Covid 19 Part XXXIII-231,484 ROI(4,610 deaths)116,197 NI (2,107 deaths)(23/03)Read OP

hotmail.com

Martin confirms he is willing to buy vaccines off UK.

Beechwoodspark

From my family and friends whatsapp - over 80 ppl currently - the vast majority are resigned to another few months of restrictions

Some mild grumblings but lots of positive comments towards MM - contrary to some other posts the govt has not “lost the people” what ever the hell that supposedly means

Morries Wigs

DOCARCH wrote: »

Any mention of 'meaningful' holidays?

matt cooper had some expert on earlier apartments are abt 200 euro a night down clare also camp sites now have shower facilities :P
all that in the p1ssing rain and windy nights

Faugheen

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

Yet the first thing we're reopening is schools. Either they're being reckless or they're playing up the impact of the variant. My money is on the latter.

Actually younger children (those in early years primary school at least) transmission isn’t as high as in other groups, so it’s understandable that schools would begin to reopen.

The reason why they were closed was because they wanted to avoid mobility, as community transmission was rampant.

If people actually listened to what was being said you’d actually sound like the experts you’re portraying yourselves to be.

Mental Mickey

How did Sleepy & Dopey escape from Wonderland???

jojofizzio

Arghus wrote: »

Donelley doesn't even get an invite to these anymore.

Acknowledging what a liability he is

CoronaBlocker

Boggerman12 wrote: »

Mehole so out of his depth in the press conference.he looks so disinterested and is still sulking cause he can’t go to the White House for the photo op

Was it just me or did he looked like he was trying to smile every time he spoke of opening up? It looked like his communications people thought that would be a good idea. Positive attachment or something.

D.Q

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

From my family and friends whatsapp - over 80 ppl currently - the vast majority are resigned to another few months of restrictions

Some mild grumblings but lots of positive comments towards MM - contrary to some other posts the govt has not “lost the people” what ever the hell that supposedly means

My 80 person family and friends WhatsApp says the opposite so my made up thing cancels out yours.

Cody montana

Why can't they give us stimulus cheques?

Doctor Jimbob

Turtwig wrote: »

Your guess is as good as mine. Two weeks between phases is short and I know the unions aren't the most popular bunch but their concerns aren't without merit. It's very unclear what the plan for controlling and detecting outbreaks in schools is. Often times schools would get very delayed assessments and contacts from the HSE.

Foreign travel is the tortoise. Actually that's probably disrespectful to tortoises. The tortoise won too!

The messaging and communication has been abysmal since the current coalition formed. The original trio were actually fairly ok in my book. Least you knew where things stand. This is a haphazard mess.

Agreed completely on the original crowd and I wouldn't be a big fan of any of them normally.

Faugheen

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

From my family and friends whatsapp - over 80 ppl currently - the vast majority are resigned to another few months of restrictions

Some mild grumblings but lots of positive comments towards MM - contrary to some other posts the govt has not “lost the people” what ever the hell that supposedly means

This. People are frustrated and rightly so, but if the vaccine rollout can hit its targets (like it did last week) then there’s plenty to look forward to.

It takes conversations with normal people to remind you that boards isn’t representative of the population.

Doctor Jimbob

Faugheen wrote: »

Actually younger children (those in early years primary school at least) transmission isn’t as high as in other groups, so it’s understandable that schools would begin to reopen.

The reason why they were closed was because they wanted to avoid mobility, as community transmission was rampant.

If people actually listened to what was being said you’d actually sound like the experts you’re portraying yourselves to be.

You must be one of the few people who think communication is satisfactory. It would be a lot easier to listen to what's being said if there weren't constant contradictions.

ninebeanrows

Has MM said takeaway pints are bad yet?

pjohnson

Apparently the patriots are trying to organise a protest for Saturday. Hopefully the Gardai deal with them. They stopped some Dublin hairdresser looking for publicity earlier today at least.

