Galway COVID-19, local news and discussion

Bobeagleburger · 30-06-2020 7:41am

They should be mandatory on a bus. Common sense.

30-06-2020 8:47am

Parts of Portugal are on lockdown again due to new outbreaks-the cause? A combination of people not adhering to the rules such as mask wearing, crowding into bars and restaurants and generally having complete disregard for best practices of remaining Covid free.
Our businesses in Ireland at least will hopefully adhere to the rules since they’ll be threatened with closure otherwise/ which leaves personal responsibility, or lack, thereof- unfortunately I think this will be the key reason we’ll see a rise in clusters and further numbers infected.

30-06-2020 10:45am

Major spike in Croatia also, after a period of suppression borders opened and things started going back to normal and now they are back to peak April numbers again.

It’s a travesty that travel into the county is not going to be severely restricted for many months to come. We are in a good place now but allowing people into the county is pretty much guaranteed to destroy all the good work I just can’t understand the logic.

Verified essential travel in or out with mandatory 2 weeks isolation on entering the country should be the minimum requirements.

New Home · 30-06-2020 11:22am

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Seems they cannot refuse. There's no way to enforce it. The mentioned it on the news tonight. It's madness that people aren't willing to do it for the greater good though.

"God forbid I should be inconvenienced". :mad:

flazio · 30-06-2020 2:38pm

Gardaí were on public transport during the early stages making sure only necessary journeys were being taken. They should return and make sure masks are being worn.

CruelSummer · 30-06-2020 2:44pm

Fernando Muscular Sibilant wrote: »

Major spike in Croatia also, after a period of suppression borders opened and things started going back to normal and now they are back to peak April numbers again.

It’s a travesty that travel into the county is not going to be severely restricted for many months to come. We are in a good place now but allowing people into the county is pretty much guaranteed to destroy all the good work I just can’t understand the logic.

Verified essential travel in or out with mandatory 2 weeks isolation on entering the country should be the minimum requirements.

You’re saying 67 cases from a nightclub in Croatia means we should ban ALL travel with no just cause? Zero active cases on the Canary’s...
Can’t say I’m surprised seeing as you didn’t want the restrictions lifted here...

_Whimsical_ · 30-06-2020 3:21pm

CruelSummer wrote: »

You’re saying 67 cases from a nightclub in Croatia means we should ban ALL travel with no just cause? Zero active cases on the Canary’s...
Can’t say I’m surprised seeing as you didn’t want the restrictions lifted here...

Right now we have 1% of normal traffic through Dublin Airport.
25% of the cases we had yesterday were associated with travel.

Cases are rising all over the world where lockdowns have been eased. Tony Holihan has said he is "beyond worried" about the effect travel will have on our prospects here.
That's not just the possibility of death of elderly citizens. It's risk of a decimated economy and health service for all.
I don't understand how you'd balance that risk with the "needs" of some to go splash in a pool for a week.

30-06-2020 3:27pm

CruelSummer wrote: »

You’re saying 67 cases from a nightclub in Croatia means we should ban ALL travel with no just cause? Zero active cases on the Canary’s...
Can’t say I’m surprised seeing as you didn’t want the restrictions lifted here...

It's a lot more than 67 cases. Of course I want travel restricted, oly a fool wouldn't. We are ahead of the virus here and travel will bring it back, many of the cases were are getting here the past week are travel related. i also do believe we should have been more cautious with the opening up yes but that horse has bolted now.

Graph for Croatia:

We are in that dip they had with almost no cases, once we start letting selfish idiots into the country we can expect a similar trend to their increase.

Fitz* · 30-06-2020 3:35pm

So are ye saying that travel to all countries should be banned indefinitely until every other county gets their sh1t together? No exceptions.

It's a bit too much IMO, and I think that identifying problem areas and restricting them would be more helpful. As pointed out, the Canaries don't have any cases at the moment so travel to that location at the moment obviously has a lower risk that travelling to USA. Or contrast travelling to New Zealand and Brazil. Should both destinations fall under the same umbrella ban? I don't think they should.

The UK has been criticized a lot for initial their response to the pandemic. Different areas have seen different levels of the virus spread so their response now is to re-issue localized lockdowns in Leicester, rather than the whole of UK. Should a farmer in the remote parts of Scotland or Wales have to go into lockdown again because an area in a city over 200km away is at a different level? At this stage IMO no. As far as I know, Leo has pretty much said that Ireland would be the same if there are further outbreaks and that localised lockdowns would come back in, not a national lockdown.

gordongekko · 30-06-2020 4:26pm

FitzShane wrote: »

So are ye saying that travel to all countries should be banned indefinitely until every other county gets their sh1t together? No exceptions.

