theirishtimes--2020-10-07--Tony Holohan more concerned about Covid-19 now than when he recommended Level 5

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has said he is more concerned about how Covid-19 is spreading in the State now than he was when the recommendation to move to Level 5 was made to Government .
Speaking at his first media appearance since returning from an extended period of leave , and since the recommendation , he said “ If anything .
.
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the level of concern that I had [ on Sunday ] is less than the level of concern I have now.
” “ All of the major indicators of this disease have gotten worse – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Separately on Wednesday night , Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party that UK prime minister Boris Johnson made contact with him on Sunday night expressing his concern about the prospect of the Republic going into a Level 5 lockdown and creating a large disparity with guidelines in the North .
In the exchange with Mr Johnson , the Taoiseach then conveyed his concerns about the deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the North .
Mr Martin emphasised the Government had not decided to go to Level 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nphet and would be subject to a Government decision .
The Department of Health last night confirmed a further five deaths of people with the virus , bringing the total in the State to 1,816 .
And a further 611 cases were confirmed , bringing the total infections since March to 39,584 .
Case numbers are now growing exponentially , as are hospitalisations , Prof Philip Nolan , head of the Irish epidemiological modelling group said .
“ If nothing changes , we would expect intensive care admissions and sadly deaths to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply can not protect people in that age bracket , nor can they protect themselves , if the level of disease in the wider community continues to rise.
” Meanwhile , a network of 132 static Garda checkpoints on motorways and large arterial routes around the Republic resulted in serious congestion on Wednesday morning and evening .
Garda sources said checkpoints would switch from one side of roads to the other between mornings and evenings meaning delays twice a day for commuters .
They added there would be long delays as traffic was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One source said there had been a “ creep ” of people returning to their workplaces in recent months though many could work from home .

Dr Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, said that “all key indicators of the disease have deteriorated further” in the three days since the last meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team. Video: HSE
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has said he is more concerned about how Covid-19 is spreading in the State now than he was when the recommendation to move to Level 5 was made to Government.
Speaking at his first media appearance since returning from an extended period of leave, and since the recommendation, he said “If anything . . . the level of concern that I had [on Sunday] is less than the level of concern I have now.”
“All of the major indicators of this disease have gotten worse – our concern is getting greater and faster,” he said.
Separately on Wednesday night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party that UK prime minister Boris Johnson made contact with him on Sunday night expressing his concern about the prospect of the Republic going into a Level 5 lockdown and creating a large disparity with guidelines in the North.
READ MORE
Exchange with Johnson
In the exchange with Mr Johnson, the Taoiseach then conveyed his concerns about the deteriorating Covid-19 situation in the North.
Mr Martin emphasised the Government had not decided to go to Level 5, but that it was a recommendation of Nphet and would be subject to a Government decision.
The Department of Health last night confirmed a further five deaths of people with the virus, bringing the total in the State to 1,816. And a further 611 cases were confirmed, bringing the total infections since March to 39,584.
Case numbers are now growing exponentially, as are hospitalisations, Prof Philip Nolan, head of the Irish epidemiological modelling group said.
“If nothing changes, we would expect intensive care admissions and sadly deaths to follow the same path.
“We simply cannot protect people in that age bracket, nor can they protect themselves, if the level of disease in the wider community continues to rise.”
Garda checkpoints
Meanwhile, a network of 132 static Garda checkpoints on motorways and large arterial routes around the Republic resulted in serious congestion on Wednesday morning and evening.
Garda sources said checkpoints would switch from one side of roads to the other between mornings and evenings meaning delays twice a day for commuters. They added there would be long delays as traffic was funnelled into one lane at checkpoints.
One source said there had been a “creep” of people returning to their workplaces in recent months though many could work from home.


theirishtimes--2020-10-09--Girls’ maths ability underestimated due to stereotypes, study finds

Gender stereotyping is resulting in girls ’ performance at maths being significantly underestimated by teachers and parents from primary school onwards , according to new research .
A study of 8,000 pupils in Ireland concludes that the perception that girls are not as good as boys is occurring at all levels of achievement , with the gap widest for high-performing girls .
The study ’ s authors – Dr Pat O ’ Connor , Dr Selina McCoy and Dr Delma Byrne – say the findings raise concerns for girls ’ subsequent maths performance in a society where it is highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The research , which draws on the Growing Up in Ireland study , shows that as early as nine years old , girls ’ performance at maths is being underestimated by teachers and parents alike relative to boys .
The study found that in national standardised tests , parents and teachers are more likely to rate children with median or above levels of maths achievement as “ excellent ” or “ above average ” respectively .
However , girls are systematically less likely to be rated “ excellent ” than boys , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The gap is largest at higher levels of mathematics attainment .
The perceived gap between boys and girls at the highest level is much wider in the case of the parent or primary care giver than in the case of the teacher .
The research says the importance placed on maths performance is reflected in the fact that bonus points are applied to the subject in the Leaving Cert .
It says stereotypes about boys being excellent or above average in maths persist among both teachers and parents , mainly mothers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they override the evidence of the girls ’ and boys ’ own achievements in nationally validated mathematics assessments.
” The report concludes that this bias will impact on their career choice , since mathematics is seen as a key element in pursuing highly valued careers in science , technology , engineering and mathematics .
It says frequent calls for girls by governments to consider such careers are likely to be ineffective .
“ Girls may well feel that they are better off choosing areas which are more compatible with existing gender stereotypes : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position in lower-paid and less personally satisfying career positions , ” it states .
The study says other work needs to be done on the extent to which this over-estimation exists in other subject areas and the “ extent to which it is reflected in boys ’ wider sense of entitlement : a phenomenon which is related to the international reproduction of privilege inside the home and in the wider society ” .
The study also references the 2020 Leaving Cert , which it says provided an opportunity to assess the impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were effectively asked to predict how their students would perform .
It says the picture that emerged was one in which teachers presented highly positive assessments of the girls they taught , “ arguably reflecting both their own perceptions of their competence as teachers and the girls ’ willingness to co-operate with them ” .
“ Thus , in this context they appeared to be able to transcend the negative stereotypes surrounding girls ’ achievements , even in areas such as mathematics , and even in co-educational settings , ” the report states @

Research which draws on the Growing Up in Ireland study shows that from an early age girls’ performance at maths is underestimated by teachers and parents relative to boys.
Gender stereotyping is resulting in girls’ performance at maths being significantly underestimated by teachers and parents from primary school onwards, according to new research.
A study of 8,000 pupils in Ireland concludes that the perception that girls are not as good as boys is occurring at all levels of achievement, with the gap widest for high-performing girls.
The study's authors – Dr Pat O'Connor, Dr Selina McCoy and Dr Delma Byrne – say the findings raise concerns for girls' subsequent maths performance in a society where it is highly valued as an indicator of intelligence.
The research, which draws on the Growing Up in Ireland study, shows that as early as nine years old, girls’ performance at maths is being underestimated by teachers and parents alike relative to boys.
READ MORE
The study found that in national standardised tests, parents and teachers are more likely to rate children with median or above levels of maths achievement as “excellent” or “above average” respectively.
However, girls are systematically less likely to be rated “excellent” than boys, even taking account of their actual performance levels.
The gap is largest at higher levels of mathematics attainment. The perceived gap between boys and girls at the highest level is much wider in the case of the parent or primary care giver than in the case of the teacher.
The research says the importance placed on maths performance is reflected in the fact that bonus points are applied to the subject in the Leaving Cert.
It says stereotypes about boys being excellent or above average in maths persist among both teachers and parents, mainly mothers.
“These stereotypes are so strong that they override the evidence of the girls’ and boys’ own achievements in nationally validated mathematics assessments.”
The report concludes that this bias will impact on their career choice, since mathematics is seen as a key element in pursuing highly valued careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Positions perpetuated
It says frequent calls for girls by governments to consider such careers are likely to be ineffective.
“Girls may well feel that they are better off choosing areas which are more compatible with existing gender stereotypes: thus, in many cases perpetuating their position in lower-paid and less personally satisfying career positions,” it states.
The study says other work needs to be done on the extent to which this over-estimation exists in other subject areas and the “extent to which it is reflected in boys’ wider sense of entitlement: a phenomenon which is related to the international reproduction of privilege inside the home and in the wider society”.
The study also references the 2020 Leaving Cert, which it says provided an opportunity to assess the impact of teachers’ subjective assessments, since they were effectively asked to predict how their students would perform.
It says the picture that emerged was one in which teachers presented highly positive assessments of the girls they taught, “arguably reflecting both their own perceptions of their competence as teachers and the girls’ willingness to co-operate with them”.
“Thus, in this context they appeared to be able to transcend the negative stereotypes surrounding girls’ achievements, even in areas such as mathematics, and even in co-educational settings,” the report states.


theirishtimes--2020-10-09--Nphet recommends no new restrictions despite serious concerns over Covid-19

