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RTÉ’s top news anchors apologized after they were photographed at a gathering where social distancing was not fully observed.
The statement comes after several images surfaced in the media, showing some RTÉ staff members posing for photographs with a longtime colleague on their last day of work.
Among those present were Byran Dobson, David McCullagh and Miriam O’Callaghan, who have apologized for what they described as an error in judgment.
Also pictured was Managing Director of News and Current Affairs Jon Williams, who said: “I am deeply sorry that I did not think about the consequences of a momentary error in judgment. It was wrong and I am so sorry.”
In a statement, the broadcaster said it takes public health advice “with the utmost seriousness and has implemented detailed workplace protocols that have been in place since the beginning of the pandemic.”
He added: “These have been essential in keeping staff and program visitors / guests safe while on site.
“Due to the measures taken by RTÉ, so far no cases of Covid-19 have been transmitted on campus.”
The statement continued that while social distancing was noted at last week’s meeting, “several of those present briefly posed for a photo with their outgoing colleague, before returning to work.
“These contacts were not close contacts as defined by the HSPC guidelines. They were brief casual contacts, which while well intentioned, were unnecessarily risky and should not have occurred.
“RTÉ and those involved are sorry that this has occurred. Over the past few days, we have reminded all staff of their obligation to maintain security for both themselves and the site, especially during the very busy weeks we are heading to.”
Dr. Gabriel Scally has said that he was speechless when he saw the photos.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, the chair of the epidemiology and public health section of Britain’s Royal Society of Medicine said the photos are remarkable and show people hugging “standing on a rug that claims to hold at least 2 m away “.
Dr. Scally said it was irresponsible and a terrible fault and appreciated the apologies of Mr. Williams.
He said there can’t be more episodes like this or like the Oireachtas Golf Society event in August “where people see that it’s a rule for them but not for prominent people.”
Dr. Scally said that while news of potential vaccines is welcome, the next few months will be difficult as people will be spending more time indoors and “we have to keep an eye out for the prize.”
He said that with deaths topping 2,000 in Ireland and close to 1,000 in Northern Ireland “we don’t need to increase it by being unnecessarily lax in advice.”
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