the Nire Valley at around 11.40am when the motorcyclist collided with a stone wall.
The road was closed and diversions were put in place to allow Garda forensic collision investigators carry out an examination of the scene after the body of the deceased was removed to hospital for a postmortem examination.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any road users who travelled in the area and may have dash cam footage, to contact Dungarvan Garda station on 058-48600.
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Gardaí are also looking for witnesses in relation to two fatalities on Friday. A teenager died after being hit by a jeep on the R436 Clara to Ballycumber road in the Erry area of Clara, Co Offaly, at approximately 7:30pm. And a man in his 20s died when his car was in a collision with a lorry on the N2 north of Collon, Co Louth, at approximately 1.30pm.
Meanwhile, the Police Service of Northern Ireland have named the motorcyclist who died following a collision on the Belfast Road, Bangor, on Friday evening as Andrew Browning (56), from Donaghadee, Co Down. They have asked for witnesses to get in touch.


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Daughter has been waiting since last Monday for a test – Dublin man

A Dublin man says his daughter has been waiting since last Monday for a test for coronavirus .
His daughter , who is in her 40s , returned recently with a group from Austria .
She was then contacted by HSE public health staff who told her one of the group had tested positive for Covid-19 and that , as a close contact , she also needed to be tested and should make herself ready .
At 6am on Saturday , she received a call asking her to confirm her phone number .
“ Apart from that , she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week later and she still hasn ’ t been tested .
It ’ s extraordinary , ” says her father .
“ We are being shown pictures of testing centres being set up in football stadiums and naval boats but I suspect the reality around testing is somewhat different , and we ’ re not hearing about it .
But , on the other hand , we ’ re being told testing is absolutely crucial in limiting the spread of the disease.
” Others in the group considered to be contacts were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some have been tested , but none had yet received results , he said .
The man says he is not worried for his daughter , who has only mild symptoms and is currently self-isolating with her partner and child .
“ She ’ s fine and being responsible , but is everyone else who is forced to wait ?
”

‘I suspect the reality around testing is somewhat different, and we’re not hearing about it.’ Photograph: Ben Birchall/ PA Wire
Case Study
A Dublin man says his daughter has been waiting since last Monday for a test for coronavirus.
His daughter, who is in her 40s, returned recently with a group from Austria. She was then contacted by HSE public health staff who told her one of the group had tested positive for Covid-19 and that, as a close contact, she also needed to be tested and should make herself ready.
At 6am on Saturday, she received a call asking her to confirm her phone number. “Apart from that, she’s heard nothing. Here we are a week later and she still hasn’t been tested. It’s extraordinary,” says her father.
“We are being shown pictures of testing centres being set up in football stadiums and naval boats but I suspect the reality around testing is somewhat different, and we’re not hearing about it. But, on the other hand, we’re being told testing is absolutely crucial in limiting the spread of the disease.”
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Others in the group considered to be contacts were also advised they needed testing, and some have been tested, but none had yet received results, he said.
The man says he is not worried for his daughter, who has only mild symptoms and is currently self-isolating with her partner and child. “She’s fine and being responsible, but is everyone else who is forced to wait?”


theirishtimes--2020-03-22--Teachers should provide online support during closures – Department

