Tag Archives: coronavirus

Former Fine Gael European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton with her husband, and former Fine Gael senator, Paul Bradford in 2013

This afternoon.

FIGHT!

Previously: ‘Revise Current Policy And Consider An Alternative Strategy Tailored To Our Nation And Its People’

This morning.

Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1

Stoner-filled breeding ground for the lurgy?

Or oasis of sanity in a world gone hatstand?

Only YOU can decide.

Previously: Free Your Mind

Last night.

Government Buildings, Dublin 2.

Cabinet members leave after agreeing to Level 5 restrictions across the country. From top: Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney; Minister for Justice Helen McEntee Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris; Minister for Education Norma Foley.

Meanwhile….

Dr Niamh Hourigan, Sociologist and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Prof [Niamh] Hourigan said that fear was a significant driver of behaviour in April and encouraged people to adhere to the rules, along with a form of “Covid shaming” in person and online.

She said the restrictions were also a novelty the first time round and people “didn’t really know what they were getting into”.

She added the change in seasons and the shorter days must be acknowedged and how these may potentially contribute to more transgressions this time round.

Covid-shaming.

Transgressions.

Science rocks!

Level 5: Non-essential shops to close, 5km travel limit (RTÉ)

Earlier: All Stick, No Carrot

Pic: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

From top: Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly leaving government buildings on Sunday evening; Taoiseach Micheál addressing the nation on Level 5 restrictions last night

This morning

A proposal by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly that would allow for fixed charge notices or fines for breaches of rona regulations will be brought to cabinet today.

Via RTE:

This would be underpinned by changes to legislation dating back to 1947.

It is likely penalties could be introduced for breaches of the regulation that states people must exercise within 5km of their home.

Official documents last night said that there will be a penalty for movement outside the 5km limit, unless it is for essential work, medical appointments or providing care to children or the elderly.

1947, anyone?

Fines for breaching Covid-19 rules on Cabinet agenda (RTÉ)

Last night: Five Guys

Protect Scotland app from Waterford-based firm NearForm

This morning/afternoon.

On September 10, Scotland released a Covid-19 contact tracing app called Protect Scotland from Irish firm NearForm, which had been launched with some fanfare by Scotland’s First Minister four months earlier….

Via The Times:

Nicola Sturgeon told the country “that your privacy will be respected at all times” when she launched Test and Protect on May 26.

The Times has now confirmed that data can be shared with Police Scotland to issue fines and other organisations that demonstrate an undefined “legitimate reason” to access the data.

The first minister also promised that the Protect Scotland app, which she has urged everyone in Scotland to download, will protect privacy.

However, the mobile numbers used to register on the app are retained by NHS National Services Scotland (NHS NSS), which can be compelled to hand them on to police.

…Despite repeated requests last night, the Scottish government declined to clarify its position, fuelling fears that police officers could be handed personal information given to contact tracers.

Anyone?

Coronavirus: Police could be given contact details from Test and Protect scheme (The Times)

Protect Scotland (NearForm)

Dav writes:

Was checking this to see if my job would be safe with the new restrictions (it is!) and couldn’t help but notice this list was only published last Wednesday!

At the risk of joining the tin-hat brigade, is there something to the fact it was only released two days before Holohan’s recommendations on Friday… and if it is just a coincidence, why did it take so long to be published in the first fuppin’ place?

Anyone?

Essential services for Level 4 (Gov.ie)

.[/caption]

This afternoon

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly (above centre) met with the Dublin Covid-19 homeless response team (comprising the HSE, Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and voluntary services) at a HSE-run ‘self-isolation facility’ for people who are homeless in Dublin city.

Minister Donnelly announced the provision of an ‘additional €5.1 million for homeless health supports’ across the country..

He said:

“People who are homeless are at higher risk of COVID-19 and are more likely to require emergency healthcare services during the winter. To support those who are homeless in Dublin, the government is providing an additional €2.4 million for health services as part of the HSE winter plan. A further €2.7 million will be provided in other regions.”

Minister for Health welcomes additional funding of €5.1 million in homeless supports (Gov.ie)

Earlier: We Knew This Day Would Come

Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

From top: Level 5 (arrowed); Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health

This afternoon.

Level 4?

Level 4 is for wimps.

Via RTÉ:

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has recommended that the entire country moves to Level 5 for a period of six weeks.

A number of Government sources have confirmed details of the recommendations to RTÉ News.

The advice, contained in a letter sent to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly last night, is due to be discussed at a meeting between Government officials and Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan…

There are currently no plans for a Cabinet meeting today and the Taoiseach is not due back from an EU Council meeting until later today.

However, ministers expect the issue to be decided in the coming days in order to avoid a period of uncertainty.

NPHET recommends move to Level 5 for six weeks (RTÉ)

Earlier: 4 To The Floor

RollingNews

Update:

Hmm.