It's a bit too much IMO, and I think that identifying problem areas and restricting them would be more helpful. As pointed out, the Canaries don't have any cases at the moment so travel to that location at the moment obviously has a lower risk that travelling to USA. Or contrast travelling to New Zealand and Brazil. Should both destinations fall under the same umbrella ban? I don't think they should.

The UK has been criticized a lot for initial their response to the pandemic. Different areas have seen different levels of the virus spread so their response now is to re-issue localized lockdowns in Leicester, rather than the whole of UK. Should a farmer in the remote parts of Scotland or Wales have to go into lockdown again because an area in a city over 200km away is at a different level? At this stage IMO no. As far as I know, Leo has pretty much said that Ireland would be the same if there are further outbreaks and that localised lockdowns would come back in, not a national lockdown.

Whats wrong with exploring parts of ireland youve never seen this year instead of doing the usual sun holiday in costa del crappo?

Fitz* · 30-06-2020 4:50pm

gordongekko wrote: »

Whats wrong with exploring parts of ireland youve never seen this year instead of doing the usual sun holiday in costa del crappo?

I actually did look into it. Prices are ridiculous. First place I looked at was over 100e per person per night. That's before you pay for food & drink and with no guarantee of good weather. If the prices in Ireland were actually reasonable and attractions open, then I would have no problem touring around Ireland.

A rainy week in Kerry where I have nothing to do but book into a pub and pay over inflated prices on drink while paying 1000e to sleep there? Doesn't sound appealing now. And btw I don't usually do anything close to a 'usual sun holiday in Costa del Crappo'.

30-06-2020 5:08pm

The cost of holidaying in Ireland is highly exaggerated and the enjoyment of it is heavily understated. I have regularly holidayed in Ireland over the last few years and found there are plenty of good prices out there, better food and drink than you will get anywhere, no tiring travel just drive where you are going with all your stuff, lots of nice places to see and things to do etc etc.

Our plan was to spend our holidays in Ireland this year pre-covid but now we are unlikely to go anywhere even in Ireland to minimise risk.

beardybrewer · 30-06-2020 5:40pm

I wonder how the residents of the canaries (or inis mor for that matter) feel about people coming in? I'd imagine they'd appreciate if you'd keep the feck out.

Due to health reasons we had to keep to Ireland last year and had lovely visits in Dublin, Waterford, Skibb, & Louisburgh. Airbnb is the way to go as you get get a whole cottage/house which is great for a family group. I've contemplated doing something similar this year but what would we do when we got there? Something like a cycleway and walks might sound tempting but even then you can't do the pub lunch, museums, or shows if you're being sensible so is there a point going? What are ye doing getaway plans-wise this summer as it stands? Not just where but what are you getting up to as far as activities go?

Also, back the the first point, what's the deal between NI and Ireland as far as travel goes? Are they meant to quarantine when they enter Ireland or do they have free run of the place once we open up? If UK spikes would anyone dare shut the border even for health concerns?

inisboffin · 30-06-2020 6:03pm

beardybrewer wrote: »

I wonder how the residents of the canaries (or inis mor for that matter) feel about people coming in? I'd imagine they'd appreciate if you'd keep the feck out.

From what I hear from residents, Inis Mór Islanders are very divided. Many wanted to hold off on the opening, others wanted restrictions lifted immediately. Nobody seems to have an agreed plan.

beardybrewer wrote: »

Also, back the the first point, what's the deal between NI and Ireland as far as travel goes? Are they meant to quarantine when they enter Ireland or do they have free run of the place once we open up? If UK spikes would anyone dare shut the border even for health concerns?

If you're travelling on or going to NI you can wander around for up to 3 days I think, cause, you know 3 day rule...:rolleyes:

Wompa1 · 30-06-2020 6:28pm

25% of the new cases from yesterday were international travellers. Seeing more tourists around again over the last week too.

Opening up restaurants and pubs will probably just encourage this more but at least flights will be banned from the US, Brazil, Russia and other country's still struggling to contain the spread from tomorrow.

Worryingly there's a breaking story suggesting the UK has been hiding the true number of new cases there and there are plenty of Brits out and about here already.

