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LAST UPDATE | 5 Jan 2022
THE TAOISEACH HAS said there will be no change this week to rules for vaccinated close contacts but that the matter is to be discussed by NPHET when it meets tomorrow.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said yesterday he would favour people who have received a booster being exempted from the self-isolation rules, while Transport Minister Eamon Ryan also saying today that it “makes sense” to have different self-isolation rules depending on someone’s vaccination status.
The requirement of people to restrict movements is believed to be putting increasing pressure on different parts of the economy due to people being unavailable for work.
At present, close contacts who have received a booster are required to restrict movements for five days and undertake three antigen tests over several days.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting today, Taoiseach Michéal Martin warned that making a change “too quickly” risked “accelerating even further the exponential growth of the virus”.
He said that certain sectors can apply for a derogation allowing them to be exempted from self-isolation rules. For example, healthcare workers are not required to self-isolate as a close contact if they test negative for Covid-19.
Education Minister Norma Foley said today she said she would not be seeking a similar derogation for teachers.
Martin said the five-day isolation advice was in line with other countries.
“First and foremost it’s public health advice and we’re not out of step internationally on this,” he said.
And also out of that the government created the senior officials group prior to Christmas, empowering secretary generals (of departments) to work with different sectors of the economy to give derogations if derogations were requested and deemed necessary.
“We are always aware of challenges in certain parts of the economy. The button hasn’t been pressed in some areas in terms of derogations. That’s a matter that will be kept under constant review, this process of derogations.
“The public health advice will be kept under review by NPHET and the Chief Medical Officer they are aware, they’re very conscious of the impact of all of this on society but the key call here of course is not to do something too quickly that could accelerate even further the exponential growth of the virus.”
Martin said that the country was dealing with “a very rapid-spreading, highly transmissible variant” that needed to be managed.
Yesterday, an additional 21,302 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed. As of yesterday, 884 people were in hospital with the virus, up 80, with 90 in ICU, down 3.
Hospital data shows that the bulk of Ireland’s sickest Covid-19 patients have the Delta variant and not the highly contagious Omicron strain.
The Taoiseach said that hospitals are “under pressure” with staff absences which is causing concerns.
He added that the severity of the Omicron variant must be monitored over the course of the next 10 days, with “the bulk of ICU” cases still made up of people who had been infected with the Delta variant.
Martin said that that clinicians within the HSE have said that Omicron “is different” but that “it’s too early to be definitive about the connection between Omicron and admissions to ICU”.
He added: “There will be challenging number of weeks in January, the next week or 10 days will give us more evidence in terms of the impact of this variant on severity of illness and that will inform decisions, public health advice will be given giving in respect to a broad range of issues, not least the issue of close contacts.”
Antiviral drugs
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly also confirmed today that Ireland is pursuing the purchase of Covid-19 antiviral and monoclonal antibody treatments.
Ireland will seek to purchase treatments manufactured by Pfizer, Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) and Merck (MSD).
The EU Commission is currently progressing a Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA) in relation to antivirals, which includes MSD’s Lagevrio (Molnupiravir) and Pfizer’s Paxlovid (Ritonavir), and Ireland has formally indicated its intention to participate in this arrangement.
Ireland is already a participant in an EU JPA for the purchase of the GSK monoclonal antibody product Xevudy (Sotrovimab).
The HSE, in consultation with the Department of Health, is also exploring opportunities to procure antivirals through bilateral agreements at national level, in advance of the completion of the relevant EU JPA.
Foreign travel
The Taoiseach today also confirmed that testing requirements for vaccinated people entering Ireland from abroad are to be lifted, as the measures were introduced before Christmas to stem the spread of the Omicron variant, which now makes up 96% of cases.
The Taoiseach said the change will be made “in the next couple of days”, meaning anyone flying inbound in the next few days will likely still need a negative test to enter Ireland.
Martin also confirmed that his government had granted approval to buy antiviral Covid pills, and argued that the current restrictions in place are “effective”.
An Taoiseach was speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting where ministers discussed the “rampant” spread of Covid-19 but no further restrictions have yet been recommended by public health officials. NPHET are due to meet tomorrow.
The Taoiseach also defended the government’s decision to open schools as planned tomorrow, saying that they were putting the child’s needs first.
Minister for Education Norma Foley said yesterday there was no rationale to delay tomorrow’s return of schools but unions have continued to express concern about the availability of teachers due to Covid-related absences.
