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The “ISOLATION AND hopelessness” felt by older people should be taken into account when the government eases lockdown restrictions next month, said a senior HSE figure.
The health service’s clinical director, Dr. Colm Henry, who is also part of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), said those who are socially isolated from other current Covid-19 restrictions should be considered.
The current Level 5 restrictions will be relaxed on December 1, with speculation about what restrictions will be in effect during the Christmas period.
And asked about easing the restrictions, Henry suggested that public health officials and the government should consider older people.
“A few months is a long time for the rest of your life for an older person, especially if you are very old,” he said.
“Christmas is a special time. For some people, it may be their last Christmas.
“So regardless of what Nphet or the government does, that prolonged isolation of older people, for whom the rest of their lives could mean a much shorter degree of expectation than for younger or even middle-aged people. , it is something they must bear mind. “
The HSE reported that the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has declined in recent weeks, with Henry saying that Ireland is now one of only two European countries with negative growth in the 14-day incidence rate.
But HSE CEO Paul Reid also warned that the situation could change quickly.
“We also have to remember that everything to do with this virus is always very fragile,” Reid said.
“In a short period of time, everything can change very quickly. In a short period of time we could face a trend similar to the one we are seeing across Europe.
“While it is good and positive that we oppose the trend, we also know that it can change very quickly. The only proven certainty about the virus is its unpredictability. “
Henry added that a price had been paid, particularly in continental Europe, for thinking the virus was gone.
He said it was reassuring that Ireland had managed to avoid significantly higher case numbers being seen on the continent.
There are currently 370 positive cases in hospitals in Ireland, 40 of those in intensive care units.
Of these 370 cases, 17 or 4.6% were in people from 0 to 14 years old, 29 or 7.8% were between 15 and 34 years old, while 119 or 32% were between 35 and 64 years old with 8 admissions to the ICU in that age group.
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The 205 remaining cases, 55.4%, were 65 years or older, with 29 admissions to the ICU.
Meanwhile, Reid also confirmed that the number of close contacts who had searched for so-called Day 7 evidence had improved in recent weeks.
It was reported last month that only half of those considered close contacts of a confirmed case of Covid-19 were showing up for their second test.
But Reid said today that the figure was now between 65 and 70%.
“It is still very important to keep in mind that there are positive cases that arrive on the 7th,” he said. “The day zero test is important, but the day 7 test is just as important.”
Contains reports from the Press Association.
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