They need stricter fines to stop that rubbish if we are to ever get things open, just strip the business from her for good.

speckle

Mam of 4 wrote: »

Can't multi quote on phone Leahyl and Atlantic Dawn , I know it's not enough , but being honest I'm actually surprised they gave MH services anything at all so twenty million is better than nothing imo.

Watch it dissapear into a galaxy sized black hole in the blink of an eye..no exact details given of where it will go.. for example the training of extra counsellors and psycologists... And look at the futher in the publication on data of damage already done. Wont cover that let alone help those already waiting for mental health services.


4.3.2 Wellbeing & Mental Health
Supporting physical and mental wellbeing aligns closely with Government priorities such as Sláintecare, which has an emphasis on empowering people and communities to keep well.

We will continue the Government Wellbeing (Keep Well)/In This Together/Resilience campaign and continue to make information about resources and supports available via gov.ie and a range of other platforms.

Local Authorities will promote awareness of and participation in local programmes, initiatives
and amenities and continue to support the Community Call helpline.

A programme of "citizen empowerment" wellbeing activities and initiatives will be delivered by Local Authorities with local partners, including activities supporting healthy living, physical activity, community food, creativity, managing chronic diseases and positive ageing.

Given the importance of being active, particularly outdoors, for physical and mental wellbeing, Healthy Ireland and Sport Ireland will continue to deliver a campaign to promote this over the coming months.

Auxiliary mental health supports will continue to be offered remotely to ensure those in isolation
can access assistance when needed, with access to online information, provision of digital
counselling and the roll out of a national 24/7 crisis textline ensured that individuals and
families can gain access to supports immediately.

gozunda

seamus wrote:

There's that hairdresser in Balbriggan ...

OK so there's a hairdresser in Balbriggan... I won't be allowing that to impact on basic common sense in the midst of a pandemic.

funnydoggy

pjohnson wrote: »

Apparently the patriots are trying to organise a protest for Saturday. Hopefully the Gardai deal with them. They stopped some Dublin hairdresser looking for publicity earlier today at least.

They need stricter fines to stop that rubbish if we are to ever get things open.

Agreed there.

frank8211

Offaly Express:

Offaly company issues statement amid concerns over Covid-19 outbreak

Nelipak Healthcare Packaging in Clara have issued a statement following a significant outbreak of Covid-19 at their plant in recent weeks.

It's understood up to 20 members of staff at the plant have tested positive in the last two weeks, with other cases confirmed among close contacts of workers.

This news comes as Offaly has the highest 14-day incidence rate of the virus in the country with cases clustered in the Tullamore Municipal District, which takes in the town of Clara, according to Department of Health data.

341 cases have been confirmed across the county in the last two weeks with Offaly's 14-day incidence rate standing at 437.4 per 100,00. The national average is now down at 240 per 100,000.

Faugheen

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

You must be one of the few people who think communication is satisfactory. It would be a lot easier to listen to what's being said if there weren't constant contradictions.

Absolutely not. Government communications have been a shambles.

However same isn’t said for NPHET. Especially the last couple of weeks with Ronan Glynn leading the way.

hotmail.com

pjohnson wrote: »

Apparently the patriots are trying to organise a protest for Saturday. Hopefully the Gardai deal with them. They stopped some Dublin hairdresser looking for publicity earlier today at least.

They need stricter fines to stop that rubbish if we are to ever get things open, just strip the business from her for good.

The finest won't be paid.

hotmail.com

Martin could allow the public some relief by sacking Donnelly.

Doctor Jimbob

Faugheen wrote: »

Absolutely not. Government communications have been a shambles.

However same isn’t said for NPHET. Especially the last couple of weeks with Ronan Glynn leading the way.

I've stopped regularly watching the briefings but you make a fair point, might start watching them again to get a better idea of what's going on.

Doctor Jimbob

hotmail.com wrote: »

Martin could allow the public some relief by sacking Donnelly.

Followed swiftly by himself, ideally.

pjohnson

hotmail.com wrote: »

The finest won't be paid.