Speaking to reporters today, Martin said that “children do best when at school” and that this was the motivation behind the decision to proceed with the reopening of education.
He added: “It’s been a long pandemic, we had Delta in autumn and now Omicron. And I think people responded very well indeed and I think that will be reflected. NPHET will meet on Thursday and we we’ll be steady as she goes now in relation to dealing with this.”
Also speaking outside Government Buildings, Transport minister and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said he does not see any additional Covid-19 restrictions being put in place in the short term.
Ryan, Martin and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar met yesterday ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting.
“The numbers are huge, the cases, but the critical numbers are the numbers in critical care and they have held relatively steady,” Ryan said today.
With Omicron, we don’t know the exact medical facts yet, but it looks like it’s less virulent and people are not getting as sick. The numbers being so large there’ll still be a lot of hospitals beds taken up but I don’t expect further restrictions this week. And hopefully, if the modelling was correct, we should be close to the peak and numbers will start to come down we will be able to cope.
Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath also said further restrictions are not expected following today’s Cabinet meeting.
“As of today the government does not have any indication that NPHET intend to bring forward additional restrictions on the economy or on society,” he said.
We recognise that Omicron is rampant at the moment. We’re all seeing the huge case numbers that have been reported every day. Thankfully, all of the indications are that the impact on the individual level is not as severe as Delta. But there is no room for complacency and we are watching and monitoring the situation in the hospitals very closely.
McGrath said that “nobody knows for sure” when the peak of the Omicron wave would come and the government must remain “cautious and careful”.
Updated by Gráinne Ní Aodha and Hayley Halpin
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There’s a petition doing the rounds on Twitter calling on “all TD’s who are qualified teaches to go teach, starting Thursday 6th January”
@John Fairclough: the same way leo became a doctor again last year
@John Fairclough: and every barstool politician gets to run the country is it?
@John Fairclough: I’m quite happy with the person I voted for being in the Dail. It’s called democracy.
@Lad: the gemmaroids are available to run the country, apparently.
@John Fairclough: Sounds like it should be on Facebook
Independent news reporting you will no longer need a negative test to enter the country. They are basically saying ‘come to Ireland if you are infected, we dont care anymore’.
@Munster1: It did a great job keeping it out, didn’t it? I think you’d be more comfortable in China where they are barricading people into their homes.
@DK: I was the one arguing back in December that it wasnt enough and look where we are now, worst in the world.
@Munster1: Worlds worst be because of peoples behaviour. The virus doesn’t spread itself. Travel has very little impact compared to what’s happening inside the country.
@Munster1: FYI, its back go pre Omicron rules. Covid digital cert needed for travel or PCR test for those who dont have one.
@Paul Hedderman: fascinating logic. I guess countries with travel restrictions and very low numbers just got lucky.
@Munster1: We have it in my house. I have a very mild head cold. No-one else has symptoms. I know that’s just one household but I think the majority would take their chances with omicron. No-one wants more restrictions. A bit of pain now for a couple of weeks and we could be sitting pretty in Feb. And before anyone starts accusing me a out being heartless….I know.
@Munster1: No negative test needed for fully vaccinated passengers. I know they could still be infected but it’s different to what you’re saying: https://twitter.com/newschambers/status/1478707641287335937?t=66v4M7dyazTmY-UxRCGRbA&s=19
@Munster1: We had travel restrictions. Didnt do much. PCR test required for travel recently. Massive covid cases….. Every country is different. Local procedures/restrictions, climate, citizens behaviour and many other factors have a bearing on their cases…… Name a few countries that are compatible to us that did well with travel restrictions.
@DK: off you go.. I’m sure they would welcome someone of your ilk with open arms
@Munster1: if only they all listened to you…
@Paul Hedderman: Hotel quarantine for all arriving should have been used. Yes very inconvenient for them, but it is better than inconvenienceing 5 million people (to put it mildly).
@Munster1: ah yes, Ireland of the welcomes, isn’t that how you like to present yourselves to the rest of the world?
@JG: Why would I go? I’m the one saying the original commenters throughts are in line with China’s covid response. And what is someone of my ilk? Someone against proven ineffective measures like testing before entry?
@Vonvonic: praying that you don’t suffer long term affects from your Covid infection
@Drunk in Dublin: Thanks. But this is a multi facetted problem at this stage. Hopefully the revenue is feeling charitable in a couple of months
@Vonvonic: More people I know have COVID than don’t, my dad who is over 70 and myself included. For most young people it’s a walk in the park. For older people, it’s usually the same if they have their booster. We need to get on with life.
