Galway COVID-19, local news and discussion

TwoWheeledTim · 11-08-2020 3:26pm

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

It's getting very confusing. The official numbers released every day for cases per county don't seem to update as evidence of increased cases becomes available. Even on the news they have mentioned cases in Galway on several evenings but the numbers official shared on hpsc/in the app/on the facebook updates have not actually budged, then suddenly there's an increase in 3 a few days later.

They do add up... the 8 cases came through on the county-by-county updates published on these dates;

11/08 - 1(+) (later today)
09/08 - 1
07/08 - 1
02/08 - 3
29/07 - 2

As mentioned a few times, the county breakdown is a day later than the national total updates. On the national update they sometimes mention which counties the cases were in, but this isn't in the county-by-county breakdown until the following day.

timmyntc · 11-08-2020 3:27pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

As I mentioned earlier, there are patient confidentiality issues with releasing small numbers.

Expect the apparent ambiguity to continue unless we get to more than five per county per day.

Stupid if true.

Galway county has what, 250k people?
If they announce 2 cases, it's hardly going to mean everyone/anyone knows who they are.

If anything, the fact that they won't announce small numbers of cases will actually fuel the speculation and lead to false accusations and witch-hunts - sure only a week or so ago people were saying there was an outbrreak in a city hotel?

If they trusted the HSE to have full transparency re: the case numbers, that wouldnt have happened.

TwoWheeledTim · 11-08-2020 5:22pm

TwoWheeledTim wrote: »

Galway City Council - "Due to large crowds gathering and issues with maintaining social distancing, Blackrock Diving Tower has been closed this morning until further notice."

They're flip flopping...

"Blackrock Diving Tower will re-open from tomorrow morning.

Galway City Council asks that all users of the tower adhere to social distancing guidelines. The situation will be monitored in the coming days and access to the the tower may be closed again should the need arise.

Measures may be introduced at other other beach and amenity facilities should the need arise, in the interests of social distancing and public safety."

TwoWheeledTim · 11-08-2020 5:43pm

Silverstrand road closed again...

Galway City Council - "The road access to Silverstrand Beach will be closed for the remainder of this evening, Tuesday 11th August, due to the car park being full and large volumes of traffic attempting to use the road."

11-08-2020 10:05pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Security at the door aren't well enough qualified to judge if an exemption applies or not. And there are exemptions, on a number of grounds. .

Shop security in Dunnes today refusing anyone without a mask, turned 3 people away in the time I was queuing. I’ve heard it’s similar is some other shops also.

Mrs OBumble · 11-08-2020 10:17pm

Fernando Muscular Sibilant wrote: »

Shop security in Dunnes today refusing anyone without a mask, turned 3 people away in the time I was queuing. I’ve heard it’s similar is some other shops also.

I reckon a disability-rights organisation - or even just a single parent with an autistic etc kid - will take them to the cleaners sooner or later.

11-08-2020 10:57pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I reckon a disability-rights organisation - or even just a single parent with an autistic etc kid - will take them to the cleaners sooner or later.

Taken to the cleaners for ensuring the law is not broken on their premises? Yeah right :rolleyes:

I’m sure if someone has the appropriate paper work to demonstrate they are exempt from wearing a mask then there will be no issue, the onus is on a person to prove they are exempt not on a shop to assume as the vast vast majority of people have no issue wearing one.

Your suggestion is the equivalent of saying a disabled person without a blue badge will take a shop “to the cleaners” for clamping them, which of course they won’t as the onus is on the person to have the badge to demonstrate they qualify for disabled parking.

Storm 10 · 11-08-2020 11:31pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I reckon a disability-rights organisation - or even just a single parent with an autistic etc kid - will take them to the cleaners sooner or later.

They would not have a leg to stand on its Government Legistation with fines or jail for not wearing a mask and a public health issue, who would a judge side with

Laviski · 12-08-2020 6:59am

If there is health reasons they can't wear a mask they can simply get doctors letter. I believe that was said on radio.

For young kids they don't need/required to wear a mask.

GerardKeating · 12-08-2020 7:33am

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I reckon a disability-rights organisation - or even just a single parent with an autistic etc kid - will take them to the cleaners sooner or later.

Kids are exempt from the masks, and why assume autistic kids cannot/wont wear a mask, our's do.