The State ’ s public health team has not recommended a move to higher levels of restrictions after it met on Thursday , it has emerged .
Two senior sources confirmed that the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) remained seriously concerned about coronavirus infections and have told Government that the situation must be closely monitored , but it stopped short of recommending further restrictions .
One source said there was “ nothing too dramatic ” at the meeting and that at least another 10 days will be needed to see if the current restrictions are reducing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sent to Government from the team and will be considered at a Cabinet sub-committee on Friday alongside plans for enhanced enforcement of Level 3 measures including potential fines for those who breach travel restrictions .
There was one additional death related to the virus and 506 further cases of the disease reported by the Department of Health on Thursday .
In Northern Ireland , there were a further 923 cases of the disease reported , the second highest daily total during the pandemic .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin told British prime minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight a “ very worrying ” increase in virus cases .
First Minister Arlene Foster warned that Northern Ireland was in a “ grave and serious situation ” and that the North ’ s Ministers were facing “ some of the toughest decisions ” they have ever had to make .
Meanwhile , the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee has recommended in a report that an inquiry be held into the meat-processing industry during the pandemic and its use of agents to procure workers .
The inquiry should consider the State ’ s response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The committee found that while meat processing was highly regulated for food safety , the same regulation was not extended to workers and the Health and Safety Authority was slow to begin inspections of plants .
The report also calls on Nphet to publish its data , modelling code and international evidence that it relies on for recommending restrictions so the information can be peer-reviewed .
This follows criticism from industry groups who sought evidence for the closure of businesses .
The committee confirmed its draft recommendation for a public inquiry into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also wants a review of the impact of the privatisation of Ireland ’ s nursing homes .
A senior inspector at State health watchdog , the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) , has warned that nursing homes were in a “ time of heightened vigilance ” as care facilities were reporting an increasing number of virus infections .
Susan Cliffe , deputy chief inspector at Hiqa , said that nursing home residents who have tested positive in the recent surge , including almost 30 at one home , were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My fear is that we will turn yet another corner and we will start to see residents becoming ill , ” she said .

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan during a media briefing at the Department of Health in Dublin. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
The State’s public health team has not recommended a move to higher levels of restrictions after it met on Thursday, it has emerged.
Two senior sources confirmed that the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) remained seriously concerned about coronavirus infections and have told Government that the situation must be closely monitored, but it stopped short of recommending further restrictions.
One source said there was “nothing too dramatic” at the meeting and that at least another 10 days will be needed to see if the current restrictions are reducing the spread of infections.
Hospital Report
A letter has been sent to Government from the team and will be considered at a Cabinet sub-committee on Friday alongside plans for enhanced enforcement of Level 3 measures including potential fines for those who breach travel restrictions.
READ MORE
‘Very worrying’
There was one additional death related to the virus and 506 further cases of the disease reported by the Department of Health on Thursday.
In Northern Ireland, there were a further 923 cases of the disease reported, the second highest daily total during the pandemic.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin told British prime minister Boris Johnson that Northern Ireland needed financial support to fight a "very worrying" increase in virus cases.
First Minister Arlene Foster warned that Northern Ireland was in a "grave and serious situation" and that the North's Ministers were facing "some of the toughest decisions" they have ever had to make.
Meanwhile, the Oireachtas Covid-19 committee has recommended in a report that an inquiry be held into the meat-processing industry during the pandemic and its use of agents to procure workers.
The inquiry should consider the State’s response to protecting workers, the committee states.
The committee found that while meat processing was highly regulated for food safety, the same regulation was not extended to workers and the Health and Safety Authority was slow to begin inspections of plants.
The report also calls on Nphet to publish its data, modelling code and international evidence that it relies on for recommending restrictions so the information can be peer-reviewed.
Nursing homes
This follows criticism from industry groups who sought evidence for the closure of businesses.
The committee confirmed its draft recommendation for a public inquiry into coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes. It also wants a review of the impact of the privatisation of Ireland’s nursing homes.
A senior inspector at State health watchdog, the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), has warned that nursing homes were in a “time of heightened vigilance” as care facilities were reporting an increasing number of virus infections.
Susan Cliffe, deputy chief inspector at Hiqa, said that nursing home residents who have tested positive in the recent surge, including almost 30 at one home, were “largely well and asymptomatic”.
“My fear is that we will turn yet another corner and we will start to see residents becoming ill,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-09--Nursing homes face time of 'heightened vigilance' - Hiqa inspector

Nursing home residents who have recently tested positive for coronavirus are “ largely well and asymptomatic ” but it is “ a time of heightened vigilance ” , a senior health inspector has said .
Susan Cliffe , deputy chief inspector at State health watchdog , the Health Information and Quality Authority , said cases in nursing homes reporting infections had increased from two or three staff testing positive to larger numbers of positive residents in a matter of weeks .
“ Suddenly , in the last 10 days , we are having centres [ nursing homes ] with 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ What is different so far is that the residents are largely well .
They may be Covid-19 positive but they are asymptomatic.
” She said that one nursing home has almost 30 residents who are asymptomatic .
“ My fear is that we will turn yet another corner and we will start to see residents becoming ill. That is the one thing we are really watching out for and maintaining close contact .
It is so easy for it to come into a nursing home , ” said Ms Cliffe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reported confirmed cases and 118 homes with suspected cases , up from 22 homes with confirmed cases and 22 with suspected cases a month ago , she said .
Ms Cliffe said these figures count homes that reported a positive case in the last four to six weeks and are counting down their 28 days since a new case to have an outbreak declared closed .
Hiqa is checking in on nursing homes through the regulator ’ s daily tracker system .
Concerns have been raised about increasing numbers of nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the settings most vulnerable to the virus , with residents of care facilities accounting for more than half of the 1,817 deaths from the disease during the pandemic .
The State ’ s deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said on Wednesday that there have been at least six new outbreaks so far in October with five open clusters with more than 20 cases .
Ms Cliffe expressed concern that there was no “ consistency of approach ” on whether nursing home residents should be tested where staff members test positive as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing programme to identify asymptomatic cases in order to prevent outbreaks .
“ Some centres where positive staff have been identified have not had their residents tested .
That is a decision for public health but we have asked the HSE to look at this , ” she said .
Sometimes there were “ very good reasons for this ” such as at one home where a staff member tested positive but had not been in the nursing home for eight days , she said .

Hiqa is monitoring 133 homes which have reported confirmed cases and 118 homes with suspected cases, up from 22 homes with confirmed cases and 22 with suspected cases a month ago. Photograph: iStock
Nursing home residents who have recently tested positive for coronavirus are “largely well and asymptomatic” but it is “a time of heightened vigilance”, a senior health inspector has said.
Susan Cliffe, deputy chief inspector at State health watchdog, the Health Information and Quality Authority, said cases in nursing homes reporting infections had increased from two or three staff testing positive to larger numbers of positive residents in a matter of weeks.
“Suddenly, in the last 10 days, we are having centres [nursing homes] with 20 or 30 positive residents,” she said.
Hospital Report
“What is different so far is that the residents are largely well. They may be Covid-19 positive but they are asymptomatic.”
READ MORE
She said that one nursing home has almost 30 residents who are asymptomatic.
“My fear is that we will turn yet another corner and we will start to see residents becoming ill. That is the one thing we are really watching out for and maintaining close contact. It is so easy for it to come into a nursing home,” said Ms Cliffe.
Hiqa is monitoring 133 homes which have reported confirmed cases and 118 homes with suspected cases, up from 22 homes with confirmed cases and 22 with suspected cases a month ago, she said.
Ms Cliffe said these figures count homes that reported a positive case in the last four to six weeks and are counting down their 28 days since a new case to have an outbreak declared closed.
Hiqa is checking in on nursing homes through the regulator’s daily tracker system.
Concerns have been raised about increasing numbers of nursing homes reporting outbreaks.
Nursing homes are among the settings most vulnerable to the virus, with residents of care facilities accounting for more than half of the 1,817 deaths from the disease during the pandemic.
Outbreaks
The State's deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said on Wednesday that there have been at least six new outbreaks so far in October with five open clusters with more than 20 cases.
Ms Cliffe expressed concern that there was no “consistency of approach” on whether nursing home residents should be tested where staff members test positive as part of the HSE’s serial testing programme to identify asymptomatic cases in order to prevent outbreaks.
“Some centres where positive staff have been identified have not had their residents tested. That is a decision for public health but we have asked the HSE to look at this,” she said.
Sometimes there were “very good reasons for this” such as at one home where a staff member tested positive but had not been in the nursing home for eight days, she said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-09--Limerick doctor who spoke at anti-mask rally remains defiant