@DK: yes, people are not wearing masks in shops at best just when going through door then once In side under the chin. No hand sanitising people just walk past the stations. As for school what has changed over the break.in our kids school in their three classes the lowest number out with covid was 9 in one class the other 2 were in teens.certainly not a safe place to send them until numbers drop…this is just my view…..
@Munster1: haha, MHQ for all? It had minimal effect initially. What’s the point in that when theres an open border, society is open with covid rampant. Destroy the travel industry again for little change to covid levels in the community. MHQ wont work here full stop. We’re not NZ or Australia. What the difference between a traveller and someone thats already in the state? Why should vaxd travellers MQH when covid is rampant and many not abiding by guidelines. Makes no sense
@Munster1: the way it’s been since the start
@Paul Hedderman: they’ve also forgotten about the common travel area with the UK. No test required.
This is virtually over. Amazed and disturbed how many neurotics we have in Ireland. They can stay in their wardrobes if they want from now. Majority have moved on.
@Munster1: there’s the little problem of the 6 counties. We couldn’t shut ourselves off when the north wouldn’t adopt a whole island approach. But that little piece of fact is lost on the rabid lefty sf mob who say we should have closed the country off. Can’t believe how people got sucked in by their dangly bits.
@Munster1: you are thick.
@Munster1: hate to be the bearer of blunt fact but Ireland had already been recognised as the most impacted EU nation when it comes to reduced air travel directly as a result of the restrictions the government put in place. So it would seem that despite having the harshest impositions on travel we still have Omicron rampant.
So yeah, it would seem restricting travel won’t make a difference in a global pandemic where pretty much every nation is experiencing the same thing. Time to find a different scapegoat!
@Munster1: but apparently it is mild
Hope as a tactic at this stage. Great time to be a healthcare worker. Lets get Leo on the night shift in a swamped ED.
Nearly all over folks. A month or two left.
@Dave McCabe: No more variants? That’s great to hear Dave
@Munster1: 10 years later everyone else will be getting on with their lives with no restrictions while Munster1 the genius, will still be the keyboard warrior on the journal.ie and hiding under a rock.
@Danny O’Riordan: and you’ll still be searching the comments section looking for my posts.
@Munster1: I enjoy reading your posts because it sums up your intelligence.
@Danny O’Riordan: we would never hear from you Danny if it wasnt for me. I’ve yet to read one intelligent comment from you so far
@Munster1: the number of likes on my comments vs yours would suggest otherwise.
@Danny O’Riordan: it’s like I’m talking to a chiId. I’m going to block you now danny, nice knowing you.
@Danny O’Riordan: it’s like talking to a chiId. I’m going to bIock you now danny, nice knowing you.
@Danny O’Riordan: ah yeah, the all important like count. I mean that’s obviously the perfect gauge of how accurate or intelligent a comment is isn’t it. Id1øt
Okay, they’re back from their holidays. No rush lads
Drive her back now, let’s get back to some form of normality
Why remove a measure? What benefit is it? Just make tourists get tested before arriving. It doesn’t make sense to remove that, it’s not a burden on us.
@Rob Gale: why not introduce negative tests for train journeys, bus journeys while you’re at it? Not everyone flying to Ireland is a tourist. Covid is here. It will never be kept out. People get a mild cold and then recover if they have been vaccinated. There will be new variants, and they will be here too. Time to drive on with life.
@Rob Gale: “Burden on us” being the code words. I went to stay with my mum abroad for the holidays. I am fully vaccinated and got the booster, just in case. My ticket was cheaper than the PCR test on the way back (couldn’t get an antigen one, wouldn’t be enough time before departure). From the article it transpires there was no actual need to make travellers get a test, the idea was to discourage people from travelling. Thanks a lot!
@Rob Gale: Travel bans do not work in closely networked countries such as Ireland and any part of Europe for that matter.
They are a policial tool to appease to people who think there are simple solutions to very complex issues.
If the Govt. announcing a travel-ban makes you feel better about Covid, you don’t understand viruses at all.
Makin it up as they go along, Gowl of a man
What constitutes as “fully vaccinated” these days? Is someone who got the one shot J&J still considered fully vaccinated?
