Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Here's What Happened Today: Friday

Here’s a roundup of all the news that happened today – it’s The Fix.

NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of today’s news.

IRELAND

turnstone sea bird 699 Pictured Turnstone sea bird is caught out by a rouge wave at PoolBeg, Dublin this afternoon. Sam Boal Sam Boal

  • 126 new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland were announced this evening by health officials, bringing the total number of cases to 683.
  • Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has advised Irish people travelling abroad to make arrangements to come home “as soon as possible”.  
  • Childline has experienced an increase in demand for its services over the last week since schools and childcare facilities were forced to close due to the coronavirus outbreak in Ireland.
  • TheJournal.ie debunked a claim that ‘Galway Hospital’ circulated a message telling people to wear gloves at petrol pumps. 
  • Every household in Ireland is set to receive two free postcards from An Post. 
  • A top up scheme for employers who have had to let go of staff temporarily due to Covid-19 to provide some payment to their employees and receive a refund from the State has been approved by the government. 
  • Property website Daft.ie has seen an increase in advertisements for rental property in Dublin since the coronavirus outbreak hit the tourism sector.
  • The Seanad passed the emergency Covid-19 legislation which will now go on to be signed by President Micheal D Higgins.
  • A plane crash in Co Offaly two years ago in which two people died, including a young boy, was probably caused by the pilot losing control in a steeply banked left turn, according to an official report.

INTERNATIONAL

coronavirus British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking at a media briefing today. PA PA

#CLOSED: Boris Johnson ordered pubs, restaurants and cafes to close across the UK from midnight tonight.

#STAY AT HOME: The governor of California ordered people in the most populous US state to stay home as the coronavirus pandemic’s toll continues to worsen.

#ITALY: The Deputy Mayor of Bergamo, the Italian town which has been hit hardest by Covid-19, has warned Irish people to prepare themselves for the outbreak to worsen.

PARTING SHOT

It has been (yet another) long week. With many people working from home at this point, it’s important to appreciate the little things in life, including the weather. 

This evening, people across the country used this time to enjoy the excellent sunset. 

Here are some photos of that, in case you missed it. 

download The sunset in Dublin this evening. Laura Byrne Laura Byrne

WhatsApp Image 2020-03-20 at 19.37.44 The sunset in Wicklow.

20200320_185330 The view in Balbriggan this evening. Monique Hertas Monique Hertas

Image from iOS

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Olivia Smith
    Favourite Olivia Smith
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:33 PM

    I get the feeling the reason there is such a high surge in tests is because the government have waived the fee to the GP so every Tom Dick and Harry are calling unnecessary to see if the have it. People need to wake up and leave the test for the people who really have the symptoms and need to be tested. Just because it’s free dosent mean you take it.

    304
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Walshe
    Favourite Mary Walshe
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:25 PM

    @Olivia Smith:
    But aren’t people even more contagious before symptoms? While I appreciate the sheer volume of the tests required, if anybody who wanted a test could have one, maybe we could have even less transmission?

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marie Broomfield
    Favourite Marie Broomfield
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:39 PM

    @Olivia Smith: every “tom dick and harry” might be ringing the doctor because it’s free, which i highly doubt, but it is the doctors call whether to refer people for testing or not, based on symptoms reported! So have a bit of cop on and a little less bitchy.

    118
    See 14 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John O'Brien
    Favourite John O'Brien
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:52 PM

    @Olivia Smith: I don’t think you can just rock up to the doc unless you meet the profile for testing. This means that the backlog is made up of people who are symptomatic which is worrying in itself. We definitely need to speed up the turnaround of testing in order to fight this. Best advice is to stay at home if possible and avoid other people.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Jordan
    Favourite David Jordan
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:55 PM

    @Olivia Smith: 80% of cases are mild, they need to be identified, quarantined, and contacts traced and isolated. Best to have a negative test than people go undiagnosed.

    https://i.imgur.com/edjdYnJ.jpg

    The more undiagnosed cases walking around the worse the epidemic.

