Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
MINISTER FOR HEALTH Simon Harris has said advice relating to “mass gatherings” including the Ireland v Italy Six Nations game in less than two weeks will reviewed today due to coronavirus concerns.
Speaking to reporters today, Harris said there is a “high likelihood” Ireland could see a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the coming days and weeks.
The Ireland v Italy Six Nations game is due to take place on 7 March in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Five people have died so far in Italy from Covid-19 and the country has the most confirmed cases of any European country.
Harris said there are “no plans as of now” to cancel the match or any other mass gatherings in the future, including the large St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin city centre next month.
“There will be some big decisions that have to be made in the coming days including mass gatherings. Most particularly, I’m thinking of the Ireland-Italy rugby game that’s due to take place in the not-too distant future,” Harris said today.
“We’re reviewing today advice in relation to situations like mass gatherings like large matches and the National Public Health Emergency team will meet tomorrow.
“The chances of a coronavirus case in Ireland or indeed anywhere in the European Union outside of Italy has significantly increased but it’s really important and that we act in accordance with best health advice,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said the Ireland v Italy games that weekend “remain as scheduled”.
“The IRFU will follow government advice on such fixtures,” the spokesperson said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised Irish citizens to avoid travelling to areas in Italy affected by the coronavirus due to recent increases in confirmed cases.
The National Public Health Emergency team held a special meeting last night and will meet again tomorrow, Harris said.
“All of the advice that Ireland is taking and following, and all of the advice it will continue to take, will be in accordance with the world Health Organisation guidelines and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.”
Harris advised any members of the public who feel unwell today and who may have been in contact with anyone who has the Covid-19 virus or who has come from a region where there has been an outbreak to contact their GP by phone or contact HSE Live online or by phone.
With reporting by Dominic McGrath.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Build to rent that’s all we hear now whatever happened to rental purchase so giving people responsibility and some pride for their homes hopefully
The locals here will tell you that there is a lot of evidence that SOME people are gaming the system and behaving in ways that are evident they are most certainly not in the ‘ desperately homeless and in need ‘ situations that we come to think of when providing ‘emergency accommodation for people’ – in these politically correct times seemingly if you even comment on this theres a mob wanting to pounce – the millions and millions we are spending on hotel accomodations for SOME is NOT appropriate solution and needs to be addressed. The homeless crisis heading into winter is still a problem and the Govt need to spend more of the money building real property / solutions. The level of abusing the system is getting out of control and of people knew the full scale of how their hard earned income taxes they pay are being wasted and abused it would a national scandal.
@Dave Hammond: Do you know the process that you have to go through to declared as homeless.
People have played all systems for years and there is nothing new about that.
Look at the tax system and the people avoiding paying their due.
Met my future wife there at “Shanks disco” 45 years ago when it was called the Croft’s Airport hotel. Stayed there a few times since.
@Irish big fellow: Tried to leave her back, eh ?
@Irish big fellow: with her or another?
@Irish big fellow Where you a Lifeguard ?? The pool was the dance floor !
@Ciaran Dunne: Shanks Disco @ The Crofton Airport Hotel in the 70s…my brother met his missus there too!…and yes – the dig-out for the dance floor was the proposed hotel swimming pool…I guess the disco was a more luctative outcome than a leisure centre!
@Irish big fellow: Did you go to the fleadh cheoil that night?
Are the “operational reasons” due to an increased demand for emergency housing?
Sounds vague and suspicious!
Perhaps they need the space because they are expecting others to come in later, about 250 or so.
have your say