theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Silence in classrooms this year is of the most productive kind

“ If speaking is silver , then listening is gold.
” This Turkish proverb captures the essence of why I am enjoying teaching so much this year .
I have a sneaky suspicion that many of my students are enjoying learning more than they ever have before – some have even dared say so .
I ’ m speaking a lot less , they are listening more actively , and this combination creates a powerful air of industriousness .
Age doesn ’ t have lower or upper limits when it comes to the feel-good benefits of engaging fully in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job well done .
Challenging though the Covid measures in schools are , there are unexpected positive effects which must be named and celebrated .
How school-goers have responded to this crisis is admirable , and it is important that we tell them we have noticed and that we are proud of them .
Since the volume and quality of the listening in my classes has rocketed , my students are now the epitome of attentiveness .
The impact that has had is staggering to witness .
My speaking time is now largely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain things while constantly interrupting myself to correct their behaviour .
I seem to do my teaching and get my points across in a fraction of the time – and yet far more effectively .
So far my data is qualitative and based on my intuition and observations , but I am confident that students ’ results in Christmas assessment .
Our school has an active extracurricular programme , and while students don ’ t miss school for training there is always some cohort or other gone to a match .
Catching up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong point , so progress through the curriculum has always been slowed by having to attend to the needs of whoever was most recently missing .
When we return to normality ( whatever exactly that will look like ) , there is no reason for this problem to return if schools maintain active use of whatever digital platform they have put in place .
Students learning how to use that properly now will serve us all well in the post-Covid learning environment too .
Silence in classrooms this academic year is of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbour is a whole metre away , quiet time in class is unhindered by the person fidgeting in the next seat or looking to engage in conversation .
For the first time in my career there are no notes to intercept due to the risk of contamination .
Now , in many classrooms while the teacher is speaking , students are fully tuned in .
This is the first crucial step in engaging with the content of the lesson .
When the quiet time comes , students are now embracing it to really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where previously there was an irritating hum of other things happening on the sly while I spoke , there is now an almost unnerving aura of tuned-in-ness .
It ’ s akin to the satisfaction of finally getting clear sound on a radio station after a painstaking struggle with the tuning .
This apparently small shift has completely transformed student engagement .
In classes in the past , before starting any period of quiet time for students to work independently , there was a need for some students to check exactly what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitably delayed the start of the task for everyone , and kept the teacher very much in the frame when the students should have been demonstrating their ability to apply what had just been taught .
Clarifying questions at this stage were generally of a very basic kind , and quite frankly hard to respond to politely .
From a basic perspective of professionalism and preserving student dignity in schools , it is important that students feel comfortable asking questions .
They must , therefore , never sense that we feel their question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over the years , I have witnessed many classes collectively judge a peer for asking a question that completely betrayed their inattentiveness .
Classes do this through atmosphere , very often simply a collective intake of breath which leaves nobody in the room under any illusions about the inappropriateness of the question .
By and large , such questions have already been answered .
It is always possible to highlight the needlessness of the question by getting a classmate to answer , but the sheer fact of it , and the time-wasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patience of both teacher and class .
Today students get started on such tasks immediately , and so it is evident that they have really listened , and therefore heard better .
This generates quality questions at a later stage in the task and ones which are related to the content .
Such questions drive the learning forward and raise the bar for everyone in the room .
The very many students who in the past had been on the fence regarding whether to comply and risk appearing overly studious , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been liberated from the burden of choice .
Diligence is higher than it has ever been before , and those who were easily led hold a free pass to compliance and engagement via the strength of the public health message .
Those who were fully committed to disengagement remain a challenge of course , but the large cohort who were just easily led have merrily joined the masses who are fully immersed in classroom life .
Again , if we play our cards right , there is no reason why we shouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is all over .
In order to ensure we do so , we must acknowledge and applaud their efforts now , to incentivise and motivate them .
In terms of feedback for our students , speaking this aloud will be pure gold .

“If speaking is silver, then listening is gold.” This Turkish proverb captures the essence of why I am enjoying teaching so much this year. I have a sneaky suspicion that many of my students are enjoying learning more than they ever have before – some have even dared say so.
I’m speaking a lot less, they are listening more actively, and this combination creates a powerful air of industriousness. Age doesn’t have lower or upper limits when it comes to the feel-good benefits of engaging fully in a task and enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done. Challenging though the Covid measures in schools are, there are unexpected positive effects which must be named and celebrated.
How school-goers have responded to this crisis is admirable, and it is important that we tell them we have noticed and that we are proud of them.
Since the volume and quality of the listening in my classes has rocketed, my students are now the epitome of attentiveness. The impact that has had is staggering to witness.
READ MORE
My speaking time is now largely unbroken, after years of trying to explain things while constantly interrupting myself to correct their behaviour. I seem to do my teaching and get my points across in a fraction of the time – and yet far more effectively. So far my data is qualitative and based on my intuition and observations, but I am confident that students’ results in Christmas assessment.
Our school has an active extracurricular programme, and while students don’t miss school for training there is always some cohort or other gone to a match. Catching up on work missed has never been their strong point, so progress through the curriculum has always been slowed by having to attend to the needs of whoever was most recently missing.
For the first time in my career there are no notes to intercept due to the risk of contamination
When we return to normality (whatever exactly that will look like), there is no reason for this problem to return if schools maintain active use of whatever digital platform they have put in place. Students learning how to use that properly now will serve us all well in the post-Covid learning environment too.
Silence in classrooms this academic year is of the most productive kind. Because the nearest neighbour is a whole metre away, quiet time in class is unhindered by the person fidgeting in the next seat or looking to engage in conversation. For the first time in my career there are no notes to intercept due to the risk of contamination.
Now, in many classrooms while the teacher is speaking, students are fully tuned in. This is the first crucial step in engaging with the content of the lesson. When the quiet time comes, students are now embracing it to really grapple with the task at hand. Where previously there was an irritating hum of other things happening on the sly while I spoke, there is now an almost unnerving aura of tuned-in-ness. It’s akin to the satisfaction of finally getting clear sound on a radio station after a painstaking struggle with the tuning. This apparently small shift has completely transformed student engagement.
In classes in the past, before starting any period of quiet time for students to work independently, there was a need for some students to check exactly what it was they had to do. This inevitably delayed the start of the task for everyone, and kept the teacher very much in the frame when the students should have been demonstrating their ability to apply what had just been taught.
Clarifying questions at this stage were generally of a very basic kind, and quite frankly hard to respond to politely.
From a basic perspective of professionalism and preserving student dignity in schools, it is important that students feel comfortable asking questions. They must, therefore, never sense that we feel their question is a stupid one. And yet, over the years, I have witnessed many classes collectively judge a peer for asking a question that completely betrayed their inattentiveness. Classes do this through atmosphere, very often simply a collective intake of breath which leaves nobody in the room under any illusions about the inappropriateness of the question. By and large, such questions have already been answered. It is always possible to highlight the needlessness of the question by getting a classmate to answer, but the sheer fact of it, and the time-wasting accrued, have by then already tested the patience of both teacher and class.
We must acknowledge and applaud their efforts now, to incentivise and motivate them
Today students get started on such tasks immediately, and so it is evident that they have really listened, and therefore heard better. This generates quality questions at a later stage in the task and ones which are related to the content. Such questions drive the learning forward and raise the bar for everyone in the room.
The very many students who in the past had been on the fence regarding whether to comply and risk appearing overly studious, or rebel and risk underperforming, have now been liberated from the burden of choice. Diligence is higher than it has ever been before, and those who were easily led hold a free pass to compliance and engagement via the strength of the public health message.
Those who were fully committed to disengagement remain a challenge of course, but the large cohort who were just easily led have merrily joined the masses who are fully immersed in classroom life. Again, if we play our cards right, there is no reason why we shouldn’t keep them with us when this is all over.
In order to ensure we do so, we must acknowledge and applaud their efforts now, to incentivise and motivate them. In terms of feedback for our students, speaking this aloud will be pure gold.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Pat Finucane’s murder goes right to the dark heart of the Troubles

The Finucane family has been here before .
In 2001 the UK government agreed that a “ judge of international standing ” would be appointed to carry out a “ thorough investigation ” of allegations of collusion in the murder of Belfast lawyer Pat Finucane .
Almost two decades later there has still been no public inquiry .
In the interim Finucane ’ s murder has been considered by three senior figures , each of whom found evidence of collusion between British security forces and loyalist paramilitaries ; most recently , the British QC Desmond de Silva reported in 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the murder and that it should have been prevented .
Instead the Finucane family sought recourse through the courts , with the UK supreme court ruling last year that there had never been an effective official investigation into the murder , and that the UK government ’ s failure to do so was in breach of article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights .
But the court also ruled that it was up to the UK government to decide if there should be a public inquiry , a course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – in the short term at least – by Northern secretary Brandon Lewis .
Experience has taught the Finucane family not to get their hopes up , that this would be the likely outcome from a government that since the Saville inquiry into Bloody Sunday has resisted what it terms lengthy and costly inquiries into the past , and which earlier this year departed dramatically from the approach to legacy accepted in the Stormont House Agreement , instead pledging to end the “ cycle of reinvestigations into the Troubles in Northern Ireland that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] veterans alike ” .
Nevertheless , the rationale delivered by Brandon Lewis – that the UK ’ s article 2 obligations can be met without a public inquiry and that it should not be established “ at this time ” because of the need to allow police and police ombudsman “ processes ” to run their course – have compounded the anger of the family and , rather than drawing a line under one element of the North ’ s past , exposed yet again the deep fissures that divide it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK , 24 members of the US Congress as well as Sinn Féin , the SDLP , the Alliance Party and the Greens in Northern Ireland all support a public inquiry .
Backing Lewis ’ s decision , the DUP and the Ulster Unionist party spoke , respectively , of the need for “ innocent victims to have access to truth and justice ” and to avoid a “ hierarchy of victims ” .
Yet the significance of Pat Finucane ’ s case is that it has never been just about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is controversial precisely because it is symptomatic of wider questions that remain as yet unanswered – how the rule of law was and is implemented in Northern Ireland , how far up the chain of command collusion went , and how to address the ghosts of the North ’ s past , which continue to haunt its future .

