Latest on Coronavirus crisis
By Maurice Garvey
EXTRAORDINARY times we are facing as the coronavirus crisis permeates all facets of life.
As of Monday morning, the Department of Health report 169 cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland, and two deaths associated with the virus so far in the country.
Bars were ordered to shut last night in an effort to slow down the impact of the virus on health services.
Meanwhile, special flights are being arranged to fly as many as 20,000 Irish holidaymakers home from Spain before a cut-off point of midnight on Thursday.
Airlines are set to make drastic cuts to their flying schedules. Aer Lingus expect to cut flying capacity by at least 75 per cent in April and May, and Ryanair plan to ground the majority of its fleet across Europe over the next seven to 10 days.
The HSE expect a significant surge in the number of people tested this week as GPs can order Covid-19 tests electronically from today.
Dr Paddy Mallon, Professor of Microbial Diseases in the UCD School of Medicine, expects to see the number of confirmed cases to double every 48 to 72 hours in four or five days time.
Dr Mallon said this must be an “all country approach” and that people need to examine their actions.
Self-isolation and washing your hands regularly with warm water and soap is encouraged by health authorities.
Minister for Health Simon Harris has urged people not to ring 999 if they feel they need a test for Covid-19.
He said that people with symptoms should ring their GP who will arrange a test if that is what they believe is necessary.
He said the emergency service numbers need to be used for the work they do.
Mr Harris also said the health service is focusing this week on looking at securing extra bed capacity, more personal protective equipment for staff, as well as ventilators.
The National Public Health Emergency Team met this morning and there will be a meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Covid-19 at 2.30 pm.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney doesn’t think any dramatic new decisions will be made today.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar urged people to seek information only from trusted sources, following reports of inaccurate messages posted on WhatsApp and other social media sites.
Around 80 per cent of cases of Covid-19 will be a mild to moderate illness, close to 14 per cent have severe disease and around 6 per cent are critical.
People over 70 years-of-age are particularly vulnerable.
Generally, you need to be 15 minutes or more in the vicinity of an infected person, within 1-2 metres, to be considered at-risk or a close contact.