Then cut their dole or jail them they have to have some earnings that bùll**** just tricks the vulnerable.

Plumbthedepths

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

From my family and friends whatsapp - over 80 ppl currently - the vast majority are resigned to another few months of restrictions

Some mild grumblings but lots of positive comments towards MM - contrary to some other posts the govt has not “lost the people” what ever the hell that supposedly means

Ah well that confirms the mood of the nation if your friends and family on WhatsApp say it's grand so.

Ficheall

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

You must be one of the few people who think communication is satisfactory. It would be a lot easier to listen to what's being said if there weren't constant contradictions.

I'd be of the more "we need to keep most of these restrictions, and sort out some more properly" persuasion, and I think the clamouring for dates seemed pointless at best, but I'd agree that the gov't communication is crap.

And any one of the NPHET team would do a better job (even the lovely signers), despite many people's aversion to being told when things are crap.

marno21

The vaccine figures put us just a few weeks behind the UK in terms of progress (yes the AstraZeneca mess is accounted for)

We should be in a position to open in full around 5-6 weeks after them. They will be a very useful guinea pig for us

In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that restrictions will be eased gradually, but certainly no earlier than April. This has been greeted with general relief and a sense of optimism, and that the worst is over.

In Britain, Boris Johnson has announced that restrictions will be eased gradually, but certainly no earlier than April. This has been greeted with general relief and a sense of optimism, and that the worst is over.

In Ireland, Micheál Martin has literally delivered the exact same message, and it's been greeted with disgust and outrage.

Why the difference?

Well, the first two delivered it as "the roadmap to easing restrictions, starting after next month".

Our buck stood there sneering at us, painted it negatively as "another two months of lockdown", and generally gave the impression that he's thoroughly enjoying every moment of having the power to tell people what to do.

Our government has delivered an earlier reopening of the economy than in Scotland or England but because of the utterly contemptuous attitude of the Taoiseach, his doom-and-gloom messaging, and the transforming of restrictions from something we're doing into something we're ordered to do, he's caused a collapse in morale.

There's a reason why, when invited three times to elect Micheál Martin as our Taoiseach, the Irish people politely demurred each time. We're seeing it now.

niallo27

Faugheen wrote: »

Absolutely not. Government communications have been a shambles.

However same isn’t said for NPHET. Especially the last couple of weeks with Ronan Glynn leading the way.

In fairness nphet have been clear, cases are going up, lock everything down for months, any other ideas, no just lock everything down for months. So thats all you have, yes lock it all down. What a pointless waste of money that group is and the worst thing is they are seen as hero's by so many, bit like the Catholic Church for many.

KrustyUCC

Funny under the new 'plan' at Level 1 which is something we didn't even achieve last year

Only allows Up to 10 visitors from up to 3 households in gardens
Up to 100 guests for wedding ceremony and reception
Up to 100 patrons; Up to 200 patrons permitted for larger indoor venues.

Up to 200 patrons for majority of venues; Up to 500 patrons for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5000

So with a fully vaccinated country even in the best case scenario this is the scale of ambition for the country

What absolute joke of figures

DOCARCH

b0nk1e wrote: »

Our buck stood there sneering at us, painted it negatively as "another two months of lockdown"....the power to tell people what to do.

That's the teacher in him shining through!

Doctor Jimbob

b0nk1e wrote: »

In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that restrictions will be eased gradually, but certainly no earlier than April. This has been greeted with general relief and a sense of optimism, and that the worst is over.

In Britain, Boris Johnson has announced that restrictions will be eased gradually, but certainly no earlier than April. This has been greeted with general relief and a sense of optimism, and that the worst is over.

In Ireland, Micheál Martin has literally delivered the exact same message, and it's been greeted with disgust and outrage.

Why the difference?

Well, the first two delivered it as "the roadmap to easing restrictions, starting after next month".

Our buck stood there sneering at us, painted it negatively as "another two months of lockdown", and generally gave the impression that he's thoroughly enjoying every moment of having the power to tell people what to do.