Just a few minutes into the interview at his sanitised surgery in Adare , Co Limerick , Dr Pat Morrissey breaks down .
Last Monday , he was removed by the board of Shannondoc – the midwest ’ s out-of-hours GP service – after he sharply criticised the National Public Health Emergency Team ’ s ( Nphet ) restrictions at a Covid-19 protest rally in Dublin held last weekend .
The 46-year-old doctor tells The Irish Times he is worried that speaking out could get him in further trouble .
“ I am a bit scared , yes , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right thing.
” During Saturday ’ s rally , he said he had prescribed anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to “ high-risk patients that got sick with Covid ” in defiance of Health Service Executive ( HSE ) regulations .
The HSE said later : “ Hydroxychloroquine is not used as a treatment for Covid-19 .
It has been removed from clinical recommendations due to evidence indicating a lack of benefit in patients hospitalised with Covid-19.
” However , Dr Morrissey says the HSE is being “ disingenuous ” , claiming that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France , South Korea and China that it helps , if used early and together with other drugs .
It has no positive effect in Covid patients who are seriously ill in intensive care , he acknowledges .
“ I discussed it with my patients .
If I had a patient with significant risk factors , such as old age , heart disease , diabetes , overweight , and if they were sick with Covid , I would say to them this treatment is there , it ’ s not licensed for Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other countries , and if you are happy to take it then I am happy to prescribe it for you.
” “ Everyone of them were very grateful , and I ’ ve had patients come back since to thank me , ” he says , becoming emotional again .
He has treated more than 50 patients with Covid-19 , prescribing six with hydroxychloroquine , saying he was “ impressed by the speed ” of patients ’ response .
One patient in their 80s died , but this person was not given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlying conditions .
Critical of Nphet , he argues that it is fuelling fear .
“ The metric should be ICU admissions and deaths .
They say cases are going to go up and up , they ’ ve been saying that since July .
Yes , we are going to see a slight rise in number of cases and deaths , but that happens every winter .
“ Every day 80 people die in Ireland , and , on average , about one or two a day are dying from Covid .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ WITH COVID ] is 84 and the average life expectancy in Ireland is 82.
” Morrissey says it may be hard to hear , but “ it does matter who is dying ” , adding , “ I ’ m not a granny killer and I don ’ t want to be portrayed as such .
My own mother is 88 , and she is not afraid of Covid.
” Every day , he says , he is seeing patients whose mental health has been badly damaged by the pandemic .
Some have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of despondency .
“ The fear is doing more harm to people ’ s health than Covid itself .
The mortality risk is being overplayed.
” Patients are presenting at the clinic with suicidal thoughts , because they are panicked because they “ want to scream every time they see another person wearing a mask because they feel trapped by the prolonged restrictions and the face mask is a physical reminder of the virus , which is silent.
” “ The economy is a proxy for health as well .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the hospitality industry , or the main street in any small town in Ireland , they ’ re suffering .
You can ’ t quantify it , but it ’ s real.
” In his surgery , he wears a mask , but more , he says , to put patients at their ease .
He insists that there is no evidence to suggest that they make much difference .
He qualifies that he is anti-mask only in “ low-risk situations ” such as the streets , and shopping centres .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is upsetting for me , I know people who have died .
I ’ m a big-picture person , and it ’ s not good to just use our individual experiences to determine how society should be run , ” he says .
“ I do acknowledge there have been tragedies , family tragedies in relation to Covid , and that ’ s been very sad , and that ’ s part of the reason why we have reacted in such a way to Covid , and I believe we are overreacting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we not discuss how we are dealing with this societal-wide problem ?
Other countries are doing things in different ways .
”

Just a few minutes into the interview at his sanitised surgery in Adare, Co Limerick, Dr Pat Morrissey breaks down.
Last Monday, he was removed by the board of Shannondoc – the midwest’s out-of-hours GP service – after he sharply criticised the National Public Health Emergency Team’s (Nphet) restrictions at a Covid-19 protest rally in Dublin held last weekend.
The 46-year-old doctor tells The Irish Times he is worried that speaking out could get him in further trouble. “I am a bit scared, yes, but I still think I’m doing the right thing.”
Hospital Report
During Saturday's rally, he said he had prescribed anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to "high-risk patients that got sick with Covid" in defiance of Health Service Executive (HSE) regulations.
READ MORE
The HSE said later: “Hydroxychloroquine is not used as a treatment for Covid-19. It has been removed from clinical recommendations due to evidence indicating a lack of benefit in patients hospitalised with Covid-19.”
However, Dr Morrissey says the HSE is being "disingenuous", claiming that there is "good evidence" from trials in France, South Korea and China that it helps, if used early and together with other drugs.
It has no positive effect in Covid patients who are seriously ill in intensive care, he acknowledges.
“I discussed it with my patients. If I had a patient with significant risk factors, such as old age, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, and if they were sick with Covid, I would say to them this treatment is there, it’s not licensed for Covid, and it’s been used in other countries, and if you are happy to take it then I am happy to prescribe it for you.”
“Everyone of them were very grateful, and I’ve had patients come back since to thank me,” he says, becoming emotional again.
Response
He has treated more than 50 patients with Covid-19, prescribing six with hydroxychloroquine, saying he was “impressed by the speed” of patients’ response. One patient in their 80s died, but this person was not given the drug because they had too many underlying conditions.
Critical of Nphet, he argues that it is fuelling fear.
“The metric should be ICU admissions and deaths. They say cases are going to go up and up, they’ve been saying that since July. Yes, we are going to see a slight rise in number of cases and deaths, but that happens every winter.
"Every day 80 people die in Ireland, and, on average, about one or two a day are dying from Covid. The average age of those dying [WITH COVID]is 84 and the average life expectancy in Ireland is 82."
Morrissey says it may be hard to hear, but “it does matter who is dying”, adding, “I’m not a granny killer and I don’t want to be portrayed as such. My own mother is 88, and she is not afraid of Covid.”
Every day, he says, he is seeing patients whose mental health has been badly damaged by the pandemic. Some have had suicidal thoughts, such is their level of despondency.
“The fear is doing more harm to people’s health than Covid itself. The mortality risk is being overplayed.”
Suicidal thoughts
Patients are presenting at the clinic with suicidal thoughts, because they are panicked because they “want to scream every time they see another person wearing a mask because they feel trapped by the prolonged restrictions and the face mask is a physical reminder of the virus, which is silent.”
Meanwhile, local businesses in Adare struggle.
“The economy is a proxy for health as well. In a village like this, that is dependent on the hospitality industry, or the main street in any small town in Ireland, they’re suffering. You can’t quantify it, but it’s real.”
In his surgery, he wears a mask, but more, he says, to put patients at their ease. He insists that there is no evidence to suggest that they make much difference. He qualifies that he is anti-mask only in “low-risk situations” such as the streets, and shopping centres.
“I’m not nonchalant, this is upsetting for me, I know people who have died. I’m a big-picture person, and it’s not good to just use our individual experiences to determine how society should be run,” he says.
“I do acknowledge there have been tragedies, family tragedies in relation to Covid, and that’s been very sad, and that’s part of the reason why we have reacted in such a way to Covid, and I believe we are overreacting.
“I just want discussion. Can we not discuss how we are dealing with this societal-wide problem? Other countries are doing things in different ways.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-09--Limerick disability centre’s service ‘unacceptable’ due to funding shortfall

A centre for more than 100 adults with intellectual disabilities in Limerick is providing an “ unacceptable ” service since reopening after lockdown , its management has warned .
The St Vincent ’ s Centre , a training , enterprise and employment service ( TEES ) , at Lisnagry , is providing participants who had attended five days ’ a week up to March 12th , with just a one day a week service since reopening on September 7th .
The introduction of Level 3 restrictions on Tuesday will not change this .
This is due to social distancing requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daughters of Charity who run the service .
They are “ dismayed ” at the recent €10 million allocated to all disability day services by the Health Service Executive in its plan to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 , saying this would allow them “ increase day services by one day a week ” at most .
Among those impacted is Ian Carmody ( 24 ) who is autistic and non-verbal and “ loved ” attending the centre just outside Limerick city .
Attending five days a week , from 9.30am to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities and a sense of independence , said his father Brendan Carmody who gave up his job at Boston Scientific in Cork several years ago to care for his son .
While “ lockdown was tough ” the family had outdoor space , the weather was good and Ian ’ s mother , Irene , who works as a school special needs assistant ( SNA ) , was off work .
“ We managed , ” said Mr Carmody .
“ Come September , there was an announcement that day services would reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going back.
” A month on , and almost seven months since it closed , St Vincent ’ s can accommodate Ian for just five hours on Fridays .
His mother is back at work .
Where he had a routine of being up at 7.30am to be dropped off by his father and arriving home about 5pm , he now sits at home .
“ There ’ s nothing for him , ” said Mr Carmody .
“ Sure , he loves watching YouTube , Disney movies , music .
But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all day .
He gets very frustrated .
He squeezes his hands together and makes agitated sounds .
“ One of the worst things was , on Sunday evenings he used to go and get his bag to get ready for the week .
He did that again and we had to tell him : ‘ All gone .
All gone ’ Now , on Sunday he goes and just looks at the bag.
” The strain on his wife is , he said , “ horrendous ” .
The upheaval means Ian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother to settle .
“ She is hardly sleeping .
If this goes on I am very worried she will not be able to keep working .
“ No-one seems to care about people with disabilities .
The Government is throwing money at everything at the moment and then just €10 million for all day services .
It ’ s like we are an afterthought : ‘ We ’ ll throw them a handout if we feel like it.
’ Where are Ian ’ s rights ?
” A spokesman for St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charity said pre-lockdown , 140 people had attended its day services five days a week in Limerick – 90 as day-attendees and 50 residents from community houses .
“ Attendee hours have been significantly reduced due to capacity issues resulting from social distancing requirements , staff redeployment to community houses , and resource [ staffing ] issues.
” In addition , as service users from residential units are no longer attending day services to avoid bringing Covid in from the community , they are at home all day .
St Vincent ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residential units from day services .
With sufficient funding the centre could provide day services on more days , by recruiting additional staff and making additional premises Covid-compliant , he said .
Until then , “ the limited service provision will continue .
The current day service offered to day attendees in TEES Limerick is extremely concerning .
.
.
and is acknowledged as unacceptable.
” The National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers , an umbrella body representing more than 60 service providers for people with intellectual disabilities , was “ shocked ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlined how “ imperative ” it was Government adopt the rights-based approach provided in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which Ireland ratified in 2018 , said chairman Sean Abbot .
A spokesman said HSE Mid-West was examining “ additional funding streams , be it recurring and or once-off , to provide an increase in the quantum of day services ” .
Asked when Ian ’ s day services would return to normal he said : “ Ultimately it will depend on a number of factors ” including social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to “ support increased and/or return to full day service ” .
A spokeswoman for the HSE national office said the executive was “ fully cognisant ” of the stress to people with disabilities and their families .
“ The HSE ’ s aim is to restore services in a safe way .
In line with the very significant investment made by the State and funded agencies we will continue to work with service users and their families/carers to ensure that we achieve this aim .
”

