How is this gonna play out? It was practically impossible to run a venue anyway I wish I could be more positive. My suspicion is that the night time economy will be well down the list of priorities when this lifts, and no amount of purple flags will make much of a difference pic.twitter.com/NDeilAaRWi
— Stevie G (@StevieGrainger) May 1, 2020
Anyone?
This morning.
The COVID-19 testing facility on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the Liffey in Dublin 2.,
Meanwhile…
During yesterday’s Dáil sitting, Social Democrat TD and co-leade Róisín Shortall (top) criticised the ‘Government’s delays in reaching the testing target of 100,000 per week’.
Ms Shorthall said,
“It has proven exceptionally difficult to get clear answers about the reasons for the delays in achieving the original test and trace strategy, either from Government or the health authorities.
We’ve had to ask questions three, four, five times to get anywhere close to a reasonable answer. This has especially been the case in relation to reagent.
While the public has played its part, increasingly it is being seen that the Government has not delivered on its side of the deal. I believe this is leading to a loss of confidence and growing frustration among many people.
The authorities need to level with the people, explain clearly what is happening, including the problems, and provide straight answers to questions.
Unfortunately, there has been obfuscation and spin about the entire test and trace strategy and regrettably, after several weeks of lockdown and sacrifice, the failure to implement the strategy will mean the lifting of the restrictions will be delayed further.
“Our recovery is entirely dependent on our ability to test and trace this virus, and unless we have a transparent, robust strategy as originally proposed, it will take longer for restrictions to be lifted.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the Dáil this afternoon
Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar sets out the five criteria for how any decisions on lifting #coronavirus restrictions will be made. pic.twitter.com/HSTHqwsB8B
— RTÉ (@rte) April 30, 2020
This afternoon.
Leinster House.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there were five key priorities to be considered in lifting the restrictions:
Progress of the disease
Healthcare capacity and resilience
Testing and contact tracing capacity
Ability to shield and care for at-risk groups
Risk of secondary morbidity due to the restrictions themselves
Mr Varadkar said many lives have been saved, but that people cannot falter now.
The Taoiseach said the country is not out of danger yet, but he said the Government would give hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Country not out of danger yet, says Varadkar (RTÉ)
Earlier: Little Movement
Alternatively…
Fianna Fáil leader @MichealMartinTD says there is widespread unease about the manner in which some decisions are being taken, and calls for more clarity on how policies are formed. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/qgl0zrT0Eb
— RTÉ (@rte) April 30, 2020
Meanwhile…
This Morning.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan arrives at Leinster House.
Grafton Street, Dublin 2 yesterday
This morning.
Via RTÉ
A survey of over 1,300 businesses across the country has found that 85% have either scaled back or closed completely as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions.
The research, carried out earlier this week by Chambers Ireland, also found that half of firms expect an immediate loss of revenue in excess of 60%, with smaller businesses affected most.
More than half of the companies that responded to the survey said they have now either reduced their activity or shut their front of house operations with staff now working from home.
One in three have closed their doors completely, with just 15% now fully open.
85% of businesses have scaled back or closed due to Covid-19 (RTÉ)
From top: Eddie Halpin, Station Master, Connolly Station, assisted by members of An Garda Síochána yesterday in enforcing social distancing guidelines; Dr Tony Holohan, Chief medical officer at the Department of Health at a press briefing last night
This morning.
Via RTÉ
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has said he is still not in a position to recommend easing restrictions due to Covid-19.
Dr Holohan said that the country is making great progress in slowing the growth rate of the disease but that with more than a 100 people in intensive care units and hundreds of others in hospital with Covid-19, he was not in a position to recommend easing restrictions.
Holohan not expecting to advise easing of restrictions (RTÉ)
Earlier: ‘It Has Very Much Relied On Its Relationship With Its Citizenry’
Rollingnews/Garda Press Office
Meanwhile…
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been urged by ministers to lay out “an exit strategy” on Friday, when Covid-19 restrictions are to be extended by at least two weeks.
