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US prosecutor says Prince Andrew has 'falsely' claimed he tried to help sex trafficking investigation

Lawyers for the prince had said the royal had offered assistance at least three times this year.

PRINCE ANDREW IS wrong to claim that he has made repeated offers to help US authorities investigating Jeffrey Epstein, a New York prosecutor has said.

Geoffrey Berman, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, hit back at lawyers for the prince, who said the royal had offered assistance at least three times this year.

“Today, Prince Andrew yet again sought to falsely portray himself to the public as eager and willing to cooperate with an ongoing federal investigation into sex trafficking and related offences committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his associates,” Berman said.

It is the latest salvo in ongoing accounts by prosecutors and the prince, whose public life was left in tatters after his disastrous interview about his friendship with Epstein – a convicted sex offender – last year.

Four days after last year’s Newsnight interview, Andrew said in a statement he was “willing to help any appropriate law enforcement agency with their investigations, if required”.

Berman, who is leading the Epstein inquiry, told reporters in March:

Contrary to Prince Andrew’s very public offer to co-operate with our investigation into Epstein’s co-conspirators, an offer that was conveyed via press release, Prince Andrew has now completely shut the door on voluntary co-operation and our office is considering its options.

Earlier, it emerged that the US Department of Justice submitted a mutual legal assistance (MLA) request to the UK’s Home Office to question Andrew as a witness in a criminal investigation into the disgraced financier’s offending.

An MLA request made by foreign countries is a formal process used to obtain help in an investigation or prosecution of criminal offences, generally when co-operation cannot be obtained by law enforcement agencies.

The process is normally secret but with reports on both side of the Atlantic about the request Andrew’s legal team stressed its “commitment to confidentiality” and went on to make accusations of “misleading media briefings” against US prosecutors.

The Duke of York’s legal team hit back at allegations that he provided “zero co-operation” to US authorities investigating Epstein, instead claiming he has made three offers of help.

“Unfortunately, the DOJ has reacted to the first two offers by breaching their own confidentiality rules and claiming that the duke has offered zero co-operation. In doing so, they are perhaps seeking publicity rather than accepting the assistance proffered,” a statement said.

It added: “Any pursuit of an application for mutual legal assistance would be disappointing, since the Duke of York is not a target of the DOJ investigation and has recently repeated his willingness to provide a witness statement.”

It comes just weeks after a Netflix documentary on Epstein was released featuring Virginia Giuffre, also known as Virginia Roberts, who has alleged she had sex with the Duke of York in 2001 after being trafficked to the UK by the American.

Giuffre has urged Andrew to speak to authorities but a US lawyer said in March that the duke had “completely shut the door” on co-operating with investigators over the probe.

The duke categorically denies he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre.

She also alleges the duke had sex with her on three separate occasions, including when she was 17, still a minor under US law. She said in an interview with BBC Panorama that she was left “horrified and ashamed” after an alleged sexual encounter with Andrew in London in 2001.

Contains reporting from© AFP 2020.

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    Mute Anne Marie Devlin
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    Jun 9th 2020, 7:39 AM

    Unless I’m mistaken, holohan advocated against wearing masks until very recently and certainly refused to mandate wearing them. With so many mixed messages coming from the experts, it’s difficult for the public to know what to do. I’ve worn a mask in closed public spaces since the beginning

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    Mute NotaWarder
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    Jun 9th 2020, 7:49 AM

    @Anne Marie Devlin: nail on the head

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    Mute Mick Flynn
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:26 AM

    @Anne Marie Devlin:
    Most people would appreciate an ongoing Q and A facility because the Press are not asking the questions people want answers to.

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    Mute Cian Nolan
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:28 AM

    @Anne Marie Devlin: TBF the science on this is evolving all the time. It’s almost impossible to give concrete recommendations in such an environment.

    32
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    Mute Oracle Steve
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:40 AM

    @Cian Nolan: horse manure. If the science on spreading viruses was unclear why do they wear masks in hospitals?

    They can’t all be suffering from halitosis

    58
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    Mute Brendan Greene
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:51 AM

    @Oracle Steve: those sre medicsl grade masks which block everything. They are impractic aal for th e general public and more expensive and in shorter supply.

    14
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    Mute Eric
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:12 AM

    @Anne Marie Devlin: yep you’re right. He said on the 13th of April that he doesn’t recommend masks for use by the general public https://twitter.com/rtenews/status/1248683715733131264?s=19

    27
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    Mute Shawn O'Ceallaghan
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    Jun 9th 2020, 11:09 AM

    @Anne Marie Devlin: consider that he didn’t want to cause strain on the supply chains for those who needed them most. I.e nurses and doctors, lack of foresight is astounding.