Mrs OBumble · 12-08-2020 8:32am

Storm 10 wrote: »

They would not have a leg to stand on its Government Legistation with fines or jail for not wearing a mask and a public health issue, who would a judge side with

Not correct.

Suggest you read sections 6 A (1) and 6 A (2) of the relevant legislation.

Disability discrimination has not suddenly become legal.

Masks have their uses (I'm wearing one right now cos I'm in a place where I cannot adequately social-distance). But the aren't magic. And they don't require 100% use.

TwoWheeledTim · 12-08-2020 12:26pm

TwoWheeledTim wrote: »

Silverstrand road closed again...

Galway City Council - "The road access to Silverstrand Beach will be closed for the remainder of this evening, Tuesday 11th August, due to the car park being full and large volumes of traffic attempting to use the road."

Update...

"Road access to Silverstand will remain closed to vehicles until Monday, 17th August, at which point it will be reviewed. Access remains available to pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles."

12-08-2020 12:29pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Not correct.

Suggest you read sections 6 A (1) and 6 A (2) of the relevant legislation.

Disability discrimination has not suddenly become legal.

Masks have their uses (I'm wearing one right now cos I'm in a place where I cannot adequately social-distance). But the aren't magic. And they don't require 100% use.

Upholding the law is not disability discrimination. Produce the proof that you don’t need a mask and that’s fine but no proof no entry. Can’t see how you would find issue with that.

TwoWheeledTim · 12-08-2020 12:49pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Suggest you read sections 6 A (1) and 6 A (2) of the relevant legislation.

Why give a reference to a specific section of an unspecified bit of legislation?

gordongekko · 12-08-2020 3:54pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Not correct.

Suggest you read sections 6 A (1) and 6 A (2) of the relevant legislation.

Disability discrimination has not suddenly become legal.

Masks have their uses (I'm wearing one right now cos I'm in a place where I cannot adequately social-distance). But the aren't magic. And they don't require 100% use.

I think the act only compels public bodies to comply this requirement and not private enterprises

biko · 15-08-2020 10:54am

Wall sprayed Abbeygate street

Wompa1 · 15-08-2020 11:02am

biko wrote: »

Wall sprayed Abbeygate street

Galway City is not immune from morons.

bodhrandude · 15-08-2020 4:36pm

Tigh Cholis is doing an session tomorrow at 6 PM, I think they are testing the waters to see if the law comes in and stops the live music, should be interesting.

Arghus · 15-08-2020 5:22pm

6 cases in today's 200 were in Galway.

flazio · 15-08-2020 6:48pm

Regarding the people who cannot tolerate masks or shields while in a supermarket. As far as I know the supermarkets are still allocating special time for vulnerable customers. It'd make sense to reduce capacity of the store in this time and relax the mask requirement.

_Whimsical_ · 16-08-2020 1:16pm

Arghus wrote: »

6 cases in today's 200 were in Galway.

It was pointed out on the radio earlier that this is likely a snapshot of the situation 2 wks ago as on average people take around 5 days after contracting the virus to show symptoms and are waiting until day 5 of the illness before seeing a dr to arrange testing.

The current situation is most likely worse.

I've heard of one city GP who is seeing all patients in the garden where possible and in a large room in their home instead of the surgery when weather is not permitting.
Things are getting more serious. Hope everyone is being careful and stays well.

biko · 16-08-2020 2:48pm

flazio wrote: »

Regarding the people who cannot tolerate masks or shields while in a supermarket. As far as I know the supermarkets are still allocating special time for vulnerable customers. It'd make sense to reduce capacity of the store in this time and relax the mask requirement.

I disagree. Don't mix people without any PPE and old vulnerable people.
If people cannot wear a mask they can still wear a visor.

_Whimsical_ · 16-08-2020 3:42pm

biko wrote: »

I disagree. Don't mix people without any PPE and old vulnerable people.
If people cannot wear a mask they can still wear a visor.

Research has shown that a visor doesn't protect you much or protect other people from you at all, it's pretty much useless in terms of preventing spread.

biko · 16-08-2020 4:05pm

I have not seen your research but the research I have seen says it does protect others from your coughs and sneezes, which is the essential bit here.

No visors or homemade masks protects the wearer very much as the virus will slip in past the mask as you breathe.
That's not their main function.

The function of your face mask is to protect others from you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_WxtSavZR4

Mrs OBumble · 16-08-2020 4:56pm

biko wrote: »

I disagree. Don't mix people without any PPE and old vulnerable people.
If people cannot wear a mask they can still wear a visor.