The Finucane family has been here before. In 2001 the UK government agreed that a "judge of international standing" would be appointed to carry out a "thorough investigation" of allegations of collusion in the murder of Belfast lawyer Pat Finucane.
Almost two decades later there has still been no public inquiry. In the interim Finucane’s murder has been considered by three senior figures, each of whom found evidence of collusion between British security forces and loyalist paramilitaries; most recently, the British QC Desmond de Silva reported in 2012 that agents of the British state were involved in the murder and that it should have been prevented.
Instead the Finucane family sought recourse through the courts, with the UK supreme court ruling last year that there had never been an effective official investigation into the murder, and that the UK government’s failure to do so was in breach of article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
But the court also ruled that it was up to the UK government to decide if there should be a public inquiry, a course of action that was on Monday rejected – in the short term at least – by Northern secretary Brandon Lewis.
READ MORE
Experience has taught the Finucane family not to get their hopes up, that this would be the likely outcome from a government that since the Saville inquiry into Bloody Sunday has resisted what it terms lengthy and costly inquiries into the past, and which earlier this year departed dramatically from the approach to legacy accepted in the Stormont House Agreement, instead pledging to end the "cycle of reinvestigations into the Troubles in Northern Ireland that has failed victims and [British army] veterans alike".
Pat Finucane. Photograph: PA
Anger compounded
Nevertheless, the rationale delivered by Brandon Lewis – that the UK’s article 2 obligations can be met without a public inquiry and that it should not be established “at this time” because of the need to allow police and police ombudsman “processes” to run their course – have compounded the anger of the family and, rather than drawing a line under one element of the North’s past, exposed yet again the deep fissures that divide it.
The Irish Government, the Labour Party in the UK, 24 members of the US Congress as well as Sinn Féin, the SDLP, the Alliance Party and the Greens in Northern Ireland all support a public inquiry. Backing Lewis's decision, the DUP and the Ulster Unionist party spoke, respectively, of the need for "innocent victims to have access to truth and justice" and to avoid a "hierarchy of victims".
Yet the significance of Pat Finucane’s case is that it has never been just about an individual, or his family. It is controversial precisely because it is symptomatic of wider questions that remain as yet unanswered – how the rule of law was and is implemented in Northern Ireland, how far up the chain of command collusion went, and how to address the ghosts of the North’s past, which continue to haunt its future.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Research on most abundant viruses living in human gut scales up

The human body contains trillions of viruses known as bacteriophages , which attack and live inside bacteria that form part of the human gut – the mix of microbes making up the “ microbiome ” .
The most abundant of these viruses are crAssphage ( discovered in 2014 ) , which feed on human gut bacteria , and are also found in the sewage of a third of the world ’ s countries studied .
Dr Andrey Shkoporov at APC Microbiome Ireland , the Science Foundation Ireland research centre in University College Cork , has been awarded a Wellcome Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how this recently discovered virus operates .
Up to 2018 , they had never been grown in a laboratory but Dr Shkoporov succeeded in growing them for the first time .
The funding of €910,000 over five years will allow him to better understand the unusual crAssphage lifestyle which allows them to continuously co-exist with their bacterial targets in huge numbers .
This may be a key to the development new treatments for a range of diseases .
One hundred trillion symbiotic microbes make up the human microbiome , with 95 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diseases have been linked to the composition of the gut microbiome .
However , current microbiome science lacks complete understanding of the role of bacteriophages which infect bacterial cells .
Researchers at APC Microbiome Ireland have been studying the gut microbiome for over the past 15 years , while a team led by Prof Colin Hill and Prof Paul Ross are focusing on “ the virome ” – sometimes referred to as “ the dark matter of the microbiome ” .
Among questions they have been asking are what role bacteriophage may play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have a direct effect on human physiology , and if we can use them as biomarkers to indicate microbiome stability and diversity .
“ My research focuses on understanding crAssphage lifestyle , which could have significant impacts for the development of therapeutics , improving human health and advancing our understanding of our own body composition , ” Dr Shkoporov explained .
He predicted future advances “ will depend on our ability to understand how functionality of individual bacterial cells – and the whole microbiome – is affected by bacteriophages ” .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living with his family in Cork for the past five years where he has worked with Prof Hill in the gut phageomics group .
He holds doctoral degrees in medicine and microbiology from the Russian State Medical University in Moscow , where he also spent several years as a postdoctoral scientist working on bacteria of the human gut .
His recent work in the APC has been focused on the role of bacteriophages in attacking anaerobic bacteria associated with inflammatory bowel disease , and their potential to serve as indicators of gut inflammation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science Foundation Ireland and Janssen Biotech – part of Johnson & Johnson .
Dr Shkoporov is married to Dr Ekhaterina Khokhlova , a fellow microbiologist at UCC who has also contributed to the crAssphage story .
Outside of his work , he has a keen interest in history , classical music and technology .
“ I found a perfect second home for me and my family in Ireland , a country with long and dramatic history , rich cultural tradition , and incredibly warm and welcoming people , ” he added .
UCC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R Maguire congratulated Dr Shkoporov on receiving the research funding .
“ This award provides Andrey with an outstanding opportunity to build and expand his research career , providing an excellent platform for future initiatives , ” she added .

The human body contains trillions of viruses known as bacteriophages, which attack and live inside bacteria that form part of the human gut – the mix of microbes making up the “microbiome”.
The most abundant of these viruses are crAssphage (discovered in 2014), which feed on human gut bacteria, and are also found in the sewage of a third of the world’s countries studied.
Dr Andrey Shkoporov at APC Microbiome Ireland, the Science Foundation Ireland research centre in University College Cork, has been awarded a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship to better understand how this recently discovered virus operates.
Up to 2018, they had never been grown in a laboratory but Dr Shkoporov succeeded in growing them for the first time. The funding of €910,000 over five years will allow him to better understand the unusual crAssphage lifestyle which allows them to continuously co-exist with their bacterial targets in huge numbers. This may be a key to the development new treatments for a range of diseases.
READ MORE
‘Dark matter’
One hundred trillion symbiotic microbes make up the human microbiome, with 95 per cent of them in the gut. Many diseases have been linked to the composition of the gut microbiome. However, current microbiome science lacks complete understanding of the role of bacteriophages which infect bacterial cells.
Researchers at APC Microbiome Ireland have been studying the gut microbiome for over the past 15 years, while a team led by Prof Colin Hill and Prof Paul Ross are focusing on "the virome" – sometimes referred to as "the dark matter of the microbiome".
Among questions they have been asking are what role bacteriophage may play in microbiome structure, whether or not they have a direct effect on human physiology, and if we can use them as biomarkers to indicate microbiome stability and diversity.
“My research focuses on understanding crAssphage lifestyle, which could have significant impacts for the development of therapeutics, improving human health and advancing our understanding of our own body composition,” Dr Shkoporov explained.
He predicted future advances “will depend on our ability to understand how functionality of individual bacterial cells – and the whole microbiome – is affected by bacteriophages”.
Gut phageomics group
From Moscow originally, Dr Shkoporov has been living with his family in Cork for the past five years where he has worked with Prof Hill in the gut phageomics group.
He holds doctoral degrees in medicine and microbiology from the Russian State Medical University in Moscow, where he also spent several years as a postdoctoral scientist working on bacteria of the human gut.
His recent work in the APC has been focused on the role of bacteriophages in attacking anaerobic bacteria associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and their potential to serve as indicators of gut inflammation. This project has been supported by Science Foundation Ireland and Janssen Biotech – part of Johnson & Johnson.
Dr Shkoporov is married to Dr Ekhaterina Khokhlova, a fellow microbiologist at UCC who has also contributed to the crAssphage story.
Outside of his work, he has a keen interest in history, classical music and technology. “I found a perfect second home for me and my family in Ireland, a country with long and dramatic history, rich cultural tradition, and incredibly warm and welcoming people,” he added.
UCC vice-president for research and innovation Prof Anita R Maguire congratulated Dr Shkoporov on receiving the research funding. "This award provides Andrey with an outstanding opportunity to build and expand his research career, providing an excellent platform for future initiatives," she added.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--‘High visibility’ Garda patrols to focus on night economy and travel