A centre for more than 100 adults with intellectual disabilities in Limerick is providing an "unacceptable" service since reopening after lockdown, its management has warned.
The St Vincent's Centre, a training, enterprise and employment service (TEES), at Lisnagry, is providing participants who had attended five days' a week up to March 12th, with just a one day a week service since reopening on September 7th. The introduction of Level 3 restrictions on Tuesday will not change this.
This is due to social distancing requirements and "staffing issues", said the Daughters of Charity who run the service. They are "dismayed" at the recent €10 million allocated to all disability day services by the Health Service Executive in its plan to mitigate the impact of Covid-19, saying this would allow them "increase day services by one day a week" at most.
Among those impacted is Ian Carmody (24) who is autistic and non-verbal and "loved" attending the centre just outside Limerick city. Attending five days a week, from 9.30am to 4pm, provided him with friendships, activities and a sense of independence, said his father Brendan Carmody who gave up his job at Boston Scientific in Cork several years ago to care for his son.
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While “lockdown was tough” the family had outdoor space, the weather was good and Ian’s mother, Irene, who works as a school special needs assistant (SNA), was off work. “We managed,” said Mr Carmody.
“Come September, there was an announcement that day services would reopen. We told Ian he would be going back.” A month on, and almost seven months since it closed, St Vincent’s can accommodate Ian for just five hours on Fridays. His mother is back at work.
Where he had a routine of being up at 7.30am to be dropped off by his father and arriving home about 5pm, he now sits at home.
"There's nothing for him," said Mr Carmody. "Sure, he loves watching YouTube, Disney movies, music. But he can't look at his tablet all day. He gets very frustrated. He squeezes his hands together and makes agitated sounds.
“One of the worst things was, on Sunday evenings he used to go and get his bag to get ready for the week. He did that again and we had to tell him: ‘All gone. All gone’ Now, on Sunday he goes and just looks at the bag.”
The strain on his wife is, he said, “horrendous”. The upheaval means Ian is not sleeping well and he needs his mother to settle. “She is hardly sleeping. If this goes on I am very worried she will not be able to keep working.
“No-one seems to care about people with disabilities. The Government is throwing money at everything at the moment and then just €10 million for all day services. It’s like we are an afterthought: ‘We’ll throw them a handout if we feel like it.’ Where are Ian’s rights?”
A spokesman for St Vincent’s and the Daughters of Charity said pre-lockdown, 140 people had attended its day services five days a week in Limerick – 90 as day-attendees and 50 residents from community houses.
“Attendee hours have been significantly reduced due to capacity issues resulting from social distancing requirements, staff redeployment to community houses, and resource [staffing] issues.”
In addition, as service users from residential units are no longer attending day services to avoid bringing Covid in from the community, they are at home all day. St Vincent’s has had to redeploy staff to the residential units from day services. With sufficient funding the centre could provide day services on more days, by recruiting additional staff and making additional premises Covid-compliant, he said.
Until then, “the limited service provision will continue. The current day service offered to day attendees in TEES Limerick is extremely concerning . . . and is acknowledged as unacceptable.”
‘Shocked’
The National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, an umbrella body representing more than 60 service providers for people with intellectual disabilities, was “shocked” at the €10 million allocation.
It underlined how "imperative" it was Government adopt the rights-based approach provided in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which Ireland ratified in 2018, said chairman Sean Abbot.
A spokesman said HSE Mid-West was examining “additional funding streams, be it recurring and or once-off, to provide an increase in the quantum of day services”. Asked when Ian’s day services would return to normal he said: “Ultimately it will depend on a number of factors” including social distancing protocols and funding for additional staff to “support increased and/or return to full day service”.
A spokeswoman for the HSE national office said the executive was “fully cognisant” of the stress to people with disabilities and their families.
“The HSE’s aim is to restore services in a safe way. In line with the very significant investment made by the State and funded agencies we will continue to work with service users and their families/carers to ensure that we achieve this aim.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-09--Warning over lack of resources for people with disabilities

Future generations will “ hang their heads in shame ” at the way people with disabilities are treated , the chairman of a new Oireachtas committee on disability matters has warned .
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan said it was “ clear disability services are not resourced properly by the HSE or the State ” and criticised a “ belittling ” attitude of some towards the sector .
Referring to community disability services funded under section 39 of the 2004 Health Act , he said : “ I have seen this sneering , belittling attitude towards the section 39 organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that provide so many of the vital services .
“ In essence these organisations were set up as voluntary bodies , and they are providing services that the State should be providing .
They are vital services and service users and their families have rights to these services.
” The closure of many day services since March had deprived people of these rights .
“ They have lost their routines , their friends , their social outlets , ” he said , adding , “ All of this has caused huge human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This has to be reversed ” .
He said he had often noted how readily parliamentary colleagues will debate the scandals of the past “ the mother and baby homes , Tuam – and so we should .
But we have not had a genuine national debate about what is happening in the here and now .
In the future we will hang our heads in shame at the way people with disabilities and their families are treated .
“ I want to see these services treated with the same importance at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Government thinking in the same way the Department of Education , of Health , of Agriculture [ are ] .
They are as important.
” His comments come as Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in the Dáil on Tuesday he wanted to see the State “ take a stronger role in terms of the provision of such services ” .
The joint committee on disability matters is to begin work next Wednesday .
Mr Moynihan said it would “ invite in all the providers , families , carers , the HSE ” between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main issues ” with a view to agreeing an agenda of work for 2021 .
A key issue will be Ireland ’ s full implementation of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities , ratified in March 2018 .
Signatories guarantee to “ promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities , and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
” Among the areas it covers are equality in accessing education , healthcare , employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independently , freedom from abuse , and , freedom of movement .
Mr Moynihan said there was a “ massive crisis ” in waiting times for assessments for services such as occupational and speech and language therapies , and then a dearth of those services .

Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan said it was ‘clear disability services are not resourced properly by the HSE or the State’ and criticised a ‘belittling’ attitude of some towards the sector
Future generations will "hang their heads in shame" at the way people with disabilities are treated, the chairman of a new Oireachtas committee on disability matters has warned.
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Moynihan said it was "clear disability services are not resourced properly by the HSE or the State" and criticised a "belittling" attitude of some towards the sector.
Referring to community disability services funded under section 39 of the 2004 Health Act, he said: “I have seen this sneering, belittling attitude towards the section 39 organisations, from people who should know better, that provide so many of the vital services.
“In essence these organisations were set up as voluntary bodies, and they are providing services that the State should be providing. They are vital services and service users and their families have rights to these services.”
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Forgotten people
The closure of many day services since March had deprived people of these rights. “They have lost their routines, their friends, their social outlets,” he said, adding, “All of this has caused huge human damage. They are the forgotten people. This has to be reversed”.
He said he had often noted how readily parliamentary colleagues will debate the scandals of the past "the mother and baby homes, Tuam – and so we should. But we have not had a genuine national debate about what is happening in the here and now. In the future we will hang our heads in shame at the way people with disabilities and their families are treated.
“I want to see these services treated with the same importance at Government, to be at the forefront of Government thinking in the same way the Department of Education, of Health, of Agriculture [are]. They are as important.”
His comments come as Taoiseach Micheál Martin said in the Dáil on Tuesday he wanted to see the State “take a stronger role in terms of the provision of such services”.
The joint committee on disability matters is to begin work next Wednesday. Mr Moynihan said it would “invite in all the providers, families, carers, the HSE” between now and Christmas, “to identify the main issues” with a view to agreeing an agenda of work for 2021.
Human rights
A key issue will be Ireland’s full implementation of the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified in March 2018. Signatories guarantee to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.”
Among the areas it covers are equality in accessing education, healthcare, employment, justice, the right to live independently, freedom from abuse, and, freedom of movement.
Mr Moynihan said there was a “massive crisis” in waiting times for assessments for services such as occupational and speech and language therapies, and then a dearth of those services.