    Diagnosing only severe cases, at hospital, was the approach the UK proposed but it was abandoned after scientists at Imperial College London pointed out it would cause ~250,000 deaths.

    https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing.html

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Olivia Smith
    Favourite Olivia Smith
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:20 PM

    @John O’Brien: You don’t rock up anywhere you call. And that’s the issue. Free call as sure I’ll do it just in case

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Olivia Smith
    Favourite Olivia Smith
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:23 PM

    @David Jordan: I have a family member waiting for a test. Was symptomatic since last Friday. Didn’t want to block up testing if wasn’t positive. Felt well again and then Tuesday woke up as bad as was Friday. Nobody who had a sniffle should make that call to the GP

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Olivia Smith
    Favourite Olivia Smith
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:26 PM

    @Marie Broomfield: No sorry I won’t have a bit more cop on. I have a family member showing more than 1 symptom since Friday a wks go. Didn’t want to ring the GP in case they took up time for someone who needed it. Felt better then woke up Tuesday as bad. Took all day Wednesday to get through to the GP and still waiting for a date for test. So I’d say you and the wasters need to COP on.?

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Olivia Smith
    Favourite Olivia Smith
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:28 PM

    @Mary Walshe: No as I said just because it’s free dosent mean you take it. If a shop was giving out free stuff and it was stuff you didn’t need would you take it because it was free?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marie Broomfield
    Favourite Marie Broomfield
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:57 PM

    @Olivia Smith: you don’t seem to understand that it is the doctor who refers people for the test. know you must be worried but so are alot of other people. if you;re family member has it, they have it, a test won’t change that. ring for an ambulance if you feel they are not doing well. I and my family are waiting for that call too, it’s been 4 days and we are mostly starting to feel better. i tried to cancel the test, not wanting to waste time or resources but couldn’t. Doc said it was important for other people that we get tested. Everyone is in the same boat! let’s try not to overturn it.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Darren Sheridan
    Favourite Darren Sheridan
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 8:28 PM

    @Olivia Smith: Not wanting to “block up” testing is ridiculous.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Olivia Smith
    Favourite Olivia Smith
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 8:51 PM

    @Marie Broomfield: Are you thick? I’m saying people can’t get through to GPs because of idiots taking up all their time talking to someone with a runny nose. So this makes it harder to get tested and brings testing times longer

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Olivia Smith
    Favourite Olivia Smith
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 8:53 PM

    @Darren Sheridan: Really? I think that’s a responsible way to think,

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarah-J. Mc Hugh
    Favourite Sarah-J. Mc Hugh
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 9:46 PM

    @Olivia Smith: The last guidance is anyone with symptoms should be tested if the doctor confirms they fit, so we can find the cases and trace them, and understand the spread. It’s up to a doctor to triage and determine if the sniffle is relevant. You making people feel bad for asking to be assessed doesn’t support the current action plan. An ignored sniffle could mean contacts may not be traced, contacts that could include one of the high risk individuals, or someone who gets the severe version. Let’s let them do their job as they need to, as they have been advised to by those better educated than most of us on how to deal with this, and put up with our wait. Anyone with severe issues can ring for further help, for an ambulance, etc.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marie Broomfield
    Favourite Marie Broomfield
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 10:28 PM

    @Olivia Smith: man you’re a nasty piece of work..you’re step on your granny to save yourself. I.hope they lose your number.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Darren Sheridan
    Favourite Darren Sheridan
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2020, 12:51 AM

    @Olivia Smith: A nice concerned person? With those words you’re disgusting.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave O'Keeffe
    Favourite Dave O'Keeffe
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2020, 12:41 PM

    @Olivia Smith: needs to be a bit more cop on in your household. Waiting 5 days before trying to get a test because they didn’t feel too bad is just an “I’m fine so that’s all that matters” attitude.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Davis
    Favourite Joe Davis
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:34 PM

    They will run out of tests quicker than they will run out of money to pay Ms. Doherty and her co workers their 2k per week while the rest of us now have to survive on 200 quid a week.