An Garda Síochána has warned the public it will be continuing “ major high visibility ” operations as the State moves from Level 5 to Level 3 coronavirus restrictions overnight .
Operations will focus on the newly opened “ night-time economy ” and on the implementation of travel restrictions , the Garda said .
While non-essential shops , museums , cinemas and places of worship reopen on Tuesday and restaurants open on Friday , travel restrictions remain in place , with visits to other households and intercounty travel not permitted until December 18th .
Under Operation Fanacht , more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on main routes , supported by a schedule of mobile checkpoints .
Garda on duty will be focusing on implementation of the guidelines on intercounty travel .
Static checkpoints will operate during off-peak hours , from 10am to 4pm , and 7pm to 9pm .
Fixed checkpoints on motorway and dual carriageway routes will no longer be in place , but “ high visibility patrols will take place in key city , urban and retail locations in the run-up to Christmas ” , the Garda said .
“ There will also be patrols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On this , An Garda Síochána will be liaising closely with retail and licensed premises.
” Checks on licensed premises under Operation Navigation will recommence .
There will be continued active investigation of domestic abuse , as well as support for victims under Operation Faoiseamh and “ community engagement activity ” will continue to focus on the vulnerable and those who feel isolated , particularly at Christmas time .
“ Gardaí will continue to use the 4Es approach of engage , explain and encourage , and only as a last resort , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An Garda Síochána can only enforce penal regulations .
It does not have powers to enforce public health guidelines.
” Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said there had been “ very good compliance by the public with the health advice and regulations ” throughout the pandemic and it was “ critical ” this continued .
“ While people are able to undertake more activities and travel wider from December 1st , we all need to remember that Covid-19 is still with us and we should act accordingly .
We all must continue to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice .
This is the best way of protecting ourselves , our loved ones and our neighbours.
” Deputy commissioner John Twomey said the main focus was on keeping people safe .
“ In addition , while the run-up to Christmas is a time of joy for many people , for some it can be lonely and difficult .
An Garda Síochána will have a particular emphasis during the coming weeks on reaching out to people who are vulnerable or feel isolated .
We are here to help in any way we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling or needs help , please contact your local Garda station and we will do whatever we can .
Even a social distanced chat can make a world of difference to people at this stressful time .
”

Under Operation Fanacht, more than 100 Garda checkpoints will be in place on main routes, supported by a schedule of mobile checkpoints. File photograph: Tom Honan
An Garda Síochána has warned the public it will be continuing "major high visibility" operations as the State moves from Level 5 to Level 3 coronavirus restrictions overnight.
Operations will focus on the newly opened “night-time economy” and on the implementation of travel restrictions, the Garda said.
While non-essential shops, museums, cinemas and places of worship reopen on Tuesday and restaurants open on Friday, travel restrictions remain in place, with visits to other households and intercounty travel not permitted until December 18th.
Under Operation Fanacht, more than 100 Garda checkpoints will be in place on main routes, supported by a schedule of mobile checkpoints. Garda on duty will be focusing on implementation of the guidelines on intercounty travel. Static checkpoints will operate during off-peak hours, from 10am to 4pm, and 7pm to 9pm.
READ MORE
Fixed checkpoints on motorway and dual carriageway routes will no longer be in place, but “high visibility patrols will take place in key city, urban and retail locations in the run-up to Christmas”, the Garda said.
“There will also be patrols that will focus on the night-time economy. On this, An Garda Síochána will be liaising closely with retail and licensed premises.”
Checks on licensed premises under Operation Navigation will recommence. There will be continued active investigation of domestic abuse, as well as support for victims under Operation Faoiseamh and “community engagement activity” will continue to focus on the vulnerable and those who feel isolated, particularly at Christmas time.
“Gardaí will continue to use the 4Es approach of engage, explain and encourage, and only as a last resort, enforcement,” it said. “An Garda Síochána can only enforce penal regulations. It does not have powers to enforce public health guidelines.”
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said there had been "very good compliance by the public with the health advice and regulations" throughout the pandemic and it was "critical" this continued.
“While people are able to undertake more activities and travel wider from December 1st, we all need to remember that Covid-19 is still with us and we should act accordingly. We all must continue to play our part by heeding the public health advice. This is the best way of protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbours.”
Deputy commissioner John Twomey said the main focus was on keeping people safe. "In addition, while the run-up to Christmas is a time of joy for many people, for some it can be lonely and difficult. An Garda Síochána will have a particular emphasis during the coming weeks on reaching out to people who are vulnerable or feel isolated. We are here to help in any way we can. If you know someone who is struggling or needs help, please contact your local Garda station and we will do whatever we can. Even a social distanced chat can make a world of difference to people at this stressful time."


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--WHO warns about risks of ski holidays and Christmas gatherings

Being with family and friends at Christmas “ is not worth putting them or yourself at risk , ” the head of the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has said .
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , the WHO director-general , urged people to think about whether travelling during the festive period is necessary .
Experts also warned that there could be issues in relation to ski resorts .
Dr Tedros said : “ We all need to consider whose life we might be gambling with in the decisions we make .
“ The Covid-19 pandemic will change the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean that we can ’ t celebrate .
We still can celebrate.
” He warned that “ this is no time for complacency , ” despite coming after last week seeing the first decline in newly-reported cases globally since September .
Dr Tedros said this was due to a decrease in Europe thanks to “ difficult but necessary ” lockdown measures in recent weeks .
Urging “ extreme caution ” , he noted that “ gains can easily be lost and there was still an increase in cases in most other regions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Dr Tedros said people could try to stay safe by celebrating within their households and avoid gatherings with many different households and families coming together .
A checklist of safety measures for the festive season may include outdoor meetings with people from a different household , maintaining physical distance , wearing a mask , avoiding crowded shopping centres , shopping at less crowded times or shopping online , he suggested .
Dr Tedros reminded people to social distance , wear a mask and carry hand sanitisers when they are in airports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buses .
He said : “ If we can ’ t celebrate as normal this year make a plan to celebrate with your family and friends once it is safe to do so .
We know it will be safe .
It is a matter of time.
” Dr Mike Ryan , executive director of the WHO ’ s health emergencies programme , warned that ski lovers would probably not be infected by barrelling down the slopes but during the pinchpoints which lead to large numbers of people .
The “ real issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking people to and from ski resorts , ski lifts and “ not to mention the apres ski , which so many people seem to enjoy , ” he said .
French president Emmanuel Macron ordered the nation ’ s resorts to stay shut until the new year .
A call by the German chancellor Angela Merkel for an EU-wide agreement to keep all European ski resorts closed until early January looks set to go unheeded by Switzerland , and possibly Austria .
Dr Ryan said : “ The issue is any activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a concentrated space and then using public and other transport to get there and back needs to be managed carefully and very much with a risk-management approach .
“ We would advise that all countries look at their ski season and all other reasons for mass gathering — be they sports , recreation or religious — and look very carefully at the end-to-end risks associated with that .
“ We are in a deep moment of transmission .
We have seen progress and want to maintain that.
” –PA

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said people could try to stay safe by celebrating within their households and avoid gatherings with many different households. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty
Being with family and friends at Christmas “is not worth putting them or yourself at risk,” the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, urged people to think about whether travelling during the festive period is necessary.
Experts also warned that there could be issues in relation to ski resorts. Dr Tedros said: “We all need to consider whose life we might be gambling with in the decisions we make.
“The Covid-19 pandemic will change the way we celebrate but it doesn’t mean that we can’t celebrate. We still can celebrate.”
READ MORE
He warned that “this is no time for complacency,” despite coming after last week seeing the first decline in newly-reported cases globally since September.
Dr Tedros said this was due to a decrease in Europe thanks to “difficult but necessary” lockdown measures in recent weeks.
Urging “extreme caution”, he noted that “gains can easily be lost and there was still an increase in cases in most other regions of the world and an increase in deaths”.
Dr Tedros said people could try to stay safe by celebrating within their households and avoid gatherings with many different households and families coming together.
A checklist of safety measures for the festive season may include outdoor meetings with people from a different household, maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask, avoiding crowded shopping centres, shopping at less crowded times or shopping online, he suggested.
Dr Tedros reminded people to social distance, wear a mask and carry hand sanitisers when they are in airports and train stations or on planes and buses.
He said: “If we can’t celebrate as normal this year make a plan to celebrate with your family and friends once it is safe to do so. We know it will be safe. It is a matter of time.”
Dr Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies programme, warned that ski lovers would probably not be infected by barrelling down the slopes but during the pinchpoints which lead to large numbers of people.
The “real issues” are at airports and on buses taking people to and from ski resorts, ski lifts and “not to mention the apres ski, which so many people seem to enjoy,” he said.
French president Emmanuel Macron ordered the nation’s resorts to stay shut until the new year.
A call by the German chancellor Angela Merkel for an EU-wide agreement to keep all European ski resorts closed until early January looks set to go unheeded by Switzerland, and possibly Austria.
Dr Ryan said: “The issue is any activity that involves large numbers of people moving into a concentrated space and then using public and other transport to get there and back needs to be managed carefully and very much with a risk-management approach.
“We would advise that all countries look at their ski season and all other reasons for mass gathering — be they sports, recreation or religious — and look very carefully at the end-to-end risks associated with that .
“We are in a deep moment of transmission. We have seen progress and want to maintain that.”–PA