Divisions within Cabinet emerged yesterday as a “slight majority” of ministers called for some relaxation of curtailments to personal freedoms for over-70s, construction workers, and those who play golf and tennis.
The ministers, described as the ‘civil liberty wing of Cabinet’, raised concerns about the impact restrictions are having on the population and increased signs of public defiance.
Meanwhile…
#LongMileRoad #Dublin #Covid19 #LockdownIreland @BreakfastNT @NewstalkFM @RTENewsNow
The volume of traffic has doubled this week. Not a good sign Ireland. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/X5xlHMscb5— Pete (@peterdarragh78) April 30, 2020
Stockholm, Sweden last Saturday; Dr. Mike Ryan, the WHO’s top emergencies expert
Sweden.
Where adults are treated like adults.
“I think there’s a perception out that Sweden has not put in control measures and just has allowed the disease to spread. Nothing can be further from the truth.”
[instead of lockdowns] ‘the country has put in place a very strong public policy around social distancing, around caring and protecting people in long term care facilities.
“What it has done differently is it has very much relied on its relationship with its citizenry and the ability and willingness of its citizens to implement self-distancing and self-regulate. In that sense, they have implemented public policy through that partnership with the population.”
Dr Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organistaioon yesterday.
WHO lauds lockdown-ignoring Sweden as a ‘model’ for countries going forward (New York Post)
Previously: Philip O’Connor: Sweden’s Relaxed Strategy
Getty/AP
This afternoon.
Cork Street, Dublin.
Intreo Empoyment and Incomes Support office. It has been reported that 68,000 people have been turned down for the emergency Covid-19 pandemic unemployment benefit payments. Some have been left with no support for more than a month.
Reasons for refusal include that applicant may ‘already be on jobseeker’s allowance, they were not working immediately prior to the lockdown or had provided incorrect PPS or bank account numbers’.
This morning.
Henry Street, Dublin 1.
Debenhams workers protesting outside the Henry Street branch of the chain calling for government action to save their jobs a day before a liquidation hearing for Debenhams on Thursday. A previous demonstration at the branch was dispersed by Garda officers over Covid-19 fears.
Previously: Do A Bit Of Debenhams
Meanwhile…
Gardai take names of Debenham workers engaged in a disciplined socially distanced protest in Cork. It's low key and the guards seem a bit embarrassed but this is unnecessary harassment. #Covid_19ireland #debenhams pic.twitter.com/rA03xV7bMp
— Mick Barry TD (@MickBarryTD) April 29, 2020
This morning.
Collins Avenue, Dublin.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Health Simon Harris with staff members at the ‘COVID-19 Community Assessment Hub’ in Dublin City University.
Mr Varadkar said:
“On the issue of face coverings and I’m going to say face coverings instead of face masks because we want to make sure that face masks are preserved and protected for our healthcare staff and those who need us the most, but the issue of advising people to wear face coverings is under consideration at the moment.
“We are seeing what’s happening in other countries, certainly, but the science on this is equivocal. Some people will say it’s a good idea. Some people say it doesn’t make a difference. Some people say it’s a bad idea. So it’s not one of those straightforward decisions where the science tells you it’s the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do.”
Um.
Public may be advised to wear face coverings, says Varadkar (irish Times)
Leon Farrell /Photocall Ireland
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for healtth Simon Harris want the lockdown extended
This afternoon.
The national lockdown will be extended for another two weeks for the vast majority of people when the current quarantine period ends after the bank holiday weekend.
The Government will announce the extension on Friday while also outlining a roadmap for lifting social-distancing restrictions over the coming months.
posterThe only easing of working restrictions from May 5 being considered is for those who work outdoors, such as construction workers and gardeners.
Lockdown to be extended for another two weeks for the vast majority (Independent.ie)
Meanwhile…
Via RTÉ
It is understood that there were mixed views at Cabinet this morning around the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Several ministers highlighted the need for what was termed “a little bit of give” on the restrictions.
There was concern expressed by some that an extended lockdown could lead to the permanent loss of many jobs….
Cabinet hears virus levels not yet low enough to lift restrictions (RTÉ)
Earlier: Huge Job
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