CoVid19 Part XI - 2,615 in ROI (46 deaths) 410 in NI (21 deaths)(29/03)*OP upd 28/03*

To be honest, as a healthcare worker in the critical care division, I think that the government is acting very well. The general consensus amongst my colleagues is that Varadkar and Harris are handling this really well. It was an unpredictable crisis. There is an amazing mobilisation of resources and support plans. The hospital is a collegiate place at the moment. From top-down, I think that the government, the HSE and individuals want to really help fight this virus. Ultimately, the decision was made to value lives above all else in this country.

I think that those who tout the health of the economy above all else and criticise the 'draconian' measures lack a certain foresight re:the excess mortality if we don't try to curb the spread. Social distancing is one of the few interventions which has a demonstrated benefit. To forego this, would be to set a fire in a forest. While we would have the short-term benefits of the economy proceeding as status quo, this contagious illness would propagate. The cost of sustaining an overwhelmed health service would be financially unviable. Additionaly, illness results in loss of life, which results in loss of vital skills and earning potential. For example, a healthcare worker costs an inordinate amount of time and money to train, both at an undergraduate and postgraduate level. Furthermore, a healthcare worker will pay taxes to the economy for 40 years. Either way, the economy will be in an equally bad state. I am glad that our government chose the life-conserving route.

Ní neart go cur le chéile