The Department of Education has told teachers they are expected to provide lessons and support for students during the coronavirus school closures .
While many teachers are providing online support and lesson plans for students , some working parents say they are struggling to home school their children with little support from their teachers or schools .
The National Parents Council Primary said it was aware of very mixed experiences among parents in terms of the level of support from schools .
In a statement , a department spokesman said education continuity will be a critical service during the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In that respect , all schools and educational institutions are expected to proactively ensure that all of their staff contribute to the continuation of educational provision during this period , ” the spokesman said .
However , one working parent of two children said little had been done at her primary school apart from providing long lists of online resources .
“ I can see from the huge amount of WhatsApp messages from other mothers that many of us are struggling to maintain our productivity while trying to organise children at home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have the time to plan a full working day and plan a school day for two kids and set up all the logins , etc , for these resources.
” Another parent , who declined to be named , said : “ I don ’ t think it ’ s unreasonable to expect one piece of work at least to be set each day which the kids could photograph and email back to a teacher for feedback .
It ’ s not possible nor reasonable to expect kids to just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools are using virtual learning platforms online to enable teachers to provide work for students , particularly for students in examination classes , and to enable students to complete tasks and tests for assessment .
At primary school , the level of support tends to vary with some schools sending workpacks for children to complete at home , and others providing assignments online .
Áine Lynch of the National Parents Council primary said that overall there was a need for more structured support and it was not fair to expect parents to replicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re getting mixed messages from parents on the level of support they are getting from schools .
Because they closed so suddenly , there has been a lot of confusion over what expectations there are , ” she said .
“ There is a clear need for more structure and we understand that work is happening behind the scenes on this.
” However , Ms Lynch cautioned that there was no simple one-size-fits-all solution for all schools or classes , such as broadcasting classes online .
Instead , she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with parents to create solutions .
“ In primary , pupils need more support which can ’ t easily be done remotely .
Teachers aren ’ t just standing there teaching a class ; there is a lot of nuance and individualised support that goes on , ” she said .
“ For now , we ’ re saying that as long as parents are trying to engage their children in fun learning activities at home , that is good enough.
” However , the issue of poor access to broadband in rural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some schools and students .
A spokesman for the department said it would work with education partners to provide solutions in areas where digital and remote learning options may not be possible .
“ Work is under way to provide guidance to schools about how best to use digital and other solutions to provide ongoing learning for students at this time , ” the spokesman said .

Some working parents say they are struggling to home school their children with little support from their teachers or schools. Stock photograph: iStock
The Department of Education has told teachers they are expected to provide lessons and support for students during the coronavirus school closures.
While many teachers are providing online support and lesson plans for students, some working parents say they are struggling to home school their children with little support from their teachers or schools.
The National Parents Council Primary said it was aware of very mixed experiences among parents in terms of the level of support from schools.
In a statement, a department spokesman said education continuity will be a critical service during the coming months for pupils and students.
READ MORE
“In that respect, all schools and educational institutions are expected to proactively ensure that all of their staff contribute to the continuation of educational provision during this period,” the spokesman said.
List of resources
However, one working parent of two children said little had been done at her primary school apart from providing long lists of online resources.
“I can see from the huge amount of WhatsApp messages from other mothers that many of us are struggling to maintain our productivity while trying to organise children at home,” the parents said.
“I don’t have the time to plan a full working day and plan a school day for two kids and set up all the logins, etc, for these resources.”
Another parent, who declined to be named, said: “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect one piece of work at least to be set each day which the kids could photograph and email back to a teacher for feedback. It’s not possible nor reasonable to expect kids to just keep working on websites.”
Most secondary schools are using virtual learning platforms online to enable teachers to provide work for students, particularly for students in examination classes, and to enable students to complete tasks and tests for assessment.
At primary school, the level of support tends to vary with some schools sending workpacks for children to complete at home, and others providing assignments online.
Structured support
Áine Lynch of the National Parents Council primary said that overall there was a need for more structured support and it was not fair to expect parents to replicate the role of teachers at home.
“We’re getting mixed messages from parents on the level of support they are getting from schools. Because they closed so suddenly, there has been a lot of confusion over what expectations there are,” she said.
“There is a clear need for more structure and we understand that work is happening behind the scenes on this.”
However, Ms Lynch cautioned that there was no simple one-size-fits-all solution for all schools or classes, such as broadcasting classes online.
Instead, she said schools should work as closely as possible with parents to create solutions.
“In primary, pupils need more support which can’t easily be done remotely. Teachers aren’t just standing there teaching a class; there is a lot of nuance and individualised support that goes on,” she said.
“For now, we’re saying that as long as parents are trying to engage their children in fun learning activities at home, that is good enough.”
Broadband
However, the issue of poor access to broadband in rural areas has emerged as an issue for some schools and students.
A spokesman for the department said it would work with education partners to provide solutions in areas where digital and remote learning options may not be possible.
“Work is under way to provide guidance to schools about how best to use digital and other solutions to provide ongoing learning for students at this time,” the spokesman said.