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--President praises Church of Ireland for making St Fin Barre’s a place of inclusion

President Michael D Higgins has praised the Church of Ireland community in Cork for its work in ensuring that St Fin Barre ’ s Cathedral in the city has remained a place of inclusion .
He was speaking as members of the community on Monday gathered to mark the 150th anniversary of its consecration as a place of worship .
Mr Higgins sent a message to the Bishop of Cork , Cloyne and Ross , Dr Paul Colton as he and the Dean of St Fin Barre ’ s Very Rev Nigel Dunne gathered with a limited number of members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark the event .
In the ceremony , which was live-streamed , Rev Dunne read the message from Mr Higgins who recalled the history of the Gothic Revival three spire limestone cathedral , designed by eminent Victorian architect William Burges and located on Bishop Street in a historic quarter of the city .
“ The history of St Fin Barre ’ s is a rich and enduring one , rooted in the founding of a monastery by St Finbarr many centuries ago in Cork city .
Today it is an integral part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection to the very different city in which St Fin Barre ’ s was originally conceived and constructed .
“ Like the city itself , St Fin Barre ’ s has evolved and changed since its early foundations in the 7th century - it has however continued to provide an enduring space of peace , comfort and worship for generations of Cork residents and the visitors that it welcomes through its doors each year .
“ I thank all those who worked to ensure St Fin Barre ’ s Cathedral endures as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - I wish you well as you mark this milestone anniversary and every success as you continue to enrich the spiritual , cultural and community life of Cork city.
” The third church to be built on the site , St Fin Barre ’ s replaced a previous Anglican church built in the 1730s and work began on the new cathedral in 1863 with the building being consecrated by the then Bishop of Cork , Bishop John Gregg in 1870 and the limestone spires completed in 1879 .
On Monday , various messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anglican Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland , Dr John McDowell , the Anglican Archbishop of Dublin and former Dean at St Fin Barre ’ s , Dr Michael Jackson and by the Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross , Dr Fintan Gavin .
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also sent a message of congratulation , pointing out that St Fin Barre ’ s was one of Cork ’ s great architectural treasures and was a fitting testament , not only to the memory of St Finbarr , but also to the Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side since the 7th century .
“ Many cities have landmark monuments that mark their city ’ s heritage and history and Cork is indeed fortunate to have a living monument to faith at its heart - this is a building that I , and thousands of fellow Corkonians , have grown up with , ” said Mr Martin .
“ It is a constant presence on the banks of the south channel of the Lee , adjacent to Elizabeth Fort and the ancient heart of the medieval city and it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s landscape for generations - it is part of the DNA of our city.
” Mr Martin said that St Fin Barre ’ s had many notable features but one that stood out for him , especially in this decade of centenaries was the Heroes Column , bearing the names of 400 men from the Diocese of Cork , Cloyne and Ross who perished in the first World War .
“ It is fitting that these men are remembered and it ’ s a poignant reminder of the complex history of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Mr Martin as he praised the Church of Ireland community in Cork for restoring the cathedral in such a way that it can be valued and appreciated by all .
Messages of congratulations were also received from the Anglican Archbishop of Wales , Dr John Davies , the Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England , Dr Justin Welby and the Archbishop of York and Primate of England , Dr Stephen Cottrell .
Messages were also received from Archbishop Linda Nicholls , Primate of Canada , Presiding Bishop and Primate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of America , Dr Michael B Curry and Presiding Bishop of the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church , Dr Carlos Lopez Lazano .

President Michael D Higgins has praised the Church of Ireland community in Cork for its work in ensuring that St Fin Barre's Cathedral in the city has remained a place of inclusion.
He was speaking as members of the community on Monday gathered to mark the 150th anniversary of its consecration as a place of worship.
Mr Higgins sent a message to the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton as he and the Dean of St Fin Barre's Very Rev Nigel Dunne gathered with a limited number of members of the Church of Ireland community to mark the event .
In the ceremony, which was live-streamed, Rev Dunne read the message from Mr Higgins who recalled the history of the Gothic Revival three spire limestone cathedral, designed by eminent Victorian architect William Burges and located on Bishop Street in a historic quarter of the city.
READ MORE
“The history of St Fin Barre’s is a rich and enduring one, rooted in the founding of a monastery by St Finbarr many centuries ago in Cork city. Today it is an integral part of Cork’s story and a profound connection to the very different city in which St Fin Barre’s was originally conceived and constructed.
“Like the city itself, St Fin Barre’s has evolved and changed since its early foundations in the 7th century - it has however continued to provide an enduring space of peace, comfort and worship for generations of Cork residents and the visitors that it welcomes through its doors each year.
“I thank all those who worked to ensure St Fin Barre’s Cathedral endures as a place of inclusion, solace and reassurance - I wish you well as you mark this milestone anniversary and every success as you continue to enrich the spiritual, cultural and community life of Cork city.”
The third church to be built on the site, St Fin Barre's replaced a previous Anglican church built in the 1730s and work began on the new cathedral in 1863 with the building being consecrated by the then Bishop of Cork, Bishop John Gregg in 1870 and the limestone spires completed in 1879.
On Monday, various messages of good will were received from the Anglican Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Dr John McDowell, the Anglican Archbishop of Dublin and former Dean at St Fin Barre's, Dr Michael Jackson and by the Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr Fintan Gavin.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin also sent a message of congratulation, pointing out that St Fin Barre’s was one of Cork’s great architectural treasures and was a fitting testament, not only to the memory of St Finbarr, but also to the Christian tradition of prayer and reflection on the side since the 7th century.
"Many cities have landmark monuments that mark their city's heritage and history and Cork is indeed fortunate to have a living monument to faith at its heart - this is a building that I, and thousands of fellow Corkonians, have grown up with," said Mr Martin.
"It is a constant presence on the banks of the south channel of the Lee, adjacent to Elizabeth Fort and the ancient heart of the medieval city and it's been a reassuring feature of the city's landscape for generations - it is part of the DNA of our city."
Mr Martin said that St Fin Barre’s had many notable features but one that stood out for him, especially in this decade of centenaries was the Heroes Column, bearing the names of 400 men from the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross who perished in the first World War.
“It is fitting that these men are remembered and it’s a poignant reminder of the complex history of this island which we all share,” said Mr Martin as he praised the Church of Ireland community in Cork for restoring the cathedral in such a way that it can be valued and appreciated by all.
Describing the cathedral as “an iconic building”, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Joe Kavanagh wished everyone associated with St Fin Barre’s Cathedral the best for the future and thanked them for “keeping alive the historic significance of St Finbarr in our wonderful city”.
Messages of congratulations were also received from the Anglican Archbishop of Wales, Dr John Davies, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England, Dr Justin Welby and the Archbishop of York and Primate of England, Dr Stephen Cottrell.
Messages were also received from Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Primate of Canada, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, Dr Michael B Curry and Presiding Bishop of the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church, Dr Carlos Lopez Lazano.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Government offers suggestions on how to navigate Christmas safely

Advance booking for Mass , no sitting on Santa ’ s lap and off-peak shopping are among the Government ’ s suggestions for navigating Christmas safely as the country prepares to open up for a festive season like no other .
Every contact “ counts ” , top official Liz Canavan told a Government Buildings briefing when it comes to spreading Covid-19 .
“ When meeting people over the period , there will always be an incidence of risk , ” she said .
People are being urged to plan Christmas Day carefully , keeping the guest list short and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks before .
Guests should obey all hygiene rules , not share cutlery , crockery , etc and avoid hugs .
Extra space should be put between seats where possible , and people from the same household should sit together .
Those cooking and serving food should wears masks and limit the numbers in the kitchen .
Ventilation is encouraged , with doors and windows kept open where possible .
People should spend time outside .
Meanwhile , children should take care too .
“ I think it ’ s self-evident that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lap , ” said Ms Canavan .
Religious services will be able to have 50 people attending .
As under Level 5 , funerals with mourners of up to 25 and weddings with guests of up to 25 are allowed .
People should shop during off-peak hours when possible .
Museums and galleries can open from today ( Tuesday ) , as can cinemas when protective measures are in place .
However , no organised indoor events such as theatre , etc , are permitted .
Non-contact sports with up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only individual training can take place indoors , including gyms , so group exercise classes are out .
Matches except for professional and elite sports are not permitted .
Household mixing is not permitted until December 18th , but two households can meet outside .
Face coverings should be worn in crowded places , even outside .
People must manage their risks , said Ms Canavan .
Meanwhile , restaurants are already heavily booked until Christmas ahead of their reopening this weekend , following an “ absolutely huge ” rise in bookings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Few options are already available in Dublin between 7pm and 9pm Thursdays/Sundays , with many only offering time slots as early as 5:30pm for dinner reservations .
Denise McBrien of the Old Spot on Bath Avenue in Dublin 4 said bookings began to flood in following last Friday ’ s reopening declaration .
“ It has been ringing ever since , ” she said .
Also reporting strong bookings , executive chef of Dublin restaurants Sole on South William Street and Fire on Dawson Street , Richie Wilson said the numbers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 per cent of tables have had to be removed .
He said new challenges would have to be faced this Christmas .
In the past people met up in the pub and came to the restaurant together .
“ Now they will all be arriving separately , so delays in seating and serving people are inevitable.
” Equally there would be issues at the end of the evening as people must leave by 11pm .
“ I think having the same closing time for all restaurants could see large crowds on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at taxi ranks.
” Meanwhile , most hairdressers are “ fully booked ” for December , the Irish Hairdressers Federation has said .
Capacity would be lower than usual because of Covid-19 restrictions .