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Leaked treaty on EU-Mercosur trade deal ‘has no climate protection’

There are no sanctionable clauses requiring the EU and Mercosur countries in South America to respect climate or environmental protection in the treaty under negotiation between the two blocs , according to a leaked copy of the negotiation text published by Greenpeace Germany .
The treaty also sets up decision-making bodies and procedures “ that operate outside democratic scrutiny ” , the environmental group said .
The EU-Mercosur Association Agreement sets out the conditions under which either of the parties could sanction the other , or suspend the agreement .
It was finalised on June 18th with confirmation issued by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Nowhere in these conditions is there any requirement to respect commitments to tackle the climate emergency or to protect nature , ” Greenpeace said on Friday .
This is especially worrying in light of concerns identified by critics of the trade deal , it added ; notably the “ ongoing destruction of the Amazon rainforest , the Pantanal wetlands and other ecosystems in Mercosur countries ” – including Brazil , Argentina , Paraguay and Uruguay .
Greenpeace trade expert Jürgen Knirsch said : “ Omitting binding commitments to stop nature destruction and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regard this deal has for the existential challenges we face.
” “ The deal would accelerate the destruction of the Amazon , unleashing climate chaos and annihilating countless species .
In the 21st century , international agreements must have the protection of people and nature at their core , not as a ‘ nice-to-have ’ – this deal doesn ’ t measure up and must be scrapped , ” he added .
There is growing concern in Europe about possible climate impacts arising from the deal .
German chancellor Angela Merkel indicated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over whether to back the trade deal due to worsening deforestation in the Amazon .
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar last month noted growing scepticism among governments and trade ministers “ about whether we can approve and ratify and implement Mercosur when Brazil was not fully honouring its obligations under the Paris climate agreement ” .
This week at a briefing on the Government ’ s new Climate Action Bill , he underlined the deal would have to be rigorously “ climate-proofed ” .
The leaked documents included the negotiated text of the EU-Mercosur Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorporates the controversial EU-Mercosur free trade agreement , which has been publicly available since July 2019 .
Unlike requirements in the deal to respect human rights or resist proliferation of weapons of mass destruction , environmental and climate protection is not considered an “ essential element ” , and parties to the deal can not be sanctioned for breaches .
The deal text namechecks the Paris climate agreement , calling for its rapid implementation , but there are no binding commitments to support it or repercussions if the parties fail to implement it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the financial sector , including the European Investment Bank , “ but there is no requirement for these investments to meet sustainability criteria , leaving the door open to funding for climate-damaging industrial agriculture and the destruction of vital natural habitats ” .
According to the negotiated text , the “ Association Council ” and the “ Association Committees ” of the agreement have the power to adopt binding decisions and interpretations of the agreement without democratic scrutiny or any involvement of the European Parliament and national parliaments .
Before the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language of this text must be corrected and translated into all EU languages .
The European Commission must then make a proposal to be submitted for a European Council decision to sign the agreement .
This could be done at the Foreign Affairs Council ( Trade ) in early November .
As the trade agreement is part of the “ Association Agreement ” , this will require unanimous approval by the council before it can go to the European Parliament for approval .
In analysis for Greenpeace , Berlin-based trade specialist Thomas Fritz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement on how implementation of individual human rights treaties could be supported .
“ In view of the deteriorating human rights situation , among other places in Brazil , more concrete measures could have been expected here , for example to protect land rights , indigenous communities , human rights defenders and environmentalists , ” he adds .
The co-operation part of the text contains articles on areas of environmental cooperation , including sustainable development , sustainable urban development , climate change , oceans and seas , energy and raw materials .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any concrete initiatives to which the parties would commit themselves .
Instead , numerous so-called ‘ best endeavour clauses ’ exist , in which the parties formulate non-binding declarations of intent .
”

No sanctionable clauses requiring the EU and Mercosur countries in South America to respect climate or environmental protection Photo by Carl de Souza/AFP via Getty
There are no sanctionable clauses requiring the EU and Mercosur countries in South America to respect climate or environmental protection in the treaty under negotiation between the two blocs, according to a leaked copy of the negotiation text published by Greenpeace Germany.
The treaty also sets up decision-making bodies and procedures “that operate outside democratic scrutiny”, the environmental group said.
The EU-Mercosur Association Agreement sets out the conditions under which either of the parties could sanction the other, or suspend the agreement. It was finalised on June 18th with confirmation issued by the European Commission but not published.
“Nowhere in these conditions is there any requirement to respect commitments to tackle the climate emergency or to protect nature,” Greenpeace said on Friday.
READ MORE
This is especially worrying in light of concerns identified by critics of the trade deal, it added; notably the "ongoing destruction of the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal wetlands and other ecosystems in Mercosur countries" – including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Greenpeace trade expert Jürgen Knirsch said: “Omitting binding commitments to stop nature destruction and tackle the climate crisis shows how little regard this deal has for the existential challenges we face.”
“The deal would accelerate the destruction of the Amazon, unleashing climate chaos and annihilating countless species. In the 21st century, international agreements must have the protection of people and nature at their core, not as a ‘nice-to-have’ – this deal doesn’t measure up and must be scrapped,” he added.
There is growing concern in Europe about possible climate impacts arising from the deal. German chancellor Angela Merkel indicated in August she has "considerable doubts" over whether to back the trade deal due to worsening deforestation in the Amazon.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar last month noted growing scepticism among governments and trade ministers "about whether we can approve and ratify and implement Mercosur when Brazil was not fully honouring its obligations under the Paris climate agreement". This week at a briefing on the Government's new Climate Action Bill, he underlined the deal would have to be rigorously "climate-proofed".
The leaked documents included the negotiated text of the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement with the overarching treaty, which incorporates the controversial EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, which has been publicly available since July 2019.
No sanctions
Unlike requirements in the deal to respect human rights or resist proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, environmental and climate protection is not considered an “essential element”, and parties to the deal cannot be sanctioned for breaches.
The deal text namechecks the Paris climate agreement, calling for its rapid implementation, but there are no binding commitments to support it or repercussions if the parties fail to implement it, Greenpeace noted.
It encourages investments from the financial sector, including the European Investment Bank, “but there is no requirement for these investments to meet sustainability criteria, leaving the door open to funding for climate-damaging industrial agriculture and the destruction of vital natural habitats”.
According to the negotiated text, the "Association Council" and the "Association Committees" of the agreement have the power to adopt binding decisions and interpretations of the agreement without democratic scrutiny or any involvement of the European Parliament and national parliaments.
Before the final approval process can start, the legal language of this text must be corrected and translated into all EU languages. The European Commission must then make a proposal to be submitted for a European Council decision to sign the agreement. This could be done at the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) in early November. As the trade agreement is part of the "Association Agreement", this will require unanimous approval by the council before it can go to the European Parliament for approval.
In analysis for Greenpeace, Berlin-based trade specialist Thomas Fritz says there is a lack of concrete agreement on how implementation of individual human rights treaties could be supported. "In view of the deteriorating human rights situation, among other places in Brazil, more concrete measures could have been expected here, for example to protect land rights, indigenous communities, human rights defenders and environmentalists," he adds.
The co-operation part of the text contains articles on areas of environmental cooperation, including sustainable development, sustainable urban development, climate change, oceans and seas, energy and raw materials.
“However, even here there are hardly any concrete initiatives to which the parties would commit themselves. Instead, numerous so-called ‘best endeavour clauses’ exist, in which the parties formulate non-binding declarations of intent.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Catholic archbishops request meeting with Taoiseach about loss of mass services

The four Catholic archbishops of Ireland have requested a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to address concerns about the loss of mass services during Covid-19 restrictions .
Under Level 3 all religious services must move online , although places of worship can remain open for private prayer .
However , a letter from the Archbishops points out that communal celebration of Mass and the Sacraments , even with restricted numbers , “ is at the very heart of what it means for us to be a Christian community ” .
“ We wish to engage constructively with the civil authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to the support of Mass and the Sacraments and essential spiritual nourishment for these challenging times , ” it says .
The letter , a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times , is signed by Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh ; Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin ; Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam ; and Archbishop Kieran O ’ Reilly of Cashel and Emly .
They stress their support for the guidance of public health authorities but are clearly concerned about the access to mass being online only .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not simply ‘ gatherings ’ of people , but profound expressions of who we are as a Church .
“ We are also acutely aware that for parishes and individual Catholics the loss of these spiritual supports can be a source of great anxiety and fear , and can have a detrimental impact on their overall health and well-being .
“ We would be grateful to have a meeting with you in the coming days and look forward to constructive discussion on these issues .
”

The four Catholic archbishops of Ireland have requested a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to address concerns about the loss of mass services during Covid-19 restrictions. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times.
The four Catholic archbishops of Ireland have requested a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to address concerns about the loss of mass services during Covid-19 restrictions.
Under Level 3 all religious services must move online, although places of worship can remain open for private prayer.
However, a letter from the Archbishops points out that communal celebration of Mass and the Sacraments, even with restricted numbers, “is at the very heart of what it means for us to be a Christian community”.
“We wish to engage constructively with the civil authorities to ensure that our people have continued access to the support of Mass and the Sacraments and essential spiritual nourishment for these challenging times,” it says.
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The letter, a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times, is signed by Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh; Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin; Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam; and Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly of Cashel and Emly.
They stress their support for the guidance of public health authorities but are clearly concerned about the access to mass being online only.
Mass, the letter explains, “is not simply ‘gatherings’ of people, but profound expressions of who we are as a Church.
“We are also acutely aware that for parishes and individual Catholics the loss of these spiritual supports can be a source of great anxiety and fear, and can have a detrimental impact on their overall health and well-being.
“We would be grateful to have a meeting with you in the coming days and look forward to constructive discussion on these issues.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Future of people driving around country in private cars is ‘fantasy built on cheap oil’