    143
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Daly
    Favourite Mike Daly
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:52 PM

    @Joe Davis: is it all down to
    Money with you get a grip on yourself

    139
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neo
    Favourite Neo
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:53 PM

    @Joe Davis: So are you saying that everyone should receive 2k throughout this pandemic? Handy way to bankrupt a country. Glad you’re not in charge!

    1
    See 7 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sirius
    Favourite Sirius
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:10 PM

    @Mike Daly: Well, it’s not “all” down to money but money is extremely extremely important in every aspect of the current crisis.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Davis
    Favourite Joe Davis
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:04 PM

    @Mike Daly: it’s just annoying that after working for 30 years solid and paying some amount of tax that its 200 a week and thats that. If you think its fair that no politican or majority in the public sector will not be down a penny well fair enough. I just don’t see any fairness in that.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Davis
    Favourite Joe Davis
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:04 PM

    @FartyTowels: why am I a dope.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daithi De Roiste
    Favourite Daithi De Roiste
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:33 PM

    @Joe Davis: If they don’t get paid the bucks nobody would want to be in politics and if you have no government you basically have no country. There is only something like 52 TD’s in comparison to millions of civilians. What do you expect? Your full salary every week. Don’t be silly now

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Furey
    Favourite Paul Furey
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:35 PM

    @Joe Davis: always the tool!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neo
    Favourite Neo
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 8:43 PM

    @Joe Davis: Sure why not give the entire population their full salary while we’re at it! Country would be bankrupt in a week. It might not be much but it’s a hell of a lot more than you get in other countries. To be fair I can’t really fault the Government in how they have handled this whole situation.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neo
    Favourite Neo
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 9:17 PM

    @Joe Davis: Sure we might aswell pay the entire population their full salary while we’re at it! Country would be bankrupt in a week. It may not be much but it’s a hell of a lot more than you get in other countries. To be fair I can’t fault the Government in their response to this situation so far.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Block a Tron
    Favourite Block a Tron
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:30 PM

    Will you run out of ventilators though Minister and will it be a case of doctors having to decide who does because of lack of ventilators?

    95
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Murphy
    Favourite Thomas Murphy
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:38 PM

    @Block a Tron: and general PPE like masks and aprons will be in short supply globally, they are normally manufactured in china the country that brings you most things these days including the current virus.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chin Feeyin
    Favourite Chin Feeyin
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:58 PM

    @Block a Tron: my pharmacy has run out of Panadol. Many things will be in short supply.

    24
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerkygirl
    Favourite Gerkygirl
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:21 PM

    @Block a Tron: Well if people stayed home like their being told to and adhere to social distancing then we might not run out of the essentials that people need to help them survive. Just stay away from public areas and do as we’re being asked. It’s for our own good.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerkygirl
    Favourite Gerkygirl
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:21 PM

    @Gerkygirl: *they’re

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marie Broomfield
    Favourite Marie Broomfield
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:41 PM

    @Block a Tron: They might just have to so let’s do our bit not to put them in that position!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eugene Comaskey
    Favourite Eugene Comaskey
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:43 PM

    @Chin Feeyin: Panadol can be got in most shops, I’m sure there is plenty of it around. These stories causes pains and results in more panic buying.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SFAnkleTapper
    Favourite SFAnkleTapper
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:54 PM

    @Block a Tron: every country will run out of ventilators.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute michal heba
    Favourite michal heba
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:33 PM

    Just stay home people!!!

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute @mdmak33
    Favourite @mdmak33
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:44 PM

    Failed to prepare even though they knew about the virus in December.

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Foley
    Favourite Dermot Foley
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:42 PM

    @FartyTowels: accurate.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gigi Power
    Favourite Gigi Power
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:37 PM

    My Aunt’s house partner is waiting since last Saturday for a test and she’s in her 70’s , living in Dublin

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cian
    Favourite Cian
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:55 PM

    @Gigi Power: House partner????? Is that what they call it these days.?