Our government has delivered an earlier reopening of the economy than in Scotland or England but because of the utterly contemptuous attitude of the Taoiseach, his doom-and-gloom messaging, and the transforming of restrictions from something we're doing into something we're ordered to do, he's caused a collapse in morale.

There's a reason why, when invited three times to elect Micheál Martin as our Taoiseach, the Irish people politely demurred each time. We're seeing it now.

A combination of less condescension from MM and a lifting of the 5km would go a long, long way to keeping the majority of people on side.

Turtwig

niallo27 wrote: »

In fairness nphet have been clear, cases are going up, lock everything down for months, any other ideas, no just lock everything down for months. So thats all you have, yes lock it all down.

Yet they advised to (cautiously) re-open schools.

niallo27

niallo27 wrote: »

In fairness nphet have been clear, cases are going up, lock everything down for months, any other ideas, no just lock everything down for months. So thats all you have, yes lock it all down. What a pointless waste of money that group is and the worst thing is they are seen as hero's by so many, bit like the Catholic Church for many.

I've actually long thought that Covid has, for a lot of people (particularly those given to zealotry), replaced the place in their lives and in society where religion used to be.

There's the Godhead itself, the virus, which they've put in the centre of their lives.

Then there's the high priests - NPHET - criticism of whom is heresy.

There's even a catechism and a set of Commandments - the restrictions - and every so often there's a Vatican II and the format of the Mass changes.

We used to chant the Pater noster ("flatten the curve!"), but then the high priests changed it to the Our Father ("the next two weeks are critical!"). We used to greet the sign of peace with And Also With You ("the vaccines probably won't work!") but that got changed to And With Your Spirit ("the vaccines won't work against the New Variant!").

And with each change the high priests made, the congregations went along with, even when the changes - and sometimes even the priests - contradicted each other.

There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that had the sort of people with the fluttering curtains, and the jabbing forefinger stabbing out 1850 715 815, puce of face, thin of lip, ready to tell Father Duffy about the harlot in their community who displayed insufficient Covid piety would have been first in the queue to be hurling stones and insults at teenage single mothers had they been born sixty years previously.

We're not as far removed from the days of the Church as we think we are.

Sanjuro

b0nk1e wrote: »

In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that restrictions will be eased gradually, but certainly no earlier than April. This has been greeted with general relief and a sense of optimism, and that the worst is over.

In Britain, Boris Johnson has announced that restrictions will be eased gradually, but certainly no earlier than April. This has been greeted with general relief and a sense of optimism, and that the worst is over.

In Ireland, Micheál Martin has literally delivered the exact same message, and it's been greeted with disgust and outrage.

Why the difference?

Well, the first two delivered it as "the roadmap to easing restrictions, starting after next month".

Our buck stood there sneering at us, painted it negatively as "another two months of lockdown", and generally gave the impression that he's thoroughly enjoying every moment of having the power to tell people what to do.

Our government has delivered an earlier reopening of the economy than in Scotland or England but because of the utterly contemptuous attitude of the Taoiseach, his doom-and-gloom messaging, and the transforming of restrictions from something we're doing into something we're ordered to do, he's caused a collapse in morale.

There's a reason why, when invited three times to elect Micheál Martin as our Taoiseach, the Irish people politely demurred each time. We're seeing it now.

I still find it extraordinary that this clown had nowhere near enough backing of the public to become Taoiseach and yet....

muddypuppy

b0nk1e wrote: »

In Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that restrictions will be eased gradually, but certainly no earlier than April. This has been greeted with general relief and a sense of optimism, and that the worst is over.

In Britain, Boris Johnson has announced that restrictions will be eased gradually, but certainly no earlier than April. This has been greeted with general relief and a sense of optimism, and that the worst is over.

In Ireland, Micheál Martin has literally delivered the exact same message, and it's been greeted with disgust and outrage.

Why the difference?

Well, the first two delivered it as "the roadmap to easing restrictions, starting after next month".

