We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
THE CHIEF MEDICAL Officer has expressed concern about the number of Covid-19 cases in the community, particularly among younger people.
On Friday the government outlined its roadmap for the easing of restrictions, with Phase 1 due to kick in on 18 May. From that point outdoor work such as construction will be allowed to start again and small groups will be able to meet outside while maintaining physical distancing.
There are five phases in total, which will take us to 10 August. Both the government and health officials have warned that the details of this document are not set in stone. Depending on the rate of infection in Ireland, we may move more quickly through the phases than originally planned or we may have to step back a phase.
At this evening’s press conference at the Department of Health, Dr Tony Holohan said the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is largely optimistic about the progress made, but would like to see the number of new cases in the community dropping to a lower level now.
“We’re seeing continued improvement in the number of incident cases, the number of cases coming from the nursing home sector has slowed down,” he said. “We are seeing a persistent number of infections coming from the community, if I’m honest about it, particularly from younger people in the community, it’s a number that isn’t falling as much as we would like and we’re keeping an eye on that.”
Holohan said the number of people in intensive care units is continuing to drop so they are “seeing trends moving in the right direction”. However he said he could not say today that we will be in a position on 18 May to begin Phase 1 of the roadmap.
“If the conditions were today, I think we still aren’t at that point. But I’m hopeful.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
The Fine Gael TD made a holy show of herself and her party today in the Dail.
Sadly she is Irish so she made a holy show of Ireland today. Really glad she’s not from my constituency hang your heads in shame if you voted for her….
Talk about taking a tried and tested ‘divide and conquer’ tactic and making a total hames of it. She’ll be lucky to be re-elected after that beaut.
That’s what they think. How out of touch. They r.
Any news on Mick wallace and Nama? I suppose Hugh is all over it, or maybe not!
have your say