NPHET to discuss possible reduction of virus restrictions



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The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet today to discuss the possible easing of some Covid-19 restrictions.

The first of the five phases of the relaxation of disease control measures will take place on Monday, May 18.

The response to the virus has seen restrictions imposed on all aspects of Irish life, including the country’s educational system, economy, and social life.

Those measures are expected to be phased out next Monday, and NPHET will meet later today to consider its advice to the government.

In a briefing last night, Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan said a number of factors will be taken into account, including disease criteria, hospital occupation, and the performance of the public health system when considering changes. .

He said that the situation will continue to be monitored daily but that if the current trajectory continues, he would expect a positive result.

Dr. Holohan also said that he did not anticipate any changes in the expected return to school for children, and said that the number of studies looking at transmission patterns among children was small.

Yesterday, the Health Department said that ten other people died with Covid-19, bringing the total number of deaths here to 1,497.

The Health Department also confirmed that 159 more cases of the coronavirus were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases here to 23,401.

About 80% of Covid-19 cases will be mild to moderate disease, about 14% have severe disease, and about 6% are critical.

In general, you should be 15 minutes or closer to and less than 2 meters from an infected person to be considered at risk or close contact.


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Meanwhile, the plan to provide temporary child care to healthcare workers in their homes has been canceled due to low acceptance.

It was launched last Thursday with a call to child care services to volunteer to provide child care at home for front-line employees.

Minister of Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone said the plan had been scrapped as only six child care providers had signed up to be part of the service.

A variety of reasons have been presented for the low enrollment rate. These include the availability of insurance coverage, concerns about possible virus transmission, difficulties in meeting employer responsibilities for breaks and rest periods, and concerns about the lack of protection for staff who works alone.



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