People are being urged to plan Christmas Day carefully, keeping the guest list short. Photograph: Getty Images
Advance booking for Mass, no sitting on Santa’s lap and off-peak shopping are among the Government’s suggestions for navigating Christmas safely as the country prepares to open up for a festive season like no other.
Every contact "counts", top official Liz Canavan told a Government Buildings briefing when it comes to spreading Covid-19.
“When meeting people over the period, there will always be an incidence of risk,” she said.
People are being urged to plan Christmas Day carefully, keeping the guest list short and limiting close contacts in the days and weeks before.
READ MORE
Guests should obey all hygiene rules, not share cutlery, crockery, etc and avoid hugs.
Extra space should be put between seats where possible, and people from the same household should sit together. Those cooking and serving food should wears masks and limit the numbers in the kitchen.
Ventilation is encouraged, with doors and windows kept open where possible. People should spend time outside.
Meanwhile, children should take care too. “I think it’s self-evident that you won’t be sitting on Santa’s lap,” said Ms Canavan.
Religious services will be able to have 50 people attending. As under Level 5, funerals with mourners of up to 25 and weddings with guests of up to 25 are allowed.
Protective measures
People should shop during off-peak hours when possible.
Museums and galleries can open from today (Tuesday), as can cinemas when protective measures are in place. However, no organised indoor events such as theatre, etc, are permitted.
Non-contact sports with up to 15 people can take place, but only individual training can take place indoors, including gyms, so group exercise classes are out.
Matches except for professional and elite sports are not permitted.
Household mixing is not permitted until December 18th, but two households can meet outside. Face coverings should be worn in crowded places, even outside.
People must manage their risks, said Ms Canavan.
Meanwhile, restaurants are already heavily booked until Christmas ahead of their reopening this weekend, following an “absolutely huge” rise in bookings in recent days, according to the industry.
Few options are already available in Dublin between 7pm and 9pm Thursdays/Sundays, with many only offering time slots as early as 5:30pm for dinner reservations.
Denise McBrien of the Old Spot on Bath Avenue in Dublin 4 said bookings began to flood in following last Friday’s reopening declaration. “It has been ringing ever since,” she said.
Also reporting strong bookings, executive chef of Dublin restaurants Sole on South William Street and Fire on Dawson Street, Richie Wilson said the numbers who could be served would be down because 40 per cent of tables have had to be removed.
New challenges
He said new challenges would have to be faced this Christmas. In the past people met up in the pub and came to the restaurant together. “Now they will all be arriving separately, so delays in seating and serving people are inevitable.”
Equally there would be issues at the end of the evening as people must leave by 11pm. “I think having the same closing time for all restaurants could see large crowds on the street after that, and long queues at taxi ranks.”
Meanwhile, most hairdressers are "fully booked" for December, the Irish Hairdressers Federation has said. Capacity would be lower than usual because of Covid-19 restrictions.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--No office party bookings or loud music permitted as restaurants reopen

Restaurants and gastropubs will not be allowed to take bookings for office parties or other business-related gatherings when they reopen , according to new rules presented to Government Ministers .
Multiple table bookings will also be banned while meals must come to a minimum of €9 , according to the Department of Health memo which was approved by the Cabinet last week .
For gastropubs that are allowed to reopen for indoor dining from this Friday onwards , there can be no sponsored work or business-related parties or social gatherings , this includes office parties .
People will be asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be a ban on live music or loud music in gastropubs or restaurants .
The Cabinet agreed last Friday to begin reopening the country from this week with much of the hospitality sector due to reopen later this week .
In its published guidance , the Government is asking people to sanitise their hands on entry and exit from restaurants and pubs , to wear a face mask indoors and when moving around the building and to provide details for contract tracing .
The move to reopen pubs that serve food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State ’ s public health team that the hospitality sector should be allowed offer takeaway only services throughout December .
In a letter to the Government , the National Public Health Emergency Team ( Nphet ) said a choice should be made between relaxing restrictions on households visits or allowing the hospitality sector to reopen .
Chief medical officer Tony Holohan wrote that there is a “ growing body of evidence that indoor environments like bars and restaurants are high risk due to the increased likelihood of crowded spaces , prolonged and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and noise levels , and the higher risk associated with certain activities including dining , drinking , singing or shouting ” .
Other guidelines for restaurants and gastropubs include that meals must be prepared on site and inside the premises with a maximum of six people per table .
This includes access for non-residents to restaurants in hotels .
Social distancing rules apply , with time limits relaxed when gaps of more than two metres between tables can be facilitated .
Restaurants have been closed except for take-away across the State for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoor dining since October 6th .
For Dublin restaurants indoor dining has been banned for more than two months , since September 19th .

For gastropubs that are allowed to reopen from this Friday onwards, there can be no sponsored work or business-related parties or social gatherings, this includes office parties. Photograph: iStock
Restaurants and gastropubs will not be allowed to take bookings for office parties or other business-related gatherings when they reopen, according to new rules presented to Government Ministers.
Multiple table bookings will also be banned while meals must come to a minimum of €9, according to the Department of Health memo which was approved by the Cabinet last week.
For gastropubs that are allowed to reopen for indoor dining from this Friday onwards, there can be no sponsored work or business-related parties or social gatherings, this includes office parties.
People will be asked not to make multiple bookings and there will also be a ban on live music or loud music in gastropubs or restaurants.
READ MORE
The Cabinet agreed last Friday to begin reopening the country from this week with much of the hospitality sector due to reopen later this week.
In its published guidance, the Government is asking people to sanitise their hands on entry and exit from restaurants and pubs, to wear a face mask indoors and when moving around the building and to provide details for contract tracing.
The move to reopen pubs that serve food and restaurants comes despite a recommendation from the State’s public health team that the hospitality sector should be allowed offer takeaway only services throughout December.
In a letter to the Government, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) said a choice should be made between relaxing restrictions on households visits or allowing the hospitality sector to reopen.
Chief medical officer Tony Holohan wrote that there is a “growing body of evidence that indoor environments like bars and restaurants are high risk due to the increased likelihood of crowded spaces, prolonged and intense contact with others, poor ventilation, and noise levels, and the higher risk associated with certain activities including dining, drinking, singing or shouting”.
Other guidelines for restaurants and gastropubs include that meals must be prepared on site and inside the premises with a maximum of six people per table. This includes access for non-residents to restaurants in hotels. Social distancing rules apply, with time limits relaxed when gaps of more than two metres between tables can be facilitated.
Restaurants have been closed except for take-away across the State for the past six weeks and closed to indoor dining since October 6th. For Dublin restaurants indoor dining has been banned for more than two months, since September 19th.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Cavan priest will not be ‘dictated to by pagan government’

A Co Cavan priest has said he will not be “ dictated to by a pagan and communist government ” about how many people can attend Christmas ceremonies in his church .
Speaking ahead of Tuesday ’ s relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions to allow 50 people in church , Fr PJ Hughes , parish priest at Mullahoran , said : “ So what ?
Big deal .
“ Who the hell do they think they are giving us permission to have 50 people in ?
They should mind their own business and let us live our lives and let the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Fr Hughes , who was warned he could face prosecution if he continued breaching the rules , said the Government never mentioned Jesus when it announced the Christmas Covid-19 plan .
“ It would stick in the Taoiseach ’ s throat if he mentioned Jesus at all , ” said Fr Hughes .
“ All he could talk about the other evening was Mr Fox and Roald Dahl .
It is not about Jesus anymore.
” The priest , who will meet his parish council this week to discuss Christmas plans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any more ” if he was “ condemned because I was practising my faith ” .
The Government previously decided that churches were not “ essential services ” , he said : “ They do not recognise what I do as necessary , and what Jesus Christ did , coming into this world , as necessary.
” The authorities are “ turning a blind eye ” to breaches by sporting bodies and others , while children and parents are “ going from parish to parish to play football and soccer and hurling ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith has a role to play in getting out of this virus ” , he said .
“ They have denigrated God plus I must say , the archbishops have let us down .
“ They have not spoken up and represented Christ who they signed up to represent .
They are giving in to a government who , from where I am standing , don ’ t believe in God and don ’ t understand what faith is all about.
” The elderly coming to Mass are “ not stupid , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they come to pray ” , he said .
“ They are not coming to talk to each other , they are not going to spread the virus .
They hardly open their mouths .
“ When is the penny going to drop with these people in authority that Jesus is the messiah , and that they are not the messiahs , that the CMO or the HSE or Nphet is not the messiah .
”