Dublin City Architect Ali Grehan has said the future of people driving around the country in private cars is a moribund “ fantasy built on cheap oil ” .
Ms Grehan is advocating for the permanent allocation of open public space in the capital , following its increased temporary use to limit the spread of Covid-19 .
She was one of a number of speakers at Thursday ’ s Open House Dublin online “ Big Debate – Dublin ’ s Fair City ” , organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation , discussing the creation of city space in the context @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do astonishing things when we have to , ” Ms Grehan said , regarding the change in social behaviour and Dublin City Council ’ s Covid-19 mobility measures that aim to free up space for alternative mobility .
“ Just at the very basic level , those temporary measures we do need to make them beautiful .
We need to make them permanent .
I think we absolutely need to give more street space to pedestrians , to people of all abilities , ” she said .
“ And enable people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less space to private cars .
Private car use is a fantasy built on this idea that we can all move around on a whim ... and travel around the country in our private cars is a fantasy that is built on cheap oil .
And that is on the way out.
” Ms Grehan had said there was a question as to whether Dublin had become a fair city in the aftermath of the economic recovery .
“ If we didn ’ t get it quite right after our last big calamity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I suppose the question is can we learn from the last few years and use Covid as an opportunity to get things right ?
” She said public space was important to the city , something brought into “ sharp relief ” in recent months .
“ I think the city will survive Covid because it has to survive Covid .
Cities are part of the solution to our sustainability challenge.
” Andrée Dargan , County Architect at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council , said Covid-19 had coincided with the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and noted the recent 3.6 kilometre coastal cycleway between Blackrock and Sandycove had been considered for a long time .
“ It took the emergency that is Covid to bring it to reality , ” she said – reimagined public spaces had also come about .
However , Sinéad Burke , director of the Tilting The Lens consultancy , and disability rights campaigner who advocates for accessible city design , cautioned that the idea of simply removing private cars had to be considered in a broader context .
“ There has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private cars out .
But what about if you can ’ t walk very far ?
” she said .
“ Are we ensuring that our public service transport is accessible ?
Are we perhaps mobilising our buses to move to electric so that we can both decrease the emissions in our city but also ensure that different types of people can walk about and have agency ?
”

Dublin City Architect Ali Grehan has said the future of people driving around the country in private cars is a moribund “fantasy built on cheap oil”. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Dublin City Architect Ali Grehan has said the future of people driving around the country in private cars is a moribund "fantasy built on cheap oil".
Ms Grehan is advocating for the permanent allocation of open public space in the capital, following its increased temporary use to limit the spread of Covid-19.
She was one of a number of speakers at Thursday's Open House Dublin online "Big Debate – Dublin's Fair City", organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation, discussing the creation of city space in the context of the pandemic experience.
“We can do astonishing things when we have to,” Ms Grehan said, regarding the change in social behaviour and Dublin City Council’s Covid-19 mobility measures that aim to free up space for alternative mobility.
READ MORE
“Just at the very basic level, those temporary measures we do need to make them beautiful. We need to make them permanent. I think we absolutely need to give more street space to pedestrians, to people of all abilities,” she said.
“And enable people to move around sustainability and [give] less space to private cars. Private car use is a fantasy built on this idea that we can all move around on a whim...and travel around the country in our private cars is a fantasy that is built on cheap oil. And that is on the way out.”
Ms Grehan had said there was a question as to whether Dublin had become a fair city in the aftermath of the economic recovery.
“If we didn’t get it quite right after our last big calamity and Covid is now really testing us, I suppose the question is can we learn from the last few years and use Covid as an opportunity to get things right?”
She said public space was important to the city, something brought into “sharp relief” in recent months.
“I think the city will survive Covid because it has to survive Covid. Cities are part of the solution to our sustainability challenge.”
Efforts
Andrée Dargan, County Architect at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, said Covid-19 had coincided with the beginning of efforts to tackle climate change in cities, and noted the recent 3.6 kilometre coastal cycleway between Blackrock and Sandycove had been considered for a long time.
“It took the emergency that is Covid to bring it to reality,” she said – reimagined public spaces had also come about.
However, Sinéad Burke, director of the Tilting The Lens consultancy, and disability rights campaigner who advocates for accessible city design, cautioned that the idea of simply removing private cars had to be considered in a broader context.
“There has been brilliant suggestions made about pedestrianisation, taking private cars out. But what about if you can’t walk very far?” she said.
“Are we ensuring that our public service transport is accessible? Are we perhaps mobilising our buses to move to electric so that we can both decrease the emissions in our city but also ensure that different types of people can walk about and have agency?”


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Some Essex victims were in previous foiled smuggling attempt, container trial told

Some of the 39 people found dead in a lorry container in Essex were involved in an earlier foiled people-smuggling attempt , a court has heard .
The Vietnamese men , woman and children , aged between 15 and 44 , suffocated as they were transported from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Purfleet in England on October 23 last year .
Jurors have heard how the victims had been sealed in the pitch black unit in temperatures of 38.5 degrees for 12 hours .
Four alleged people-smugglers , including two men from Northern Ireland , are on trial at the Old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gheorghe Nica ( 43 ) of Basildon , Essex , and lorry driver Eamonn Harrison ( 23 ) of Mayobridge , Co Down , who allegedly transported the migrants to the ferry at Zeebrugge , deny 39 counts of manslaughter .
They are accused with another lorry driver Christopher Kennedy ( 24 ) of Co Armagh and Valentin Calota ( 37 ) of Birmingham , of being part of a wider people-smuggling operation , whichMr Nica has admitted .
On Thursday , prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones told the court about two earlier people-smuggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 11th the occupants of a farm near Purfleet allegedly witnessed 15 to 20 people get out of a lorry trailer and run towards a fleet of dark cars which then drove off at speed .
On that occasion , the trailer was dropped off by Mr Harrison at Zeebrugge and collected by Mr Kennedy at Purfleet who was then met by Mr Nica and others at the nearby pick-up point , it was claimed .
Mr Kennedy was stopped at Coquelles in France en route to Folkestone via the Eurotunnel , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 20 Vietnamese people were discovered in the back , Mr Emlyn Jones said .
The migrants were taken away by authorities but Mr Kennedy was allowed to continue on his way to Kent , the court heard .
Mr Emlyn Jones told jurors : “ At least two of the Vietnamese nationals turfed out of the lorry that night ended up in Harrison ’ s lorry on October 22nd , and were amongst the victims who died that night .
“ So you may think that this provides a powerful link between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fatal episode on the 22nd/23rd.
” “ These particular victims had secured the services of the organised criminal network to get them to the UK .
“ They are providing £10,000 a head for that service .
“ Obviously , they need a plan B , they try again .
“ So the organisers have to arrange a replacement journey — which again involves the same teams of drivers , lorries , and so on.
” The court has previously heard that four other defendants have already admitted their part in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver Maurice Robinson ( 26 ) of Craigavon in Northern Ireland , who found the 39 migrants dead in the container after picking it up in Purfleet , and haulier boss Ronan Hughes ( 41 ) of Co Armagh who have admitted manslaughter .
Jurors heard how , on October 18th , Mr Harrison took a mixed load of migrants and biscuits to Zeebrugge which was picked up by Kennedy when it reached Purfleet on the ferry .
The human cargo was allegedly dropped off at the same location as before where Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were caught on CCTV footage waiting .
The night before , Mr Kennedy had been in touch with Mr Hughes on burner phones , Mr Emlyn Jones said : “ Dirty phones for dirty business.
” Later on October 18th , Mr Kennedy ’ s trailer , now just carrying pallets of macaroons and Bakewell tarts , travelled to Kent , where Lenham Storage warehouse manager Barbara Richmond-Clarke was awaiting delivery .
On inspection , Ms Richmond-Clarke noticed that , although the top layer of Crimbles macaroons looked intact , underneath them were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on them , Mr Emlyn Jones said .
The consignment was rejected as there appeared to be human activity in the trailer with goods restacked despite the seal on the rear doors being unbroken.–PA