Masks are not PPE, they are OPPE (other people protective equipment)

It would be best if we could all distance all the time. Quiet shops are better than busy ones.

New Home · 16-08-2020 9:52pm

Recent official research on the effectiveness of various types of facemasks here: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/08/07/sciadv.abd3083.full

biko · 17-08-2020 9:03am

So a distinct difference between an infected person wearing an even rudimentary mask, and not - in order to protect others.

It supports the findings of Dr. Rich Davis

Pen Rua · 17-08-2020 10:01am

biko wrote: »

So a distinct difference between an infected person wearing an even rudimentary mask, and not - in order to protect others.

It supports the findings of Dr. Rich Davis

That image/graphic is for bacteria, not viruses. The (very) small print sets out that viruses are smaller than bacteria.

Laviski · 17-08-2020 10:10am

Pen Rua wrote: »

That image/graphic is for bacteria, not viruses. The (very) small print sets out that viruses are smaller than bacteria.

focus that you should set your mind to is "droplets" which carries both bacteria and viruses.

bottom line just wear the mask or face shield.

Sconsey · 17-08-2020 10:10am

Pen Rua wrote: »

That image/graphic is for bacteria, not viruses. The (very) small print sets out that viruses are smaller than bacteria.

The droplets that bacteria or virus travel in tend to be significantly larger than the weave of the mask and are therfore catching the virus and preventing them getting past your mask. Aerosolized particles are another matter, some may get trapped in the mask. Either way, the mask is contributing to a reduction in potential spread of the virus.

The only reason they talk about bacteria is because that will grow quicker in a petri dish. The princliple of blocking droplets is the same regardless of the content of the droplets.

Pen Rua · 17-08-2020 10:20am

I didn't say I am anti-mask. I was pointing out that the predominant graphic shared depicts bacteria - not a virus. There is a difference worth noting.

FWIW, I have my masks and wear them when out & about.

Mrs OBumble · 17-08-2020 10:29am

Sconsey wrote: »

Aerosolized particles are another matter, some may get trapped in the mask. Either way, the mask is contributing to a reduction in potential spread of the virus.

Some may. Many may not - especially if the wearer is not clean-shaven.

Masks have their uses. But they are not a replacement for social distancing. And an amazing number of people don't seem to realise this.

biko · 17-08-2020 11:24am

For me the important bit is "barrier".
Anything that will prevent droplets making their way from you to me is good.

For face covers it's a physical barrier.
For social distancing it's gravity. And tbh, 2 meters is arbitrary, different countries have different distances because no-one knows for sure, and it differs greatly on the circumstances.

17-08-2020 12:45pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Masks are not PPE, they are OPPE (other people protective equipment)

It would be best if we could all distance all the time. Quiet shops are better than busy ones.

They are PPE, if they block on the way out they block on the way in too so it’s silly to suggest that they don’t provide at least some level of protection for the wearer also.

Gadgetman496 · 17-08-2020 12:57pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Masks are not PPE, they are OPPE (other people protective equipment)

When last I checked OPPE stood for "Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation"

Some users seem to be inventing their own terminology to suit their arguments!

New Home · 17-08-2020 1:27pm

Just in case people hadn't read that research, the only type of face covering that shouldn't be worn is a fleece/snood one, as the type of fabric actually helps the dispersion of aerosol droplet, making them more dangerous than not wearing a mask at all!

gordongekko · 17-08-2020 5:59pm

New Home wrote: »

Just in case people hadn't read that research, the only type of face covering that shouldn't be worn is a fleece/snood one, as the type of fabric actually helps the dispersion of aerosol droplet, making them more dangerous than not wearing a mask at all!

Really? I've a few of them that I planned on using during the winter. What's the issue with them?

inisboffin · 17-08-2020 6:39pm

gordongekko wrote: »

Really? I've a few of them that I planned on using during the winter. What's the issue with them?

The fabric I believe. There’s a good chart somewhere if you google mask efficacy, shows from n95 to best cloth to disposable and the scale.
Even if something offers ‘some’ and you can wear a mask, some is something.
I don’t wear masks outside as a rule unless I’m in a more densely populated space.

leocullensface · 17-08-2020 6:41pm

Any new case in Galway today?

Gadgetman496 · 17-08-2020 6:49pm

leocullensface wrote: »

Any new case in Galway today?

