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Ireland is still struggling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic as we enter another week under Tier Five restrictions.
The number of confirmed cases each day remains high and hospital admissions continue to rise.
However, it is important to remember that it is not all bad news and that there are some reasons to be optimistic as we enter a difficult winter.
Here are some more positive stories that emerged in the last few days:
Christmas update from Dr. Tony Holohan
Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan shared an update on our current situation regarding Christmas during his appearance on Friday’s Late Late Show TV show.
(Image: Stephen Collins / Collins Photos)
When asked if he believed it was possible to have a ‘decent Christmas’ if cases decline in the next few weeks, he said:’ Yes, I do. Our hope is that we can reduce infections to a level that we can handle. The lower The better we will do it, the longer it will take for infections to rise again In simple terms, it would be very important if we reached Christmas with 500 cases a day, or 50 a day.
“We don’t want to be in a situation where we have to ask people to substantially restrict the things that we cherish at Christmas, that will be difficult for all of us.
“But there are things that will have to be different. We will not go back to a Christmas as we knew it last year, none of us knew anything about Covid last Christmas. This is something new, clearly there is going to be a change in the the way we experience Christmas like any other time of the year, as long as we have this virus circulating. “
Promising signs in Ireland
While it is still too early to say with certainty how effective the Level Five lockdown measures have been, some promising signs are beginning to emerge.
HSE chief Paul Reid said on Sunday: “The test positivity rate has dropped in the last 8 days. The number of close contacts has now dropped to an average of 3. Most close contacts are domestic. Still very early, but hey. We are all part of the solution. Let’s get on with this. “
While Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has stressed that the overcrowding in hospitals is at a “historic low”, and urged anyone with health problems to go to the hospital if they need it.
(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
Yesterday he tweeted: “Hospital overcrowding is at an all-time low for this time of year and has been for months. We have spare beds in most hospitals most of the time. Please don’t be afraid of go to the hospital if necessary.
“During the last lockdown, many people with strokes, sepsis and heart attack symptoms delayed their arrival at the hospital because they thought the system was overwhelmed. It is not now and it was not then. Do not delay in seeking medical attention if you need it.”
Success of the Melbourne blockade
After one of the world’s toughest crashes last week, Melbourne residents were able to visit hair salons and play golf this week following a drop in the infection rate.
There were only four new cases in the state of Victoria last Monday, and the virus has been effectively suppressed in the region.
Success shows what can be achieved with a strict lockdown and compliance with public health measures.
Although Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Australians will not be able to travel abroad for the “foreseeable future”.
Australians have been banned from leaving the country since March 17, unless they go for more than three months or have an exemption.
On Friday, the first flight from New Zealand since the start of the pandemic landed in Sydney, with many separated families enjoying exciting reunions. New Zealand is the only nation that has created a travel bubble with Australia.
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