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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:55 PM

    @Oracle Steve: excellent point. Thank you.

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    Mute Akke
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    Jun 10th 2020, 12:53 PM

    @Mick Flynn: you have a chance to ask the right questions. Join our national Corona citizens science project (next Wednesday 17th of June) and submit your questions now

    1
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    Mute Kate Mchugh
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    Jun 15th 2020, 9:50 AM

    @Anne Marie Devlin: I do understand what your saying. However there has become an urgency to bring things back to some normality. People are starting to gather in larger numbers, so I would agree with him about the mask. I have to wear one at all times were I work.

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    Mute sean de paore
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    Jun 9th 2020, 7:43 AM

    Provide a few free masks to ever citizen. Lately an all Irish text Covid-19 guise was posted to every home in the country, most going straight to the bin. Free Masks would surely see a far more productive response.

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    Mute Gabriel Chagas
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:14 AM

    @sean de paore: that’s precisely what many countries did, in Singapore the government distributed masks, in Portugal the councils distributed masks and in Austria retailers were offering free masks to customers!
    Should be made mandatory as is the case elsewhere in the world.

    61
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    Mute Mirabelle Stonegate
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    Jun 9th 2020, 5:45 PM

    @Gabriel Chagas: and what happens to those of us that can’t wear masks for one reason or another? Like me, or my mother? They haven’t been made mandatory because there are many reasons people can’t wear them.

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    Mute CoraG
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    Jun 9th 2020, 7:36 AM

    Masks should be mandatory!

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    Mute Dino
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:45 AM

    @CoraG: blocking protests and mass gatherings should be mandatory!

    74
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    Mute Eoin O'Neill
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:59 AM

    @Dino: protest/mass gathering blocking powers are a dangerous precedent to set if those powers aren’t time boxed for a specific issue like a pandemic.

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    Mute Connoroconner
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    Jun 9th 2020, 7:46 AM

    Just make it mandatory to wear a mask in certain situations. People are getting blase about the whole thing, which is human nature. Why wait till infection figures start to creep up again before we act?

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    Mute Aidan O' Neill
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    Jun 9th 2020, 7:54 AM

    @Connoroconner: mandatory on public transport should be an absolute minimum. I would hope some shops would make them mandatory too but they may be worried it will affect their bottom line.

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    Mute Mirabelle Stonegate
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    Jun 9th 2020, 5:52 PM

    @Aidan O’ Neill: if they did this, my family would starve. I’m the only one in the house that does the main shop, and I can’t wear anything that covers my face.

    My mother is high risk and also can’t physically keep a mask on because of the shape of her ears, and my dad doesn’t have the patience to do a proper shop, which tends to mean my own groceries especially are ignored. All he would buy is milk, bread, bananas and corned beef. I am lactose and wheat intolerant. Therefore, I do the shop to make sure we have what we need in. Make masks mandatory, and that doesn’t happen.

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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:30 PM

    @Mirabelle Stonegate: I think they would not be mandatory for individuals like yourself Mirabelle, who have a condition that makes wearing them unsafe for you. They are proven to be effective. If everyone wore one in crowded places like supermarkets and buses, then the possibility of infection would significantly decrease. You would also be better protected from those around you, even if you are not wearing a mask. The ethos behind the concept of wearing masks is; “I protect you – You protect me”. Let’s all look out for each other and kill this virus together. Nobody wants to return to lockdown or dying family & friends.

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    Mute mary
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    Jun 11th 2020, 3:15 PM

    @Mirabelle Stonegate: Could you wear a visor instead – at least it’ll give you some protection

    1
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    Mute Edwardson Mike
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    Jun 9th 2020, 7:35 AM

    Did we ever hit the 15k a day tests? How many daily tests are we doing now? Would be very interesting if we did 15,000 tests yesterday and only had 9 positive cases.

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    Mute Tricia Nolan
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:20 AM

    @Edwardson Mike: We’re not doing 15k tests a day (but we have the capacity to do so). Simple reason being that there’s not enough people being referred for testing right more. People aren’t presenting with any symptoms to GP. We can’t test what’s not out there!

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    Mute Isabel Oliveira
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:25 AM

    @Edwardson Mike: I find there’s too little cases . It would be interesting to know the amount of tests at the moment . I’ll give you Portugal’s example : some 350 employees in meat factories, fruit companies and construction were positive. 14 k screening tests in the last week to their contacts and the contacts’ contacts resulted in circa 3k positive tests, 30% of those asymptomatic patients. Either we are testing all “ rings “ of contacts here or we’re getting a deceitful low number.