Yes

26 are in Kildare, 13 in Dublin and the rest of the 17 cases are in Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Laois, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Westmeath and Wicklow

leocullensface · 17-08-2020 6:54pm

Gadgetman496 wrote: »

Yes

26 are in Kildare, 13 in Dublin and the rest of the 17 cases are in Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Laois, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Westmeath and Wicklow

Thanks for this

Gadgetman496 · 17-08-2020 7:08pm

leocullensface wrote: »

Thanks for this

You can use this link to get the daily detailed updates from the Department of Health.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publications/?q=&sort_by=published_date&organisation=department-of-health

New Home · 17-08-2020 7:31pm

gordongekko wrote: »

Really? I've a few of them that I planned on using during the winter. What's the issue with them?

Here's the link again, this was published on the 7th.

New Home wrote: »

Recent official research on the effectiveness of various types of facemasks here: https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/08/07/sciadv.abd3083.full

Basically, that type of material breaks up and "scatters" the particles even more. They've charts, too.

saabsaab · 17-08-2020 7:59pm

'We noticed that speaking through some masks (particularly the neck fleece) seemed to disperse the largest droplets into a multitude of smaller droplets (see Supplementary Fig. S5), which explains the apparent increase in droplet count relative to no mask in that case. Considering that smaller particles are airborne longer than large droplets (larger droplets sink faster), the use of such a mask might be counterproductive. Furthermore, the performance of the valved N95 mask is likely affected by the exhalation valve, which opens for strong outwards airflow. While the valve does not compromise the protection of the wearer, it can decrease protection of persons surrounding the wearer'

Thanks, knew that cotton was good but this is worth knowing.

Mrs OBumble · 17-08-2020 8:28pm

Fernando Muscular Sibilant wrote: »

They are PPE, if they block on the way out they block on the way in too so it’s silly to suggest that they don’t provide at least some level of protection for the wearer also.

Masks don't cover your eyes. You should assume they are not protecting you (even if they do provide some protection).

leocullensface · 17-08-2020 10:14pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Masks don't cover your eyes. You should assume they are not protecting you (even if they do provide some protection).

This is dangerous talk, you need to read up & educate yourself. If you’ve any questions ask, I mightn’t be a expert but someone on here will help you

Discodog · 17-08-2020 10:24pm

saabsaab wrote: »

'We noticed that speaking through some masks (particularly the neck fleece) seemed to disperse the largest droplets into a multitude of smaller droplets (see Supplementary Fig. S5), which explains the apparent increase in droplet count relative to no mask in that case. Considering that smaller particles are airborne longer than large droplets (larger droplets sink faster), the use of such a mask might be counterproductive. Furthermore, the performance of the valved N95 mask is likely affected by the exhalation valve, which opens for strong outwards airflow. While the valve does not compromise the protection of the wearer, it can decrease protection of persons surrounding the wearer'

Thanks, knew that cotton was good but this is worth knowing.

I don't think we would call that material fleece. Fleece is dense, many fleeces are windproof. That looks like a thin material often called a snood. If you can see through it then it's not going to be very effective.

Mrs OBumble · 18-08-2020 1:22am

leocullensface wrote: »

This is dangerous talk, you need to read up & educate yourself. If you’ve any questions ask, I mightn’t be a expert but someone on here will help you

I've read the WHO technical document which sparked the Irish govt advice to use masks when social distancing is not possible.

Have you?

People assuming that masks protect them is what is dangerous. Use them, for sure, because they may protect other people from you. But don't assume they will protect YOU because they won't.

beardybrewer · 18-08-2020 11:48am

Reading is not the same as understanding.

You made your point that masks don't replace social distancing, washing hands, avoiding crowds, minimising time spent in crowds, etc etc. However to say they don't protect you is flat wrong. They absolutely can help protect you by reducing the viral load your body is exposed to. The less virus your body has to contend with the less severe the disease is likely to be.

New Home · 18-08-2020 12:07pm

Discodog wrote: »

I don't think we would call that material fleece. Fleece is dense, many fleeces are windproof. That looks like a thin material often called a snood. If you can see through it then it's not going to be very effective.

A snood is the type of circular scarf, not the material it's made of. Fleece is the material, there are lots of different types and thicknesses just like there are different types of cotton fabric, e.g. gauze and denim.

Galway COVID-19, local news and discussion

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