Court artist sketch of Gheorghe Nica (left) and Eamonn Harrison (right) two of four men to face trial, at the Old Bailey in London, for being part of an alleged people-smuggling ring linked to the death of 39 migrants in a lorry in Essex. Sketch: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire
Some of the 39 people found dead in a lorry container in Essex were involved in an earlier foiled people-smuggling attempt, a court has heard.
The Vietnamese men, woman and children, aged between 15 and 44, suffocated as they were transported from Zeebrugge in Belgium to Purfleet in England on October 23 last year.
Jurors have heard how the victims had been sealed in the pitch black unit in temperatures of 38.5 degrees for 12 hours.
Four alleged people-smugglers, including two men from Northern Ireland, are on trial at the Old Bailey in London.
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Alleged key player Gheorghe Nica (43) of Basildon, Essex, and lorry driver Eamonn Harrison (23)of Mayobridge, Co Down, who allegedly transported the migrants to the ferry at Zeebrugge, deny 39 counts of manslaughter.
They are accused with another lorry driver Christopher Kennedy (24) of Co Armagh and Valentin Calota (37) of Birmingham, of being part of a wider people-smuggling operation, whichMr Nica has admitted.
On Thursday, prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones told the court about two earlier people-smuggling trips around October last year.
On October 11th the occupants of a farm near Purfleet allegedly witnessed 15 to 20 people get out of a lorry trailer and run towards a fleet of dark cars which then drove off at speed.
On that occasion, the trailer was dropped off by Mr Harrison at Zeebrugge and collected by Mr Kennedy at Purfleet who was then met by Mr Nica and others at the nearby pick-up point, it was claimed.
Mr Kennedy was stopped at Coquelles in France en route to Folkestone via the Eurotunnel, the court heard.
His lorry was searched and 20 Vietnamese people were discovered in the back, Mr Emlyn Jones said.
The migrants were taken away by authorities but Mr Kennedy was allowed to continue on his way to Kent, the court heard.
Mr Emlyn Jones told jurors: “At least two of the Vietnamese nationals turfed out of the lorry that night ended up in Harrison’s lorry on October 22nd, and were amongst the victims who died that night.
“So you may think that this provides a powerful link between the activities of October 14, and the fatal episode on the 22nd/23rd.”
“These particular victims had secured the services of the organised criminal network to get them to the UK.
“They are providing £10,000 a head for that service.
“Obviously, they need a plan B, they try again.
“So the organisers have to arrange a replacement journey — which again involves the same teams of drivers, lorries, and so on.”
The court has previously heard that four other defendants have already admitted their part in the people-smuggling plot.
Among them are lorry driver Maurice Robinson (26) of Craigavon in Northern Ireland, who found the 39 migrants dead in the container after picking it up in Purfleet, and haulier boss Ronan Hughes (41)of Co Armagh who have admitted manslaughter.
Jurors heard how, on October 18th, Mr Harrison took a mixed load of migrants and biscuits to Zeebrugge which was picked up by Kennedy when it reached Purfleet on the ferry.
The human cargo was allegedly dropped off at the same location as before where Mr Hughes, Mr Nica and Mr Calota were caught on CCTV footage waiting.
The night before, Mr Kennedy had been in touch with Mr Hughes on burner phones, Mr Emlyn Jones said: “Dirty phones for dirty business.”
Later on October 18th, Mr Kennedy’s trailer, now just carrying pallets of macaroons and Bakewell tarts, travelled to Kent, where Lenham Storage warehouse manager Barbara Richmond-Clarke was awaiting delivery.
On inspection, Ms Richmond-Clarke noticed that, although the top layer of Crimbles macaroons looked intact, underneath them were crushed boxes which had footprints and dirt on them, Mr Emlyn Jones said.
The consignment was rejected as there appeared to be human activity in the trailer with goods restacked despite the seal on the rear doors being unbroken.–PA


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Church of Ireland affirms ‘sacredness of human life’ in assisted dying debate

The Church of Ireland Archbishops have called for sensitivity in discussing end of life issues as the Dying with Dignity Bill in the Dáil goes to Committee stage .
Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson on Thursday evening affirmed “ the sacredness of human life , in its totality from beginning to end , as a gift given by God , and that each and every human life is intrinsically valuable in all its phases ” .
They “ recognised that very difficult situations and emotions can arise from the management of care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discussion of personal circumstances always requires the utmost sensitivity ” .
“ Such sensitivity should also be borne in mind in the public debate around these issues.
” Earlier on Thursday , Presbyterian Moderator Rev Dr David Bruce , said he was “ deeply disappointed and gravely concerned ” at Wednesday night ’ s decision by TDs not to reject the ‘ Dying with Dignity Bill ’ .
The Bill , he said , “ raises fundamental questions about the value that is placed on human life in Ireland , something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from God ” .
“ At the same time , we welcome the acknowledgement by the Government , in its failed amendment to the Bill , that there is no human right to access assisted suicide.
” He said the Presbyterian Church hoped it would “ have an opportunity to express our significant anxieties about this legislation directly to TDs and Senators as it progresses through the Oireachtas ” .
“ We look forward to contributing to the national debate from the perspective of a pastor ’ s care , and affirming that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compassion for those already suffering .
”

Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop John McDowell (above) and Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson said they ‘recognised that very difficult situations and emotions can arise from the management of care towards the end of a life’.
The Church of Ireland Archbishops have called for sensitivity in discussing end of life issues as the Dying with Dignity Bill in the Dáil goes to Committee stage.
Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson on Thursday evening affirmed "the sacredness of human life, in its totality from beginning to end, as a gift given by God, and that each and every human life is intrinsically valuable in all its phases".
They “recognised that very difficult situations and emotions can arise from the management of care towards the end of a life and the discussion of personal circumstances always requires the utmost sensitivity”.
“Such sensitivity should also be borne in mind in the public debate around these issues.”
READ MORE
Earlier on Thursday, Presbyterian Moderator Rev Dr David Bruce, said he was "deeply disappointed and gravely concerned" at Wednesday night's decision by TDs not to reject the 'Dying with Dignity Bill'.
The Bill, he said, “raises fundamental questions about the value that is placed on human life in Ireland, something that we firmly believe to be a gift from God”.
“At the same time, we welcome the acknowledgement by the Government, in its failed amendment to the Bill, that there is no human right to access assisted suicide.”
He said the Presbyterian Church hoped it would “have an opportunity to express our significant anxieties about this legislation directly to TDs and Senators as it progresses through the Oireachtas”.
“We look forward to contributing to the national debate from the perspective of a pastor’s care, and affirming that assisted suicide is not an expression of compassion for those already suffering.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-08--Restrictions around the world: How countries are tackling the latest surge

Israel 3,275 cases per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) .
Israel ’ s experience with Covid-19 has put our own recent spike into perspective .
With roughly twice the population of the Republic ( 9 million v 5 million ) , it has had 281,000 cases to date as opposed to 40,000 in the Republic .
Daily cases peaked at 9,015 last week and are still running at more than 4,000 a day .
On September 13th , the Israeli government approved a total three week countrywide lockdown which has been extended to October 14th .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions could last for another six months .
People are limited to within a kilometre of their home except for essential activities like buying food and chemists .
All schools , except special schools are closed .
All malls , hotels , bars , restaurants and gyms are also closed .
Even religous gatherings in this intensely religious country with Ultra-Orthodox Jews in government , are strictly limited .
Countries like Israel are being watched closely to see how the fare with such a severe lockdown .
Spain 305 cases per 100,000 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain has consistently had one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in Europe .
In Madrid 40 per cent of all ICU beds are occupied by people with Covid-19 .
In the Madrid area and surrounding cities , people are only allowed to leave their towns to go to work or the doctors .
Bars and restaurants must close at 11pm , there can be no standing at bars and capacities are limited to 50 per cent inside and 60 on wide walk terraces .
Outside the Madrid area , most places are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) .
France has been experiencing record high numbers of Covid-19 cases in recent weeks with 18,746 cases recorded on Wednesday along with 80 deaths .
Paris is the first city in France to be part of the maximum alert zone .
All bars must close , but restaurants may remain open .
There is a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people in public places .
All parties and gatherings including student and family events and wedding receptions in public spaces are banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed and outdoor sports pitches and stadiums can remain open but must limit attendance to 1,000 people or 50 per cent of their capacity ( whichever is larger ) .
Other cities in France may soon be put on the same alert .
Czechia 346.1 cases per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) Formally known as the Czech Republic , the country has experienced a huge increase in Covid-19 numbers and declared a national state of emergency on October 5th .
Secondary schools in worst affected areas have closed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Indoor events with more than 10 people are banned as are and events with more than 20 people outdoors .
Restaurants remain open , but only a maximum of six people can share a table .
Netherlands 270.2 cases per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) The Netherlands has taken a more hands-off approach to the pandemic and the prime minister Mark Rutte has continued to insist that people do not need to wear masks .
However , in response to escalating cases , restrictions were introduced at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people meeting indoors is limited to 30 people .
You can host no more than three guests in your home .
Restaurants and bars serving food and drink can accept no new customers after 9pm and must be closed by 10pm .
Indoor spaces such as historic buildings , libraries and museums must operate using reservations on the basis of time slots .
This does not apply to retail stores and markets .
Belgium 232.8 cases per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) Belgium has tightened restrictions on home visits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not stand and there is a curfew of 11pm .
Bars and cafes in Brussels will be forced to close for a month from Thursday after the Belgian capital overtook Paris in terms of Covid-19 infections per inhabitant .
United Kingdom 189.9 per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) There are four nations in the United Kingdom each with devolved powers to deal with Covid-19 .
UK prime minister Boris Johnson has already introduced the much derided UK-wide 10pm closing time in pubs and restaurants and the “ rule of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than six visitors to a house .
People will not be able to meet indoors in pubs in cities including Liverpool , Warrington , Hartlepool and Middlesborough from Saturday .
The Westminster government is expected to introduce a “ traffic light ” system for local lockdowns from next Monday in England .
The north-west of England , including the cities of Liverpool and Manchester , is facing renewed restrictions following a surge in cases .
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced draconian restrictions .
All pubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh will close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide ban on indoor alcohol consumption from Friday .
In Wales bars have to close at 10pm , there is table service only and all food and drink has to be consumed at tables .
Cases are rising rapidly in Wales and there is talk of following Scotland in shuttering bars in the worst-affected areas .
Northern Ireland which now has the worst rates of Covid-19 in either Britain or Ireland is now examining if further restrictions can be imposed , but wants funding from the Westminster government first .
United States ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average to October 7th ) The United States remains an ongoing catastrophe from the impact of Covid-19 with president Donald Trump among dozens of high-ranking White House officials who tested positive for the disease .
Restrictions in the United States are imposed at the State level and vary from state from state .
There are prohibitions on bars and restaurants in most states at present .
Republic of Ireland 112.8 cases per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) Sweden 64.9 per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , Sweden is not reporting a second surge in cases .
Its case numbers remain below the average for the rest of Europe .
There is no mandate in Sweden to wear a mask though public gatherings and events can only have a maximum of 50 participants .
Restaurants and pubs are open as usual though only those who sit at tables rather than stand at bars will be served .
Italy 48.7 cases per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) .
Italy was one of the worst affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
After one of the strictest lockdowns in the world , it managed to get cases under control .
However , it continues to remain vigilant and has just introduced the mandatory wearing of masks in all indoor and outdoor settings .
Germany 34 cases per 100,000 ( 14 day average to October 7th ) Germany has managed to contain the virus better than many large European nations and continues to do so , but there are spikes in Berlin and Frankfurt .
In Berlin new restrictions limit private indoor gatherings to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bars and restaurants must close by 11pm .
In Frankfurt masks are required in busy shopping streets , businesses must close by 10 pm and private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people .
Germany ’ s states have banned residents of domestic coronavirus risk areas from staying in hotels in other parts of the country .
Australia and New Zealand ( Less than 1 case per 100,000 ) Both countries have enviable rates of Covid-19 in comparison with Europe .
Australia has started to open up all its bars and restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strict international ban on travellers to the country remains in place and Australian citizens must get official permission to fly abroad .
New Zealand , which has won universal praise for its handling of the pandemic , is now back to normal after a scare in early autumn when new cases were reported in Auckland .
Auckland enjoyed its first day free of restrictions this week .
China ( Less than 1 case per 100,000 ) China , the country where Covid-19 began , appears to be , officially at least , clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of its Golden Week , an eight day national holiday and one of China ’ s busiest travel periods .
Photographs from the Great Wall of China show it rammed with visitors , a sight that would unthinkable at present in many countries struggling with Covid-19 .
The country has returned to normal , but masks are still mandatory in many settings and there are severe restrictions on visitors coming to and leaving the country .

