[ad_1]
The recent surge in Covid-19 cases outside of Dublin has been described by an infectious disease consultant as “really shocking.”
“We have to do something as a nation, as we cannot allow the increase to continue,” said Professor Sam McConkey.
He said efforts to encourage people to take voluntary action to reduce the incidence of the disease and to test and track confirmed cases to slow the spread “have not worked,” prompting a move toward Level 5 restrictions.
It was, he added, “a no-brainer” to make the move, but one that “would require massive public participation.
Professor McConkey said that those who had said such restrictions would further damage the economy should realize that “if the virus continues to spread, the economy will be shattered anyway.”
He said “there has to be cooperation with the authorities” in Northern Ireland on the matter as well.
“The area around Derry and Strabane has the highest rates (of Covid-19 infection) in the whole of the UK,” he said, adding that “political leaders (in both jurisdictions) need to come together for this” .
Professor McConkey encouraged people across Ireland to believe that “we can fix this.”
“It is not as bad as last March and in May, June it was fine. We can do it again. “
When it comes to schools, Professor McConkey felt that those under 15 were neither at risk nor at risk. However, he said that “those aged 15 to 25 are a higher risk.” Tertiary education was probably less of a problem, as most wore masks and took classes online, he said, but the question was how young people aged 14 to 18 could meet in high school.
Absolute reality
Dr Mary Favier, former president of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) and a member of NPHET, said that the “absolute reality” and the “inevitable truth” of the current Covid-19 figures was that a shutdown would be necessary because of the vulnerability of the health system.
“Something needs to be done to protect it,” he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland on Monday.
He said that if the number of cases continued on its current trajectory, there could be 1,500 cases a day by early November and hospitals would be fully occupied. The healthcare system is already under pressure to deal with Covid-19 cases and other forms of healthcare, he said.
“Family doctors are concerned about what this winter will be like. It is not just a fear, it is a reality, “she said.
Dr. Favier said there were concerns that if there was a serious car accident or heart incident, there would not be an ICU bed available due to the number of Covid-19 patients.
Not enough difference
Moving to Level 3 in Dublin and Donegal had made “some difference” but not enough, he added. However, Dr. Favier said she was particularly concerned about the impact of the increased lockdown on vulnerable groups and those with mental health problems.
Infectious disease expert Professor Jack Lambert said that the implementation of preventive measures was very important and that people should adhere to them.
He told Newstalk Breakfast that it was necessary to apply masks, maintain social distance and all preventive measures.
The Irish Association of Secondary Teachers (ASTI) said its members were concerned about the implications of a possible move to the highest level in the government’s Living with Covid-19 plan. She said a comprehensive review of the medical and related guidance that is being implemented in schools should be conducted immediately to determine if it is safe for the second tier to remain open.
“We wrote to the Minister of Education and Skills this morning to request that she initiate a review immediately. We will also request that the second-level stakeholders meet to discuss all associated issues, ”said Ann Piggott, President of Asti.
“The health, safety, and well-being of all members of our school communities is of the utmost importance.”
The National Organization of Teachers of Ireland (INTO) made a similar appeal on behalf of its members.
“Such a review should determine if it is safe for our schools to remain open. It is imperative that stakeholders in education come together earlier this week to explore issues that may need to be addressed, ”said INTO Secretary General John Boyle.
Teachers’ Union of Ireland Secretary General Michael Gillespie said there were many members with “serious underlying health problems” who were concerned about the latest developments.
“We have already sought detailed clarification on why it would be safe for schools to remain open at Level 5 if the rest of society is effectively blocked,” he said. “We have a number of justified and important issues in this regard and they need to be addressed urgently.”
Post evidence
In response to the NPHET recommendation, Ibec executive director Danny McCoy said that given the seriousness of it for the economy and society, the group of senior government officials should seek, review and publish the evidence that supports these recommendations.
“It is intolerable that after six months we continue to receive both vague and changing criteria to promote such serious restrictions,” he said.
The Irish Restaurant Association said that recommending a switch to Level 5 was “surprising, inexplicable and financially unreasonable” given that many counties were doing well to contain the disease.
The group’s chief executive, Adrian Cummins, said the government must decide “whether Ireland can live with Covid-19 as outlined in the plan to deal with the virus or they will plunge the country into an economic lockdown as requested by NPHET.”
What would the Level 5 restrictions imply?
Level 5 restrictions mean that people will be asked to stay home, except when exercising within 5 km of their home, without visits or social and family gatherings.
Up to six guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception, while up to 10 can attend funerals, but no other gatherings can be held indoors or outdoors.
Unless you are involved with an essential service, people must work from home.
As far as sport is concerned, there may be individual training only without games, exercises or dance classes, with closed gyms / leisure centers / swimming pools.
Religious services will be held in line with places of worship open for private prayer.
The bars and restaurants will be closed with food to go or only at home.
The hotels will be open only for essential non-social and non-tourist purposes. All stores are closed, except grocery and food stores, with hair salons open, but face covers must be worn.
Nurseries, schools and universities remain open.
Public transportation reduced to 25 percent capacity and for essential workers. Masks must be worn.
Those over 70 and medically vulnerable people must judge the extent to which they interact with others and in activities outside the home. Visits to nursing homes and nursing homes are suspended.
[ad_2]