‘Who the hell do they think they are giving us permission to have 50 people in?’ Fr PJ Hughes at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Mullahoran, Co Cavan. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
A Co Cavan priest has said he will not be "dictated to by a pagan and communist government" about how many people can attend Christmas ceremonies in his church.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions to allow 50 people in church, Fr PJ Hughes, parish priest at Mullahoran, said: "So what? Big deal.
“Who the hell do they think they are giving us permission to have 50 people in? They should mind their own business and let us live our lives and let the people be responsible for their own health.”
Fr Hughes, who was warned he could face prosecution if he continued breaching the rules, said the Government never mentioned Jesus when it announced the Christmas Covid-19 plan.
READ MORE
‘Essential services’
"It would stick in the Taoiseach's throat if he mentioned Jesus at all," said Fr Hughes. "All he could talk about the other evening was Mr Fox and Roald Dahl. It is not about Jesus anymore."
The priest, who will meet his parish council this week to discuss Christmas plans, said he “ didn’t care any more” if he was “condemned because I was practising my faith”.
The Government previously decided that churches were not “essential services”, he said: “They do not recognise what I do as necessary, and what Jesus Christ did, coming into this world, as necessary.”
The authorities are “turning a blind eye” to breaches by sporting bodies and others, while children and parents are “going from parish to parish to play football and soccer and hurling”.
Faith vs virus
Ministers should accept that “the faith has a role to play in getting out of this virus”, he said. “They have denigrated God plus I must say, the archbishops have let us down.
“They have not spoken up and represented Christ who they signed up to represent. They are giving in to a government who, from where I am standing, don’t believe in God and don’t understand what faith is all about.”
The elderly coming to Mass are “not stupid, they know that they need God, and they come to pray”, he said. “They are not coming to talk to each other, they are not going to spread the virus. They hardly open their mouths.
“When is the penny going to drop with these people in authority that Jesus is the messiah, and that they are not the messiahs, that the CMO or the HSE or Nphet is not the messiah.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Restrictions on nursing home visits will ease from next week

From Monday next , residents of nursing homes and other care facilities will be able to have one visit by one person per week .
New guidance from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre ( HPSC ) says the impact of visitor restrictions , on people whose homes are care facilities , should take into account major religious and cultural festivals , such as Christmas .
“ Equal provision must be made for people from other traditions and belief systems , ” it said .
It details the measures that should be implemented with regard to visiting people in care facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s National Framework for Living with Covid-19 , with more frequent visits allowed under Levels 1 and 2 .
Under Levels 3 , 4 and 5 it says general visiting should be suspended , except for critical and compassionate reasons .
However : “ To promote wellbeing up to one visit by one person per week should be facilitated on compassionate grounds for those residents who wish to receive visitors when at levels .
.
.
3 and 4 , ” says the document .
From Tuesday , the entire country moves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some additional restrictions .
In circumstances where there is a return to Level 5 , the document says : “ Up to one visit by one person every two weeks should be facilitated on compassionate grounds for those residents who wish to receive visitors ” .
However , in some disability settings where the risk is deemed to be lower , one visit by one person per week may be possible under Level 5 .
The one person per visit does not have to be the same person each visit , the document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to receive visitors during the pandemic “ it must be respected ” but they should be checked back with regularly to ensure this is still their preference .
Welcoming the changes Minister of State for Older People Mary Butler said : “ While unfortunately the risk posed by Covid-19 means that we will all have to celebrate Christmas in a different way this year , the new visiting guidance identifies further opportunity for managed social interaction and residents receiving visits from family .
“ In doing so , as noted in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protection and safety of all residents at the forefront of our considerations.
” The announcement was welcomed by the Irish Hospice Foundation , which said it had written to the National Public Health Emergency Team urging it to look at visiting in nursing and care homes The foundation ’ s chief executive Sharon Foley said : “ Our work with nursing homes and residential care homes all over Ireland gave us a real insight into the distressing and difficult situations whereby families have been deeply worried and saddened by lack of visits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The change in visiting announced today means that the distress for both families and residents will be somewhat eased on the run up to Christmas and will begin to have a positive impact on the quality of life of those 25,000-plus residents .
”

From Monday next, visits by one person to nursing home residents will be permitted on compassionate grounds. Photograph: iStock
From Monday next, residents of nursing homes and other care facilities will be able to have one visit by one person per week.
New guidance from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) says the impact of visitor restrictions, on people whose homes are care facilities, should take into account major religious and cultural festivals, such as Christmas.
“Equal provision must be made for people from other traditions and belief systems,” it said.
Hospital Report
Hospital Report
It details the measures that should be implemented with regard to visiting people in care facilities at the five levels of the Government’s National Framework for Living with Covid-19, with more frequent visits allowed under Levels 1 and 2.
READ MORE
Under Levels 3, 4 and 5 it says general visiting should be suspended, except for critical and compassionate reasons.
However: “To promote wellbeing up to one visit by one person per week should be facilitated on compassionate grounds for those residents who wish to receive visitors when at levels . . . 3 and 4,” says the document.
From Tuesday, the entire country moves from Level 5 to Level 3 with some additional restrictions.
In circumstances where there is a return to Level 5, the document says: “Up to one visit by one person every two weeks should be facilitated on compassionate grounds for those residents who wish to receive visitors”.
However, in some disability settings where the risk is deemed to be lower, one visit by one person per week may be possible under Level 5. The one person per visit does not have to be the same person each visit, the document says.
Where residents express a preference not to receive visitors during the pandemic “it must be respected” but they should be checked back with regularly to ensure this is still their preference.
Welcoming the changes Minister of State for Older People Mary Butler said: "While unfortunately the risk posed by Covid-19 means that we will all have to celebrate Christmas in a different way this year, the new visiting guidance identifies further opportunity for managed social interaction and residents receiving visits from family.
“In doing so, as noted in the guidance, we must continue to have the protection and safety of all residents at the forefront of our considerations.”
The announcement was welcomed by the Irish Hospice Foundation, which said it had written to the National Public Health Emergency Team urging it to look at visiting in nursing and care homes
The foundation’s chief executive Sharon Foley said: “Our work with nursing homes and residential care homes all over Ireland gave us a real insight into the distressing and difficult situations whereby families have been deeply worried and saddened by lack of visits to their elderly loved relatives.
“The change in visiting announced today means that the distress for both families and residents will be somewhat eased on the run up to Christmas and will begin to have a positive impact on the quality of life of those 25,000-plus residents.”


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Thirty-six on waiting list for CMH ahead of mentally ill murder accused, court told

A mentally ill murder accused whose family say he should be receiving treatment in the Central Mental Hospital ( CMH ) and not a remand prison is getting medical care equivalent to what he would get if living in the community , the High Court has been told .
The man is awaiting trial on remand having been charged earlier this year with the murder of another man .
He suffers from schizophrenia and is actively psychotic with homicidal ideation , the court heard .
While the sides accept the best place for him is not prison but the CMH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at capacity and there are 36 people ahead of him on the waiting list to get into it .
The CMH in Dundrum , Dublin , is the State ’ s only facility for severely mentally ill people in the criminal justice system .
The remand prison and the CMH , a notice party , oppose the application for an order to release him which his lawyers say would not be executed immediately to see if a place could become available in the CMH for him .
The court heard he has stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resumed taking it for depression .
The man ’ s parents support the application and were in court on Monday for the second day of the case when Grainne O ’ Neill BL , for the prison governor , urged the court to reject it .
Ms O ’ Neill said the man was receiving the same treatment as he would if in the community and his place on the waiting list was reviewed every Monday as part of the work that the CMH outreach team do for him .
These proceedings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admissions policy of CMH , counsel argued .
An order for release under article 40 of the Constitution was not the appropriate remedy and is not even a remedy the man ’ s representatives seek , she said .
They had said , even if the court ordered his release , he should not be immediately released to see if things improve in relation to his position on the waiting list , she said .
Barry O ’ Donnell SC , for the director of the CMH , said it was clearly accepted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CMH .
The man is receiving treatment in hospital from the CMH outreach team and by the in-house prison medical team , he said .
While it was not satisfactory , the situation was not as stark as the man ’ s lawyer had argued , counsel said .
The deficits in his treatment were not such as to trigger the seriousness test for releasing someone under article 40 .
Ms Justice Niamh Hyland said she hoped to give her decision as quickly as possible .

The Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, Dublin, is the State’s only facility for severely mentally ill people in the criminal justice system. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill / The Irish Times
A mentally ill murder accused whose family say he should be receiving treatment in the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) and not a remand prison is getting medical care equivalent to what he would get if living in the community, the High Court has been told.
The man is awaiting trial on remand having been charged earlier this year with the murder of another man. He suffers from schizophrenia and is actively psychotic with homicidal ideation, the court heard.
While the sides accept the best place for him is not prison but the CMH, it is accepted the CMH is at capacity and there are 36 people ahead of him on the waiting list to get into it.
The CMH in Dundrum, Dublin, is the State’s only facility for severely mentally ill people in the criminal justice system.
READ MORE
The remand prison and the CMH, a notice party, oppose the application for an order to release him which his lawyers say would not be executed immediately to see if a place could become available in the CMH for him. The court heard he has stopped taking anti-psychotic medication but at the weekend resumed taking it for depression.
The man’s parents support the application and were in court on Monday for the second day of the case when Grainne O’Neill BL, for the prison governor, urged the court to reject it.
Ms O’Neill said the man was receiving the same treatment as he would if in the community and his place on the waiting list was reviewed every Monday as part of the work that the CMH outreach team do for him.
These proceedings are an effort to put pressure on the admissions policy of CMH, counsel argued.
An order for release under article 40 of the Constitution was not the appropriate remedy and is not even a remedy the man’s representatives seek, she said. They had said, even if the court ordered his release, he should not be immediately released to see if things improve in relation to his position on the waiting list, she said.
Barry O’Donnell SC, for the director of the CMH, said it was clearly accepted the best place for him was the CMH.
The man is receiving treatment in hospital from the CMH outreach team and by the in-house prison medical team, he said.
While it was not satisfactory, the situation was not as stark as the man’s lawyer had argued, counsel said. The deficits in his treatment were not such as to trigger the seriousness test for releasing someone under article 40.
Ms Justice Niamh Hyland said she hoped to give her decision as quickly as possible.


theirishtimes--2020-11-30--Poultry farmers urged to be on high alert for signs of bird flu

Turkey farmers are among those being asked to be on high alert for signs of bird flu in their flock .
The Department of Agriculture ’ s warning to all poultry farmers , including those who keep one or two hens in their back garden , comes following the confirmation of the avian influenza H5N8 in wild birds in a number of counties since early November .
The department is urging keepers of chickens , ducks , geese and turkeys to apply specific biosecurity measures .
The virus is highly contagious between birds and can cause serious illness and death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Symptoms include a swollen head , discolouration of neck and throat , loss of appetite , respiratory distress , diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid – although these vary between species of bird .
No human infections with this virus have been reported worldwide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low .
Properly cooked poultry and poultry products , including eggs , are safe to eat .
Among the biosecurity measures owners should implement are to allow only essential personnel on to the premises ; anyone who comes into contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including dedicated wellington boots and disposable overalls and gloves ; all footwear should be disinfected before and after being on the premises ; anyone who comes into contact with the birds must wash their hands thoroughly before and after ; and , where possible anyone in contact with the poultry should refrain from contact with any birds off the premises .
There should be “ additional enhanced biosecurity measures … in flocks of 500 birds or more ” , said a department spokesman .
“ Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any disease suspicion to their nearest department regional veterinary office .
“ Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the regional veterinary office or contact the department ’ s disease hotline on 1850-200456.
” An early warning system is in place with Birdwatch Ireland , the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Association of Regional Game Councils regarding surveillance for signs of disease in wild birds .

Turkey farmers are among those being asked to be on high alert for signs of bird flu in their flock.
The Department of Agriculture’s warning to all poultry farmers, including those who keep one or two hens in their back garden, comes following the confirmation of the avian influenza H5N8 in wild birds in a number of counties since early November.
The department is urging keepers of chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys to apply specific biosecurity measures.
The virus is highly contagious between birds and can cause serious illness and death, and so threatens Irish flocks. Symptoms include a swollen head, discolouration of neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and fewer eggs laid – although these vary between species of bird.
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No human infections with this virus have been reported worldwide and therefore risk to humans is considered to be very low. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Among the biosecurity measures owners should implement are to allow only essential personnel on to the premises; anyone who comes into contact with the birds must wear suitable PPE, including dedicated wellington boots and disposable overalls and gloves; all footwear should be disinfected before and after being on the premises; anyone who comes into contact with the birds must wash their hands thoroughly before and after; and, where possible anyone in contact with the poultry should refrain from contact with any birds off the premises.
There should be “additional enhanced biosecurity measures … in flocks of 500 birds or more”, said a department spokesman.
“Poultry flock owners should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any disease suspicion to their nearest department regional veterinary office.
“Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick or dead wild birds to the regional veterinary office or contact the department’s disease hotline on 1850-200456.”
An early warning system is in place with Birdwatch Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Association of Regional Game Councils regarding surveillance for signs of disease in wild birds.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Residents in centre for autism had to stay in bedrooms ‘for own safety’

Residents of a centre for those with intellectual disabilities and autism had to stay in their bedrooms “ for their own safety ” on a number of occasions , a report from the State ’ s health watchdog has found .
An inspector from the Health Information and Quality Authority ( Hiqa ) said that from discussions with staff at An Diadan in Co Tipperary it was clear they had experienced “ a challenging number of months ” earlier this year arising from “ the escalated behaviours of a former resident ” .
“ This resulted in all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had to on a number of occasions stay in their bedrooms for their own safety ( with and or without staff accompanying them ) and wait for behaviours to de-escalate , ” the report said .
“ During this same time period one serious incident had arisen during which members of An Garda Síochána were called by staff to assist with a resident who was engaging in behaviours that challenged .
This situation had now resolved itself as at the time of this inspection a resident had already transferred in a planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was redesigned for them.
” The inspection , which was announced at short notice in July , identified that despite a number of internal audits , “ documents associated with personal planning and healthcare required better oversight ” .
“ The inspector identified a number of inconsistencies across both areas upon an initial review of sampled files , ” the report said .
“ The person in charge acknowledged that the time afforded to oversight had been impacted this year due to the escalated behaviours of a former resident and more recently in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of the 20 inspection reports published on Tuesday on designated centres for people with disabilities , a good level of compliance with regulations and standards was found in 17 centres .
The inspector noted that residents at An Diadan were afforded opportunities to maintain contact with family members throughout the Covid-19 pandemic .
“ Residents ’ social care needs and preferences were identified however , the support plans lacked specific detail achievement of the goals set out for the residents , ” the report added .
Separately , a Hiqa inspection of Lemongrove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems in place did not consistently ensure that the service provided was “ safe , appropriate to meet the resident ’ s ’ assessed needs , consistent and effectively monitored ” .
The inspector also found the person in charge had not ensured that staff were afforded with “ up to date guidance to respond to behaviour that is challenging and to support all residents manage such behaviour ” .

The inspector noted that residents at An Diadan were afforded opportunities to maintain contact with family members throughout the Covid-19 pandemic
Residents of a centre for those with intellectual disabilities and autism had to stay in their bedrooms “for their own safety” on a number of occasions, a report from the State’s health watchdog has found.
An inspector from the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) said that from discussions with staff at An Diadan in Co Tipperary it was clear they had experienced "a challenging number of months" earlier this year arising from "the escalated behaviours of a former resident".
“This resulted in all of the residents being affected by these incidents as they had to on a number of occasions stay in their bedrooms for their own safety (with and or without staff accompanying them) and wait for behaviours to de-escalate,” the report said.
"During this same time period one serious incident had arisen during which members of An Garda Síochána were called by staff to assist with a resident who was engaging in behaviours that challenged. This situation had now resolved itself as at the time of this inspection a resident had already transferred in a planned manner to a more suitable home that was redesigned for them."
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The inspection, which was announced at short notice in July, identified that despite a number of internal audits, “documents associated with personal planning and healthcare required better oversight”.
“The inspector identified a number of inconsistencies across both areas upon an initial review of sampled files,” the report said.
“The person in charge acknowledged that the time afforded to oversight had been impacted this year due to the escalated behaviours of a former resident and more recently in addressing matters associated with COVID-19 pandemic.”
Of the 20 inspection reports published on Tuesday on designated centres for people with disabilities, a good level of compliance with regulations and standards was found in 17 centres.
The inspector noted that residents at An Diadan were afforded opportunities to maintain contact with family members throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Residents’ social care needs and preferences were identified however, the support plans lacked specific detail achievement of the goals set out for the residents,” the report added.
Separately, a Hiqa inspection of Lemongrove House in Co Wexford found that management systems in place did not consistently ensure that the service provided was "safe, appropriate to meet the resident's' assessed needs, consistent and effectively monitored".
The inspector also found the person in charge had not ensured that staff were afforded with “up to date guidance to respond to behaviour that is challenging and to support all residents manage such behaviour”.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Traffic ‘significantly busier’ as State exits second lockdown