@Ciarán O’ Donoghue: haha the oul j&j I wouldn’t even say your considered partially vaccinated with that
@Ciarán O’ Donoghue: fully vaccinated is the 2 dose plus booster or j&j plus booster. Basically anyone without a booster isn’t fully vaccinated.
@TomTraubert: RTE has just said differently.
Let’s see what happens when the new variant ‘IHU’ lands over here from France. Reports from sky news.
More of the same Do as we say and blame the unvaccinated .
@Derek Anderson: its some shiiit show -) delta, omicron and new french one on way.. No testing on vax at airports.. What could possibly go wrong
@aidanshaw: nothing could go wrong because government knows it’s the fault of the UN vaccinated.
Wait until they start with what the French are trying to do. Stopping un vaccinated from going anywhere.
Kicking the can down the road
We are way past believing that being vaccinated stops one either getting the virus or indeed spreading it, so why on earth would they change the close contact rules for vaccinated people ?! That make absolute no sense.
Driving with foot on the brake!
so expect more restrictions then ?
A genuine question. When this all started we were told to wear gloves and masks were useless. Covid was supposed to be transferred both on sarfaces and close contact. Obviously the masks and social distancing have not worked. Is there a case to start wearing gloves ?. We have missed some means of transfer of the virus.
@Michael Dowling: id imagine unless you change gloves every time you touch something it’d be pointless?
@Michael Dowling: just completely avoid other peoole and don’t touch anything, ever, then you will be covid free, you will die of starvation and multiple other things but at least not covid
@Michael Dowling: no one said masks were useless. In the beginning they told us to save the N95s for front line workers, and so we made our own cloth masks instead. Masks help to avoid the spread of disease, without a doubt.
@Michael Dowling: Masks seem to work well if you wear them probably and no need for gloves if you wash your hands regularly.
@Michael Dowling: Covid is spread by droplets. Tiny drops of infected liquid expel with sneezes and coughs. We wear masks to stop these droplets from entering our mouth and nose. Therefore masks work. Covid droplets remain infectious for a period of time on surfaces like tabletops and hands. That’s why we wash our hands frequently and avoid shaking hands and close personal contact. If a person was to wear gloves, the gloves would need to be changed frequently, and the hands washed every time they’re changed, as is done in healthcare. I’ve been working on a frontline ambulance since the start of the pandemic and I’ve managed to remain Covid free by following the guidelines and remembering these simple facts. I hope this helps. Stay safe.
@Stephen Deegan: thanks for the clarification was just wondering about gloves. Can the virus enter the eyes also ?. That was also a theory early on. Personal thanks to you and your colleagues for you sacrifices.
@Michael Dowling: Yes, the virus can enter through the eyes, but we use social distancing to mitigate this. Healthcare people wear goggles and visors if they can’t keep their distance.
Drive her back now, let’s get back to some form of normality
“Martin said that the country was dealing with “a very rapid-spreading, highly transmissible variant” that needed to be managed.”
Nothing that is being done is managing anything.
Covid19 is spreading without impediment from any measure put in place, or vaccinations themselves, people can claim “lesser symptoms”, but that meaningless to the vast majority that have zero symptoms either way.
This is all just part of the same dog and pony show, to pressure people into their next shot from Pfizer, the last big marketing push before covid19 is declared endemic and something we will just have to live with, then covid shots without legislative support for continuing requirements to prove your vaccination status to go about your daily life, will have about the same uptake as flu shots do.
You failed to mention journal that non unvaccinated passengers must produce a negative pcr test 72 hrs before arrival into Ireland
@Mick Dunne: the article wasn’t about unvaccinated passengers.
@Mick Dunne: ‘non unvaccinated’ means vaccinated. Think you mean non vaccinated or unvaccinated
@Mick Dunne: non unvaccinated?
@Munster1: Only a matter of time now before Omicron gets here as well.
@mar: ??? Gets where?
Where’s Delta gone??
How long will a HCW have to wait on a PCR test ??? Million dollar question
Exponential is me hole’s new word at least he is leaving the word unprecedented alone.
It doesn’t state clearly what a person is to do if your living with a person who is awaiting a PCR test . confusion confusion and links for everything
I’m a close contact since last few days, my 5 days will be over on Saturday. The person I was in canst
They need to just make people who are not vaccinated sign a no ICU care if they get sick with Covid it’s the unvaccinated who are holding us all hostage to the virus restrictions
No its up to the government
Do we know when?
@Claude Saulnier: the next couple of days according to the article
have your say