Laviski · 30-06-2020 6:32pm

Price of flights accommodation entertainment food with warm/hot weather beats
driving accommodation food with a lottery chance of good weather. Ireland doesn't have a lot of things due to the laws of the land and mostly insurance. Hence not mention entertainment.

If and when I want to see Ireland I get there on the day and drive back.... Maybe do a one night bnb depending on travel distance.

30-06-2020 6:48pm

Laviski wrote: »

Price of flights accommodation entertainment food with warm/hot weather beats
driving accommodation food with a lottery chance of good weather. Ireland doesn't have a lot of things due to the laws of the land and mostly insurance. Hence not mention entertainment.

If and when I want to see Ireland I get there on the day and drive back.... Maybe do a one night bnb depending on travel distance.

I happily do a week away in Ireland most years and in general it’s as if not more enjoyable than going abroad. If you get good weather it beats nearly everywhere imo.

Not sure what entertainment you are on about we have the best pubs in the world, great restaurants and some of the best sights to see.

gordongekko · 30-06-2020 7:08pm

A week of sun or heading abroad just to save a few hundred euro all running the risk of getting corona and possibly dying or giving it to an elderly loved one which is likely a death sentence for them. I sometimes wonder whats wrong with people.

extra gravy · 30-06-2020 7:22pm

Might be an unpopular opinion but I think anyone going on a foreign holiday this year is being a selfish t**t.

30-06-2020 7:34pm

extra gravy wrote: »

Might be an unpopular opinion but I think anyone going on a foreign holiday this year is being a selfish t**t.

It would not be unpopular at all bar among the minority of people who refuse to accept how serious the situation is, some of whom can be seen posting their rubbish here.

No one needs to go abroad from Ireland or no one needs to come here bar a very small number of situations. Wee are in a good position now and we could get back to something close to normal if we keep our borders shut. What’s better, have the county operating near normal soon or end up with a second wave and end up having to start introducing restrictions again.

Whereisgalway · 30-06-2020 8:00pm

Wompa1 wrote: »

25% of the new cases from yesterday were international travellers. Seeing more tourists around again over the last week too.

Opening up restaurants and pubs will probably just encourage this more but at least flights will be banned from the US, Brazil, Russia and other country's still struggling to contain the spread from tomorrow.

Worryingly there's a breaking story suggesting the UK has been hiding the true number of new cases there and there are plenty of Brits out and about here already.

Maybe they caught the virus from a irish person,

Mrs OBumble · 30-06-2020 8:24pm

Fernando Muscular Sibilant wrote: »

It would not be unpopular at all bar among the minority of people who refuse to accept how serious the situation is, some of whom can be seen posting their rubbish here.

No one needs to go abroad from Ireland or no one needs to come here bar a very small number of situations.

So a Polish person living here whose parent is dying at home doesn't need to go and visit?

A merchant who makes their living importing stuff into Ireland doesn't need to do any business trips - not even to places with lower virus rates than we do.

Irish workers who are willing and able for fruit picking have magically been found?

And pilots/aircrew who flying in stocks of PPE or who fly out medical devices or pharmaceuticals that we make don't need to be travelling, either.

I'd agree re no one needs to go on holiday. Personally, I still hope that a trip to somewhere sunny might be possible in October. Am not counting on it though, and won't even consider booking until we see the situation in September.

30-06-2020 11:10pm

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

So a Polish person living here whose parent is dying at home doesn't need to go and visit?

A merchant who makes their living importing stuff into Ireland doesn't need to do any business trips - not even to places with lower virus rates than we do.

Irish workers who are willing and able for fruit picking have magically been found?

And pilots/aircrew who flying in stocks of PPE or who fly out medical devices or pharmaceuticals that we make don't need to be travelling, either.

I'd agree re no one needs to go on holiday. Personally, I still hope that a trip to somewhere sunny might be possible in October. Am not counting on it though, and won't even consider booking until we see the situation in September.

If you read my post correctly you would see that for a small number of situations travel would be allowed: that would cover things like visiting sick relatives, funerals etc and of course PPe flight and even food importation on trucks and all that sort of thing should continue.

The fruit pickers should never have been let in, if they really had to find irish people they would have had no choice. Same for a merchant, can be done over zoom like everyone else is doing their work.

John_Rambo · 01-07-2020 12:33am

Fernando Muscular Sibilant wrote: »

If you read my post correctly you would see that for a small number of situations travel would be allowed: that would cover things like visiting sick relatives, funerals etc and of course PPe flight and even food importation on trucks and all that sort of thing should continue.