Our buck stood there sneering at us, painted it negatively as "another two months of lockdown", and generally gave the impression that he's thoroughly enjoying every moment of having the power to tell people what to do.

Our government has delivered an earlier reopening of the economy than in Scotland or England but because of the utterly contemptuous attitude of the Taoiseach, his doom-and-gloom messaging, and the transforming of restrictions from something we're doing into something we're ordered to do, he's caused a collapse in morale.

There's a reason why, when invited three times to elect Micheál Martin as our Taoiseach, the Irish people politely demurred each time. We're seeing it now.

The difference is that in one place there is a plan, in the other a "we'll see later".
How is ireland going to reopen the economy earlier than scotland or england?

speckle

some stats from gov document

Yourmentalhealth.ie had nearly 1.5million visits in 2020, an increase of 69% from 2019, with content specific to minding your mental health during COVID-19 being the most visited.

Over 33,000 conversations hosted on text50808, which is now averaging >5,000 conversations per month – presenting themes are anxiety (40%), depression (32%) and suicide/self-harm (20%).
(no comparsion data pre covid)

My Mind have delivered 10,256 free online counselling sessions since June 2020 and Turn2me.ie delivered 5,206 free online counselling sessions in 2020.
(no comparsion data from pre covid or even pre june)

There were over 33,000 mental health service video consultations hosted between Attend Anywhere (16,931) and Blue Eye Direct (13,280) in 2020.
(again no comparsion data pre covid)

Usage of the Attend Anywhere platform continues to grow and 7,259 mental health video
consultations were hosted in January 2021 alone.
(no data on those persons,which a lack of face to face in person sessions negates positive outcomes)

.And still no data on self harm, depression, mental health hospitilisations or outpatient appointments, day services attendance, attempted suicide or suicide to compare pre march 2020

No data...government

KrustyUCC

No real change in retail next month even if they go to Level 4 + or minus

Essential retail and
businesses that are
primarily outdoors
only. All other retail
and personal services
closed.

So we will need to get to level 3 to have a haircut or non essential retail

May the very earliest for that no doubt

Jim_Hodge

b0nk1e wrote: »

I've actually long thought that Covid has, for a lot of people (particularly those given to zealotry), replaced the place in their lives and in society where religion used to be.

There's the Godhead itself, the virus, which they've put in the centre of their lives.

Then there's the high priests - NPHET - criticism of whom is heresy.

There's even a catechism and a set of Commandments - the restrictions - and every so often there's a Vatican II and the format of the Mass changes.

We used to chant the Pater noster ("flatten the curve!"), but then the high priests changed it to the Our Father ("the next two weeks are critical!"). We used to greet the sign of peace with And Also With You ("the vaccines probably won't work!") but that got changed to And With Your Spirit ("the vaccines won't work against the New Variant!").

And with each change the high priests made, the congregations went along with, even when the changes - and sometimes even the priests - contradicted each other.

There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that had the sort of people with the fluttering curtains, and the jabbing forefinger stabbing out 1850 715 815, puce of face, thin of lip, ready to tell Father Duffy about the harlot in their community who displayed insufficient Covid piety would have been first in the queue to be hurling stones and insults at teenage single mothers had they been born sixty years previously.

We're not as far removed from the days of the Church as we think we are.

Ah here. Time to log out. Such utter cr@p.
:rolleyes:

TonyMaloney

muddypuppy wrote: »

The difference is that in one place there is a plan, in the other a "we'll see later".
How is ireland going to reopen the economy earlier than scotland or england?

Well, I wouldn't say it's exactly likely, but England could make such a balls of it with schools that they end up delayed for a month or two.

Abit of topic but Whats essential??. Late late show, ..tommy tiernan, primtime? Tv3 tonight etc??. The news is yes 100%..3 hours even but these shows only flatter, exagerate, pontificate, deceive and obfuscate. I think these eejits need to justify why they get to wheel guests on week after week in an effort to stay relavant, whilst we hold firm....no audience reinforces the idea that you the public are at fault..not to be trusted...we speak...you listen..we collect...they are far from essential workers..

muddypuppy

muddypuppy wrote: »

The difference is that in one place there is a plan, in the other a "we'll see later".
How is ireland going to reopen the economy earlier than scotland or england?