Traffic along main commuter routes and in Irish cities was “ significantly busier ” on Tuesday morning as the State ’ s second lockdown ended and non-essential retail outlets , churches , gyms , hairdressers and other businesses reopened , AA Roadwatch has said .
Traffic in Dublin and Cork cities was “ noticeably busier ” with “ substantial levels of traffic ” on the roads by 9.30am , said AA spokesman Barry Aldworth .
Roads around Dundrum shopping centre in Dublin and Douglas in Cork were busy from early on Tuesday indicating that people were eager to get started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he added .
While Tuesday was busy , Mr Aldworth said he expected traffic volumes would pick up “ gradually ” over the coming days as the advice remains that people stay within their own county .
However , from December 18th , roads will get busy , he said .
“ Once it ’ s the 18th I would expect a lot of people will be travelling home to visit relatives .
In previous years we would see the 23rd as the big day for travel home but this year people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking annual leave to travel as they can work from home .
“ I wouldn ’ t expect a mad rush on any one day .
I think it will be more spread out as people have that full week to travel.
” Traffic volumes dropped to about 65 per cent the level usually seen in October and November while the latest Level 5 restrictions were in place .
However , levels remained significantly higher than what was seen in March when many routes recorded levels as low as 35 per cent what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The decision to keep schools open and to allow construction sites to continue operating during the second lockdown no doubt contributed to the larger volume of cars on Irish roads , AA Roadwatch has said .
While traffic volumes have dropped at different points this year , deaths on Irish roads continue to be a problem with 135 people losing their lives in collisions so far this year , up 10 on the same period last year .
AA Roadwatch is urging drivers to take extra precautions when driving during wintry conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Routes will be busier because of people travelling to see family and people may be driving on roads they ’ re not familiar with , ” said Mr Aldworth .
“ Like every year at Christmas , always exercise caution when driving and allow space between yourself and other road users.
” Drivers should also be particularly aware of the increase in the number of people cycling and walking on the roads during the pandemic , he added .
Meanwhile , general secretary of the National Bus and Rain Union ( NBRU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to meet with the union following the decision to increase capacity on board Dublin Bus from 25 per cent to 50 per cent of normal levels from Tuesday .
Mr O ’ Leary told RTÉ 's Today with Claire Byrne show that he feared the situation could end up “ in the appalling vista ” that had occurred in London when transport workers lost their lives because of Covid-19 .
Mr O ’ Leary said he was particularly concerned that the 50 per cent capacity would include standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some people might not be prepared to leave seats empty and stand instead .
Anecdotal evidence from drivers shows people are closing windows left open for circulation because of the cold weather , he said .
Staggered opening times for retail outlets would also help ease congestion on public transport , he added .
Mr O ’ Leary said he hoped the issue would be taken seriously by the minister as it was not acceptable to have his members “ dictated to ” .

Traffic along main commuter routes and in Irish cities was “significantly busier” on Tuesday morning as the State’s second lockdown ended and non-essential retail outlets, churches, gyms, hairdressers and other businesses reopened, AA Roadwatch has said.
Traffic in Dublin and Cork cities was "noticeably busier" with "substantial levels of traffic" on the roads by 9.30am, said AA spokesman Barry Aldworth.
Roads around Dundrum shopping centre in Dublin and Douglas in Cork were busy from early on Tuesday indicating that people were eager to get started with their in-person Christmas shopping straight away, he added.
Hospital Report
While Tuesday was busy, Mr Aldworth said he expected traffic volumes would pick up “gradually” over the coming days as the advice remains that people stay within their own county. However, from December 18th, roads will get busy, he said.
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“Once it’s the 18th I would expect a lot of people will be travelling home to visit relatives. In previous years we would see the 23rd as the big day for travel home but this year people don’t need to think about taking annual leave to travel as they can work from home.
“I wouldn’t expect a mad rush on any one day. I think it will be more spread out as people have that full week to travel.”
Traffic volumes dropped to about 65 per cent the level usually seen in October and November while the latest Level 5 restrictions were in place. However, levels remained significantly higher than what was seen in March when many routes recorded levels as low as 35 per cent what would typically be seen on a weekday.
Schools open
The decision to keep schools open and to allow construction sites to continue operating during the second lockdown no doubt contributed to the larger volume of cars on Irish roads, AA Roadwatch has said.
While traffic volumes have dropped at different points this year, deaths on Irish roads continue to be a problem with 135 people losing their lives in collisions so far this year, up 10 on the same period last year.
AA Roadwatch is urging drivers to take extra precautions when driving during wintry conditions and in the lead-up to Christmas.
“Routes will be busier because of people travelling to see family and people may be driving on roads they’re not familiar with,” said Mr Aldworth. “Like every year at Christmas, always exercise caution when driving and allow space between yourself and other road users.” Drivers should also be particularly aware of the increase in the number of people cycling and walking on the roads during the pandemic, he added.
Meanwhile, general secretary of the National Bus and Rain Union (NBRU) Dermot O'Leary called on Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to meet with the union following the decision to increase capacity on board Dublin Bus from 25 per cent to 50 per cent of normal levels from Tuesday.
Mr O'Leary told RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne show that he feared the situation could end up "in the appalling vista" that had occurred in London when transport workers lost their lives because of Covid-19.
Mr O’Leary said he was particularly concerned that the 50 per cent capacity would include standing room as well as seats, warning that some people might not be prepared to leave seats empty and stand instead.
Anecdotal evidence from drivers shows people are closing windows left open for circulation because of the cold weather, he said. Staggered opening times for retail outlets would also help ease congestion on public transport, he added.
Mr O’Leary said he hoped the issue would be taken seriously by the minister as it was not acceptable to have his members “dictated to”.


theirishtimes--2020-12-01--Taoiseach does not expect new restrictions before Christmas if Covid-19 cases rise

The Taoiseach has said he does not anticipate new Covid-19 restrictions before Christmas and has described the 400 daily cases figure that Nphet has set as a threshold for action is “ very arbitrary.
” Nphet said in a letter to the Government last week that it would be possible to suppress the spread of the virus with a three-week intervention only if it begins as cases approach 400 a day .
The five-day average of new cases stood at 277 on Monday .
Micheál Martin said the Government was not just watching the figures on new cases but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deaths in deciding on imposing any restrictions .
He said the State was the best performing in Europe on the seven-day average of new cases .
“ We want to stay in the that position , so we won ’ t be slow to react , but we don ’ t anticipate having to do it before Christmas , ” the Taoiseach told the Irish Times in an interview on Monday .
On Tuesday the country moved from Level 5 to Level 3 restrictions with the reopening non-essential retail and other public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 18th .
Mr Martin said the expectation was that cases would continue to fall this week due to the lag from remaining restrictions .
He said an increase in cases after the Government permitted household visits for Christmas after December 18th would depend on people ’ s behaviour .
“ It ’ s now for all of us individually and collectively in our behaviour to manage this virus and to get the virus down and that ’ s particularly true from the 18th onwards , ” he said .
The Government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , libraries or galleries without this leading to a spread of the virus and this would improve quality of life over Christmas , he said .
“ There are limits to which a government can lock people up for a prolonged period of time , to be crude about it , and we have to get the balance right .
This is about balance , ” he said .
Nphet has argued that if socialising and household mixing took place “ a third wave of disease will ensue much more quickly and with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martin acknowledged that the Government ’ s plan to ease restrictions was “ a bit of a trade-off ” but that if the Government had to bring in further restrictions “ that can really nip the spread of the virus , then we would be prepared to do that .
“ The message really is to people to watch your behaviour , and every contact counts , ” he said .
Nphet advised Government in a letter to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly last Thursday that it “ will be important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control.
” The health officials said that the 400 cases per day threshold would be breached sooner than January if restrictions are eased at a level where cases are higher in early December than the original starting point of less than 100 cases a day .
Mr Martin said that the Government understood that there was a level of new cases where the virus then grows exponentially and that it would “ keep an eye ” on this figure .

Dublin’s premier shopping street Grafton Street was busy as Ireland’s lockdown ended today with non-essential retail outlets, churches, gyms, hairdressers and other businesses opening their doors for the first time in six weeks. Video: Bryan O'Brien
The Taoiseach has said he does not anticipate new Covid-19 restrictions before Christmas and has described the 400 daily cases figure that Nphet has set as a threshold for action as “very arbitrary.”
Nphet said in a letter to the Government last week that it would be possible to suppress the spread of the virus with a three-week intervention only if it begins as cases approach 400 a day.
The five-day average of new cases stood at 277 on Monday.
Hospital Report
Micheál Martin said the Government was not just watching the figures on new cases but also the level of hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths in deciding on imposing any restrictions.
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He said the State was the best performing in Europe on the seven-day average of new cases.
“We want to stay in that position, so we won’t be slow to react, but we don’t anticipate having to do it before Christmas,” the Taoiseach told the Irish Times in an interview on Monday.
On Tuesday the country moved from Level 5 to Level 3 restrictions with the reopening of non-essential retail and other public amenities but household visits remain restricted until December 18th.
Mr Martin said the expectation was that cases would continue to fall this week due to the lag from remaining restrictions.
He said an increase in cases after the Government permitted household visits for Christmas after December 18th would depend on people’s behaviour.
“It’s now for all of us individually and collectively in our behaviour to manage this virus and to get the virus down and that’s particularly true from the 18th onwards,” he said.
The Government was “more comfortable” about reopening museums, libraries or galleries without this leading to a spread of the virus and this would improve quality of life over Christmas, he said.
“There are limits to which a government can lock people up for a prolonged period of time, to be crude about it, and we have to get the balance right. This is about balance,” he said.
Nphet has argued that if socialising and household mixing took place “a third wave of disease will ensue much more quickly and with greater mortality than the second.”
Mr Martin acknowledged that the Government’s plan to ease restrictions was “a bit of a trade-off” but that if the Government had to bring in further restrictions “that can really nip the spread of the virus, then we would be prepared to do that.
“The message really is to people to watch your behaviour, and every contact counts,” he said.
Nphet advised Government in a letter to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly last Thursday that it "will be important to intervene early to bring transmission back under control."
The health officials said that the 400 cases per day threshold would be breached sooner than January if restrictions are eased at a level where cases are higher in early December than the original starting point of less than 100 cases a day.
Mr Martin said the Government understood that there was a level of new cases where the virus then grows exponentially and that it would “keep an eye” on this figure.