Israel 3,275 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th).
Israel's experience with Covid-19 has put our own recent spike into perspective. With roughly twice the population of the Republic (9 million v 5 million), it has had 281,000 cases to date as opposed to 40,000 in the Republic. Daily cases peaked at 9,015 last week and are still running at more than 4,000 a day. On September 13th, the Israeli government approved a total three week countrywide lockdown which has been extended to October 14th. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested restrictions could last for another six months.
People are limited to within a kilometre of their home except for essential activities like buying food and chemists. All schools, except special schools are closed. All malls, hotels, bars, restaurants and gyms are also closed. Even religous gatherings in this intensely religious country with Ultra-Orthodox Jews in government, are strictly limited. Countries like Israel are being watched closely to see how the fare with such a severe lockdown.
Spain 305 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th)
Spain has consistently had one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in Europe. In Madrid 40 per cent of all ICU beds are occupied by people with Covid-19.
In the Madrid area and surrounding cities, people are only allowed to leave their towns to go to work or the doctors. Bars and restaurants must close at 11pm, there can be no standing at bars and capacities are limited to 50 per cent inside and 60 on wide walk terraces.
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Outside the Madrid area, most places are operating normally.
France 248.7 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th).
France has been experiencing record high numbers of Covid-19 cases in recent weeks with 18,746 cases recorded on Wednesday along with 80 deaths.
Paris is the first city in France to be part of the maximum alert zone. All bars must close, but restaurants may remain open. There is a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people in public places.
All parties and gatherings including student and family events and wedding receptions in public spaces are banned, dance halls and community halls are closed and outdoor sports pitches and stadiums can remain open but must limit attendance to 1,000 people or 50 per cent of their capacity (whichever is larger). Other cities in France may soon be put on the same alert.
Czechia 346.1 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th)
Formally known as the Czech Republic, the country has experienced a huge increase in Covid-19 numbers and declared a national state of emergency on October 5th. Secondary schools in worst affected areas have closed, but kindergartens and primary schools remain open. Indoor events with more than 10 people are banned as are and events with more than 20 people outdoors. Restaurants remain open, but only a maximum of six people can share a table.
Netherlands 270.2 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th)
The Netherlands has taken a more hands-off approach to the pandemic and the prime minister Mark Rutte has continued to insist that people do not need to wear masks. However, in response to escalating cases, restrictions were introduced at the end of September. The number of people meeting indoors is limited to 30 people. You can host no more than three guests in your home. Restaurants and bars serving food and drink can accept no new customers after 9pm and must be closed by 10pm. Indoor spaces such as historic buildings, libraries and museums must operate using reservations on the basis of time slots. This does not apply to retail stores and markets.
Belgium 232.8 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th)
Belgium has tightened restrictions on home visits. Visitors to bars can only sit not stand and there is a curfew of 11pm. Bars and cafes in Brussels will be forced to close for a month from Thursday after the Belgian capital overtook Paris in terms of Covid-19 infections per inhabitant.
United Kingdom 189.9 per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th)
There are four nations in the United Kingdom each with devolved powers to deal with Covid-19. UK prime minister Boris Johnson has already introduced the much derided UK-wide 10pm closing time in pubs and restaurants and the "rule of six" where nobody can have more than six visitors to a house.
People will not be able to meet indoors in pubs in cities including Liverpool, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesborough from Saturday. The Westminster government is expected to introduce a "traffic light" system for local lockdowns from next Monday in England. The north-west of England, including the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, is facing renewed restrictions following a surge in cases.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced draconian restrictions. All pubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh will close and there will be a 16 day nationwide ban on indoor alcohol consumption from Friday.
In Wales bars have to close at 10pm, there is table service only and all food and drink has to be consumed at tables. Cases are rising rapidly in Wales and there is talk of following Scotland in shuttering bars in the worst-affected areas.
Northern Ireland which now has the worst rates of Covid-19 in either Britain or Ireland is now examining if further restrictions can be imposed, but wants funding from the Westminster government first.
United States (187 per 100,000) (14 day average to October 7th)
The United States remains an ongoing catastrophe from the impact of Covid-19 with president Donald Trump among dozens of high-ranking White House officials who tested positive for the disease. Restrictions in the United States are imposed at the State level and vary from state from state. There are prohibitions on bars and restaurants in most states at present.
Republic of Ireland 112.8 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th)
Sweden 64.9 per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th)
The poster child for a less stringent lockdown, Sweden is not reporting a second surge in cases. Its case numbers remain below the average for the rest of Europe. There is no mandate in Sweden to wear a mask though public gatherings and events can only have a maximum of 50 participants. Restaurants and pubs are open as usual though only those who sit at tables rather than stand at bars will be served.
Italy 48.7 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th).
Italy was one of the worst affected countries in the early days of the pandemic. After one of the strictest lockdowns in the world, it managed to get cases under control. However, it continues to remain vigilant and has just introduced the mandatory wearing of masks in all indoor and outdoor settings.
Germany 34 cases per 100,000 (14 day average to October 7th)
Germany has managed to contain the virus better than many large European nations and continues to do so, but there are spikes in Berlin and Frankfurt. In Berlin new restrictions limit private indoor gatherings to 10 people (down from 25) and bars and restaurants must close by 11pm. In Frankfurt masks are required in busy shopping streets, businesses must close by 10 pm and private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people. Germany's states have banned residents of domestic coronavirus risk areas from staying in hotels in other parts of the country.
Australia and New Zealand (Less than 1 case per 100,000)
Both countries have enviable rates of Covid-19 in comparison with Europe. Australia has started to open up all its bars and restaurants to almost normal service, but a strict international ban on travellers to the country remains in place and Australian citizens must get official permission to fly abroad. New Zealand, which has won universal praise for its handling of the pandemic, is now back to normal after a scare in early autumn when new cases were reported in Auckland. Auckland enjoyed its first day free of restrictions this week.
China (Less than 1 case per 100,000)
China, the country where Covid-19 began, appears to be, officially at least, clear of Covid-19. The country is in the middle of its Golden Week, an eight day national holiday and one of China's busiest travel periods. Photographs from the Great Wall of China show it rammed with visitors, a sight that would unthinkable at present in many countries struggling with Covid-19. The country has returned to normal, but masks are still mandatory in many settings and there are severe restrictions on visitors coming to and leaving the country.