Well our schools are partly reopening from Monday and (I don't think?) theirs are opening until next month.

Jim_Hodge wrote: »

Ah here. Time to log out. Such utter cr@p.
:rolleyes:

I always look forward to reading your erudite and witty contributions on the discussion about the major events of the day.

Morries Wigs

the media will be delighted with the further restrictions all that click bait leading to extra advertising revenue

speckle

Have the just shifted the levels up ie what was level 2 last time is now level 1?
For flips sake at least have a level zero then that represents a normal functioning society and economy.

And ps dear government/nphet would you ever check the science research out there...research papers show singing not anymore a safety issue than talking.. unless your screaming at near 100decibels which in that case you are probably meters upon meters away from the source

gozunda

PmMeUrDogs wrote:

..Surely they could have allowed people to meet a household outside for social activity? Just one? Id kill to meet my friend for a walk but I can't because I live with someone else

Under current restrictions people are able to meet up with another household or individual for the purpose of exercise. Go meet up with your friend for a walk.

pjohnson

b0nk1e wrote: »

I've actually long thought that Covid has, for a lot of people (particularly those given to zealotry), replaced the place in their lives and in society where religion used to be.

There's the Godhead itself, the virus, which they've put in the centre of their lives.

Then there's the high priests - NPHET - criticism of whom is heresy.

There's even a catechism and a set of Commandments - the restrictions - and every so often there's a Vatican II and the format of the Mass changes.

We used to chant the Pater noster ("flatten the curve!"), but then the high priests changed it to the Our Father ("the next two weeks are critical!"). We used to greet the sign of peace with And Also With You ("the vaccines probably won't work!") but that got changed to And With Your Spirit ("the vaccines won't work against the New Variant!").

And with each change the high priests made, the congregations went along with, even when the changes - and sometimes even the priests - contradicted each other.

There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that had the sort of people with the fluttering curtains, and the jabbing forefinger stabbing out 1850 715 815, puce of face, thin of lip, ready to tell Father Duffy about the harlot in their community who displayed insufficient Covid piety would have been first in the queue to be hurling stones and insults at teenage single mothers had they been born sixty years previously.

We're not as far removed from the days of the Church as we think we are.

Whatever your fantasy is it doesnt suit most of us.

stephenjmcd

KrustyUCC wrote: »

Funny under the new 'plan' at Level 1 which is something we didn't even achieve last year

Only allows Up to 10 visitors from up to 3 households in gardens
Up to 100 guests for wedding ceremony and reception
Up to 100 patrons; Up to 200 patrons permitted for larger indoor venues.

Up to 200 patrons for majority of venues; Up to 500 patrons for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5000

So with a fully vaccinated country even in the best case scenario this is the scale of ambition for the country

What absolute joke of figures

I'd ignore all of that to be honest. They've not changed it and with the population vaccinated there would be no reason to have said limits

Stheno

speckle wrote: »

Have the just shifted the levels up ie what was level 2 last time is now level 1?
For flips sake at least have a level zero then that is a nirmal functioning society and economy.

And ps dear government/nphet would you ever check the science research out there...research papers show singing not anymore a safety issue than talking.. unless your screaming at near 100decibels which in that case you are probably meters upon meters away from the source

I checked the old levels they are pretty much the same

Hellrazer

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

A combination of less condescension from MM and a lifting of the 5km would go a long, long way to keeping the majority of people on side.

Less condescension from the entire Government would go a long way to gaining them back a bit of respect.

Since the start of this pandemic they gave always had this attitude - instead of treating us like adults we`re spoken to like little children - that will be their downfall.

TonyMaloney

I think this could be problematic for those of us who enjoy doing things

https://twitter.com/FergalBowers/status/1364299353083494405?s=20