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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:58 PM

    @Isabel Oliveira: If accurate, this is frightening. It would mean we are looking at another explosion.

    1
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    Mute Aidan O' Neill
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    Jun 9th 2020, 7:50 AM

    They won’t make them mandatory because they think someone might ask the Government to supply them. Their information on masks has been poor. No campaign on how and when to wear, how to wash etc. I haven’t heard or seen one ad on it. They only started half saying it about a week or two again. A quick tv and radio campaign on how to go about it and maybe some advice on how to make masks (really easy with a spare sock and scissors) and behaviours will change. Maybe some shops should insist on masks too.

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    Mute Anne Marie Devlin
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:10 AM

    @Aidan O’ Neill: In France the government supplied all households with masks for free. In the States, shops will provide them if you don’t have your own.

    51
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    Mute NotMyIreland
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:11 AM

    @Aidan O’ Neill: They won’t make them mandatory because if they were all employers would have to supply them to every employee.

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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:33 PM

    @Aidan O’ Neill: My mother made a mask using a sock and her creation had the heel of the sock where her mouth is. The end result was hilarious and it looked like her tounge was constantly sticking out.

    1
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    Mute Isabel Oliveira
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:12 AM

    There’s a simple solution for that : make them mandatory in public closed spaces and transport otherwise most people don’t wear them. Getting a bus is frightening, most with no masks and most windows closed. It’s ridiculous.

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    Mute Mirabelle Stonegate
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    Jun 9th 2020, 5:56 PM

    @Isabel Oliveira: I have to get a bus in a couple of weeks, and can’t wear a mask. It’s just as well they aren’t mandatory, or I wouldn’t be able to take that bus.

    1
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    Mute InvaderSkoodge
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:46 AM

    I’ve reconsidered my stance on mask wearing after being coughed on at least 3 times in one shop yesterday by ignorant swines. Some people clearly need to have masks stapled to their ears to protect others around them.

    Perhaps the government should run a campaign on the proper use of masks since I’ve seen far too many people wearing them over their mouth but not their nose.

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    Mute Joe Toner
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:54 AM

    @InvaderSkoodge:
    Some people should use a bin liner and a cable tie. That would stop the ignorant gits coughing in our faces.

    13
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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:37 PM

    @InvaderSkoodge: So true. Make masks mandatory please. There are very simple and effective videos on you tube on how to apply and remove a face mask safely. The main thing to remember is to disinfect your hands BEFORE putting on and AFTER taking off.

    1
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    Mute gofreak
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:17 AM

    Just advise to wear them in public, fullstop. It would be a simpler message. I would guess the people who are wearing them in the shops are typically wearing them all the time in public. Taking them on and off when you’re out depending on where you are is too much friction for most to be bothered with. On top of that, in the city, even outdoors people are much closer – and probably closer than they are indoors where physical distancing markers are present and enforced.

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    Mute Mark Reville
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:32 AM

    Why is he saying this now? It should have been a priority of the government from the beginning to obtain sufficient supplies of medical grade face masks and other protective apparel for hospital and nursing home staff and the general population.

    25
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    Mute Kevin Mac Eoin
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:36 AM

    Writing from Luxembourg I’m flabbergasted by the Irish government’s policy and lack of clarity on this. It is very clear and obvious that wearing an item of clothing that covers the mouth or nose prevents you from spreading the disease to others. Its not about protecting yourself, its about protecting others.

    In Luxembourg I cannot walk into any building (shopping centre, supermarket, post office etc) or get on public transport without something covering my nose and mouth.Its written everywhere and its unfathomable now to think you could walk into a supermarket for example without such a covering (a taboo akin to smoking in an Irish pub). The government did provide 50 disposable surgical masks for every citizen here (delivered by their military which is actually properly funded and paid) but most people wear scarfs or snoods or fashionable homemade masks instead.

    The word from my family and friends in Ireland is that very few people are wearing masks, even in supermarkets. Even the picture accompanying this article shows people looking at the couple wearing masks as though it was something highly unusual. I personally find this incredible. Its not rocket science and its such an easy, inexpensive and obvious step to take to avoid the spread of this virus.

    22
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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:45 PM

    @Kevin Mac Eoin: Thank you for your comment. It is so true. We need to make masks mandatory.