The fruit pickers should never have been let in, if they really had to find irish people they would have had no choice. Same for a merchant, can be done over zoom like everyone else is doing their work.

Farming and food production should always be a priority in times like this Nox.

Farming practices were protected and allowed to carry on for obvious good reasons during lockdown. Keelings adopted the 'pod' module by separating farming staff from the general population, were housed together away from everyone else, were health vetted and got to work. The farmers in North County Dublin did a recruitment drive before and after the backlash and had very little options. Irish workers weren't willing to carry out the work to save the farms.

I have family involved in the berry, fruit and flower production industry in the fertile lands of North county Dublin and the foreign workers didn't cause clusters like the careless beef meatpacker clusters that are popping up all over the midlands!

Wompa1 · 01-07-2020 11:54am

Whereisgalway wrote: »

Maybe they caught the virus from a irish person,

Maybe.

One thing for sure is that if they didn't travel here, they wouldn't be here with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis...

Also, yesterday evening it was revealed that the ban won't be applicable to travel into Ireland. Ireland was invited to participate but we are unable to due to the UK declining to join the ban and us sharing a border with them.

inisboffin · 01-07-2020 12:14pm

Wompa1 wrote: »

Also, yesterday evening it was revealed that the ban won't be applicable to travel into Ireland. Ireland was invited to participate but we are unable to due to the UK declining to join the ban and us sharing a border with them.

There's US and UK tourists now, and it's only going to increase.

_Whimsical_ · 01-07-2020 3:00pm

Well happy days!

Now ourselves and the UK are the only two countries in Europe accepting American tourists.
It's in the New York Times today that these are the only two options now for US tourists planning a holiday abroad in the EU.
That makes us the only sensible option for such tourists,as our virus levels are nothing compared to the UKs.
So we will all can expect to be enjoying our "staycations" sharing dining rooms and lounges with Americans/Covidians and coming home with more than a stick of rock as a souvenir.

ben.schlomo · 01-07-2020 3:08pm

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Well happy days!

Now ourselves and the UK are the only two countries in Europe accepting American tourists.
It's in the New York Times today that these are the only two options now for US tourists planning a holiday abroad in the EU.
That makes us the only sensible option for such tourists,as our virus levels are nothing compared to the UKs.
So we will all can expect to be enjoying our "staycations" sharing dining rooms and lounges with Americans/Covidians and coming home with more than a stick of rock as a souvenir.

You've been talking/worrying about spikes etc for well over two months, none have happened.

Kingp35 · 01-07-2020 3:22pm

ben.schlomo wrote: »

You've been talking/worrying about spikes etc for well over two months, none have happened.

And let's hope sensible measures are in place, and are followed, to ensure that it stays that way.

thecretinhop · 01-07-2020 3:27pm

Black Lives Matter protest may have sparked new Covid spike among 20 to 30-year-olds in Birmingham | Daily Mail Online
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8478133/Black-Lives-Matter-protest-sparked-new-Covid-spike-20-30-year-olds-Birmingham.html

unreal. we were lucky this time.

blueshark2 · 01-07-2020 11:04pm

The Salthill funfair seems to be getting ready to open - they've added the passenger cabins to the big wheel in the last few days. There are also barriers for what looks like a queuing system and a Covid info sign.

Straight Talker · 02-07-2020 1:45am

ben.schlomo wrote: »

You've been talking/worrying about spikes etc for well over two months, none have happened.

To be honest i would have more time for someone being overly cautious, than i would a flippant and ignorant eejit.This virus can make people seriously ill, and i don't think that people who come across as worried, should be subjected to ridicule.

ben.schlomo · 02-07-2020 7:36am

Straight Talker wrote: »

To be honest i would have more time for someone being overly cautious, than i would a flippant and ignorant eejit.This virus can make people seriously ill, and i don't think that people who come across as worried, should be subjected to ridicule.

Don't think there was any ridicule, just facts.

blueshark2 · 03-07-2020 8:24am

Called in to All 4 Baby on Tuam Road, they say they're busier than ever now that Mothercare has closed.

Will be a big boost for local businesses in the same sector. They're recruiting, will be great if the Mothercare staff can get jobs in the local baby shops.

Storm 10 · 03-07-2020 11:09am

What do you make of this latest news today

https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2020/0703/1151127-virus-report/

Mrs OBumble · 03-07-2020 11:28am

Storm 10 wrote: »

What do you make of this latest news today

https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2020/0703/1151127-virus-report/

Unsurprising.

