[ad_1]
The first batch of Covid-19 vaccines has arrived in Ireland, and the Taoiseach has labeled it a “day of great hope”.
In what CEO Paul Reid described as a “momentous day,” the HSE said the doses “are stored under ultra-low refrigeration conditions in a safe place” prior to the launch of the vaccination program.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who declared on Twitter that the country will start vaccinating in four days, said the jab will save many lives.
“After a difficult and different Christmas for many people, it is wonderful to see the first deliveries of Covid-19 vaccines to Ireland today,” said Donnelly. “The arrival of these vaccines in Ireland is a significant and positive step forward after a challenging year. I want to acknowledge the hard work of teams in my Department, throughout the government, the HSE, and by various other stakeholders in getting us to this point.
“The European Medicines Agency rigorously tested the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine and it was found to be safe and effective. It is a great achievement of the scientific and medical communities.
“The recent increase in cases focuses our collective minds on the ongoing challenge of Covid-19,” added Donnelly.
“The advent of safe and effective vaccines will help us protect the most vulnerable in our society as we intensify our immunization program over the next several weeks and months.
When is it worth photographing a fridge? When you just had the first from Ireland # COVID-19 vaccines given it
The first doses have just arrived and many of them are in that very, very cold refrigerator.
We will start getting vaccinated in four days. #firm hold. pic.twitter.com/T9zletiOBS
– Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) December 26, 2020
“While we look forward to a brighter year with the launch of vaccines, we must still be aware of the Covid-19 threat. Please continue to follow all public health guidelines and remember that every contact counts. “
Mr. Reid called that vaccine a “welcome sight,” but also urged people to continue to follow public health guidelines.
He said the vaccine “represents hope for all of us as we move into a New Year, but we must remember that we all still have our part to play. Over the next few days, HSE teams will work tirelessly with the support of Professor Brian MacCraith’s task force to get vaccines safely and quickly up and running.
“The public can support our efforts by continuing to follow the public health guidance that has protected so many of us until now.”
Reid said on Twitter that the jab means that Ireland “may now have a ‘two-way’ approach” in response to the virus.
Has arrived! Receiving the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine in our cold chain storage this morning. We can now have a “two-way” approach to our answer to # COVID-19. Public health measures together with the vaccine, for a better future. @HSELive pic.twitter.com/hNzESqi0Wp
– Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) December 26, 2020
“Public health measures along with the vaccine, for a better future,” added Reid.
The Taoiseach described today as “a day of great hope” on Twitter.
Micheál Martin said: “Those who work in our health services deserve great credit, as they quickly and safely begin deploying the most vulnerable in our society.”
Other European countries have also received their first shipments of the vaccine today.
The launch marks a moment of hope for a region that includes some of the world’s earliest and hardest hit virus hotspots, including Italy and Spain, and others, like the Czech Republic, which were spared from the worst early on alone. to see your healthcare systems approach breaking point in the fall.
In total, the 27 EU member states have seen at least 16 million coronavirus cases and more than 336,000 deaths.
Another health official warned that the public council will remain the same despite the arrival of the vaccine here.
HSE Clinical Director Dr. Colm Henry said there has been an increase in community transmission and the number of cases continues to rise.
“Please keep your guard up, keep your contact numbers as low as possible, keep washing your hands and maintaining social distance.
“Avoid crowds, wear your face shield, and try to meet people outside if you can, as indoor or unventilated spaces increase the risk of transmission.”
Yesterday, Dr. Tony Holohan, Cheif’s medical officer, confirmed that the new British variant of Covid-19 is present in Ireland.
1,025 new cases and two more deaths related to the virus were also confirmed.
Dr Tony Holoahn said “more tests” must be done to “establish to what extent” the British strain of the virus is present here.
“In the meantime, it is vitally important that we all stay home, avoid social contact, and avoid all forms of non-essential travel,” said Dr. Holohan.
“It is particularly important that those who have arrived from the UK strictly isolate themselves for a full 14 days after arrival. They should not interact with others, visit others, socialize, or go shopping. The HSE is making arrangements to test newcomers from the UK.
Meanwhile, Martin previously warned that there will be no return to normal life for at least another six months.
Micheál Martin has said it will be mid-June before most people get vaccinated against Covid-19 and people can expect some level of restrictions until at least then.
[ad_2]