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    Mute nelliekel
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:48 AM

    I won’t wear one unless it’s mandatory because I have deviated septum and feel like I’m suffocating but from one’s wearing them I think they think it gives them superpowers in shops they walk up right to your face they pull on them all the time then handle everything in the shop they pull them down to talk then walk around with then under chin but when want to push by you pull back up because it’s an invisible shield, most are spreading more germs then anyone else constantly handling them and their nose and mouth ears hair..hands are rife with germs. so no unless ordered to do so won’t be wear one

    18
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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:50 PM

    @nelliekel: They should be mandatory but people also need to be educated in how to wear them properly. It’s not rocket science. Simple rules: Wash hands before applying. Wash hands after removing. Don’t touch the mask when it’s on you. Don’t wear under nose. Don’t remove to talk. Masks are effective. They save lives.

    1
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    Mute Dino
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:48 AM

    I wonder if someone has a heart attack while wearing a mask will they report it as died “with” a mask?

    12
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    Mute Roibeard Ó Riain
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:53 AM

    Wear one, dont wear one. Make up your mind. I’ll just wit for my Capt America Shield to arrive!

    8
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    Mute Luke Redmond
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    Jun 9th 2020, 12:07 PM

    “I think we can do better” I think you can zip it Tony where was this advice and the two week quarantine 3 months ago

    7
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    Mute You can call me anything but
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:29 AM

    No mention of the story on the front page of Sunday papers concerning Mr Holohan.

    7
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    Mute Pat Kelly
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    Jun 9th 2020, 11:29 AM

    Make your mind up? We were practical told not to wear them first, now were told different. 2 meter rule seem to almost get bent when it didn’t suit the smaller hospitality venues!! Is it just a case of we had no masks few weeks back now there everywhere 10 for a 5 er. Either tell us the truth or let the politicians tell us the ‘ safe’ version of what fits in with the economic landscape

    6
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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:51 PM

    @Pat Kelly: They are effective and save lives. They should be made mandatory minimum for indoor public settings.

    1
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    Mute Braonain Proinseas
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:02 AM

    WILL I WOUNT I???? very difficult for a normal person to know, with all this conflicting information and advice.

    5
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    Mute David Van-Standen
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:50 AM

    @Braonain Proinseas: Not really that much of a dilemma, it’s a precautionary measure like using any other form of ppe…

    Is there an identifiable hazard or risk?

    What control measures can be put in place to reduce or remove the hazard or risk?

    What measures can be implemented to separate people from the hazard or risk?

    What ppe can be used to protect individuals that have to operate in the environment with the hazard or risk?

    In this instance the hazard or risk is, exposure to or transmission of covid 19, the appropriate control measures are, reducing contacts, social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitiser when washing is unavailable, mask or face coverings worn over both the mouth and nose at all times when in contact with people outside your domestic setting.

    3
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    Mute David Van-Standen
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:51 AM

    Gloves may be appropriate for carrying out specific time limited tasks, but should not be worn continuously, because they prevent hand wash and act as a transmission medium for covid 19 and other viruses and bacteria by impeding hand washing and sanitising.

    3
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    Mute Belebop
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    Jun 9th 2020, 9:23 AM

    I will when there’s a tax relief available on the purchase of them. Pinned to the wall with extra costs of working during this pandemic as it is. Proper PPE, not a cotton wrap with kitchen roll which is virtually useless in my opinion.

    5
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    Mute Patricia Moloney
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    Jun 9th 2020, 12:52 PM

    Doctors advise against face masks

    4
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    Mute Patricia Moloney
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    Jun 9th 2020, 12:52 PM

    Fake masks are dangerous should not be worn by healthy people

    4
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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:44 PM

    Surgical masks are becoming more cheap & readily available now as more companies internationally and nationally are going into the manufacturing of them. They can be bought for less than €1 each and I guarantee you that this price will drop over the near future. These are 3ply masks which are better than cloth masks which can be heavy, less effective and less breathable. Remember blue/green side out and white side in, when wearing. Make masks mandatory in crowded indoor places – “I protect you + You protect me”. Ps: This is not a sponsored comment – just a concerned citizen.

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    Mute Joan Grennan
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    Jun 10th 2020, 11:11 AM

    Wearing a mask helps me on a psychological basis but so few people are wearing them its a lost cause . You feel like a crank . We need direction . Is it a yes or a no

    1
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    Mute Aidan Conway
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    Jun 9th 2020, 8:38 PM

    They spent so long telling us they weren’t any use we belive them now! Haha MUPPETS
    All misinformation from day one

    1
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    Mute Tracktrack
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    Jun 9th 2020, 10:22 PM

    There was a very interesting study done recently with mice and the effectiveness of face masks. Over 1 week scientists placed a mask between the cage of an infected mouse and the cage of uninfected mice (with a fan blowing air from the infected mouse to uninfected mice). They then carried out the same test without a mask separating the 2 cages. The rate of infection jumped when the mask was removed.

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