In the same way that pneumonia is the "old man's friend" Covid will have been the cause of death of some people who would have died of something else in the same time period.

The excess deaths id a better measure of the seriousness of this new virus, and is still large enough to be a problem worth addressing.

Whereisgalway · 03-07-2020 11:51am

Storm 10 wrote: »

What do you make of this latest news today

https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2020/0703/1151127-virus-report/

I think it should be in the main Covid thread not the galway chat

xckjoo · 03-07-2020 12:08pm

Storm 10 wrote: »

What do you make of this latest news today

https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2020/0703/1151127-virus-report/

I think the last line in the article probably hits the nail on the head

However, he also said that changes to healthcare delivery – like suspending elective activity in public acute hospitals – might have a lasting impact on health outcomes that could take years to be seen.

Anecdotally I've heard that a lot of people are avoiding going to doctors, A&E, etc. for things at the moment due to fear of Coronavirus infection. Similarly, I'm sure the provision of healthcare is being effected (regular appointments cancelled, etc.). I'm surprised it's having such an immediate effect. What's most worrying to me is the effect this will have long-term, since things like cancer screenings are not being done. Things where timely intervention are key to survival rates. Would rather they have been started back up before pubs and hairdressers.

LadyMayBelle · 04-07-2020 5:06pm

One new case in Galway yesterday according to the city tribune's Facebook. After a run of 14 days

extra gravy · 04-07-2020 5:13pm

Actual conversation in city centre hotel:

Customer: Can I have two pints?
Manager: You must order a meal to get alcohol.
Customer: I had a meal here last night.

Thoughts are with hospitality staff during this difficult time.

Gadgetman496 · 06-07-2020 11:27pm

COVID Tracker Ireland App

Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.covidtracker.hse

Apple:
https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/covid-tracker-ireland/id1505596721

-

Wompa1 · 08-07-2020 2:56pm

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Well happy days!

Now ourselves and the UK are the only two countries in Europe accepting American tourists.
It's in the New York Times today that these are the only two options now for US tourists planning a holiday abroad in the EU.
That makes us the only sensible option for such tourists,as our virus levels are nothing compared to the UKs.
So we will all can expect to be enjoying our "staycations" sharing dining rooms and lounges with Americans/Covidians and coming home with more than a stick of rock as a souvenir.

From my understanding of it, we were invited to participate in the ban but when it came down to it, the fact we share an open border with the UK who would not join in the ban, we were not included but we're still free to enforce our own.

I think our biggest threat is likely people from the England.

_Whimsical_ · 08-07-2020 4:13pm

Interesting article in the NY Times about Sweden that is summarised here. Links to the NY article within if you want to read the full one.

The gist : Despite it's lack of restrictions on normal life Sweden did no better economically than countries that enacted a full lock down. They had 40% more deaths per capita than the US with no economic gains to show. They're now expected to make a slower recovery than other Nordic states that locked down and that had up to 12 times less deaths than them.

amandstu · 08-07-2020 10:47pm

What is the story for public toilets in Galway City?

Are the ones in Eyre Square in use?

Mrs OBumble · 08-07-2020 11:20pm

amandstu wrote: »

What is the story for public toilets in Galway City?

Are the ones in Eyre Square in use?

Yes.

amandstu · 09-07-2020 12:02am

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Yes.

I suppose they take 20 cent coins?

I also imagine not everyone is using masks in them?

09-07-2020 12:20am

amandstu wrote: »

I suppose they take 20 cent coins?

I also imagine not everyone is using masks in them?

Eh, don't mean to be gross or anything, but infacta, pee and poop carry Covid-19. Masks will only protect you so far, in that environment.

"Wash your hands" :P

amandstu · 09-07-2020 12:55am

Deleted User wrote: »

Eh, don't mean to be gross or anything, but infacta, pee and poop carry Covid-19. Masks will only protect you so far, in that environment.

"Wash your hands" :P

I think it is advised to put the toilet seat cover down when flushing.I wonder do those toilets have toilet covers?

extra gravy · 09-07-2020 8:16am

I'd rather pay for a coffee somewhere and use their clean bathroom. Are those public toilets cleaned every day? Doubtful.

09-07-2020 10:55am

Do people actually use public toilets? I assumed they were just for winos and junkies.

Galway COVID-19, local news and discussion

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