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gigi Power
    Favourite Gigi Power
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:59 PM

    @Cian: they are retired nuns. Thanks

    166
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steph
    Favourite Steph
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:26 PM

    @Cian: what business is it of yours? Twit

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute miju irl
    Favourite miju irl
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:12 PM

    8 days and counting for a test

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Luke Windak
    Favourite Luke Windak
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:28 PM

    @miju irl: In all fairness, if you are still here after 8 days and have the energy to post comments here, the chances are you actually don’t need the test at all whether you have the virus or not. Simply self isolate for 14 days and until you are 100% and leave the test to those who really need it.

    95
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Foley
    Favourite Dermot Foley
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:43 PM

    @Luke Windak: people need it to do community tracing. But sure.

    28
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute miju irl
    Favourite miju irl
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:45 PM

    @Luke Windak: up until yesterday I was severely out of breath going up stairs.

    With GPs not seeing people with respiratory symptoms it’s near impossible to get prescription. Luckily Leya health virtual GP sorted me yesterday with strong steroids and an inhaler to make it alot easier to breath.

    But please do continue assuming you know enough to post a smart arsed comment about testing delays.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steph
    Favourite Steph
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:28 PM

    @Luke Windak: I’ve seen people suffering with it post daily vlogs. Tom Hanks tweeted about playing card games with his wife. What makes you think it would prevent someone from posting a comment?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daithi De Roiste
    Favourite Daithi De Roiste
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:36 PM

    @Luke Windak: Thanks Luke. Where did you get your medical degree again?

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daithi De Roiste
    Favourite Daithi De Roiste
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:37 PM

    @miju irl: Take no notice of Luke, they’l always be the odd clown.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Luke Windak
    Favourite Luke Windak
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 10:28 PM

    @Dermot Foley: Not if they were self isolating as soon as they got cold symptoms as per HSE guidance

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Luke Windak
    Favourite Luke Windak
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 10:34 PM

    @miju irl: sorry to hear that and it’s great u r feeling better now I wasn’t trying to come across as a pr*ck. Was only saying that if u r already feeling better and were self isolating since the start, getting tested now won’t really change much.
    Having said all that, waiting 5 days is unacceptable as most people will either get better on their own or end up in hospital by that stage

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian
    Favourite Brian
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:36 PM

    It’s not good at all to be waiting 5 dates for a date not a mind a test. People are now simply requesting a referrals froms GP knowing it will be a week minimum until they tested so if they don’t have it now it will piece of know knowing a test is booked for future. It’s not good enough..

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sam Harms
    Favourite Sam Harms
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:07 PM

    @Brian: unless you have serious symptoms does it really matter if you are tested straight away? If you have symptoms you are supposed to be self isolating anyway. If your symptoms becoming worrying while waiting for your test you can call 999

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute J
    Favourite J
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:32 PM

    @Brian: a GP isn’t going to refer someone unless they fall into the category

    12
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor McCabe
    Favourite Conor McCabe
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:44 PM

    @Sam Harms: the problem with the delay in testing isn’t with the person themselves, it’s the contact tracing. Myself and partner are waiting on tests since Monday, in the week to 10 days previous we visited family in Cork, had both been on separate nights out with friends, she had been to work and we both had been to several supermarkets.

    That’s over a hundred people (if not more) we’ve been in contact with. Already all those people have been mixing as normal, or a limited amount with social distancing. Contact tracing only works if tests are carried out quickly. Otherwise they might as well not bother testing people and put the effort into hospitals and a complete lockdown nationwide

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Jordan
    Favourite David Jordan
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:49 PM

    @Sam Harms: 80% of cases are mild, they need to be identified, quarantined, and contacts traced and isolated.

    https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/styles/pubs/public/2020-03/IMPERIAL%20COLLEGE%20SPECTRUM%20OF%20CASES%2C%20color.jpg

    Diagnosing only severe cases, at hospital, was the approach the UK proposed but that was abandoned after scientists at Imperial College London pointed out it would cause ~250,000 deaths.

    https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing.html

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marlnor
    Favourite Marlnor
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:40 PM

    @Sam Harms: yes it matters because you could have been in contact with someone and they should know as soon as possible meanwhile you have self isolated but your contacts have not therefore possibly infecting more people

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute GO GREEN
    Favourite GO GREEN
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 5:39 PM

    Men are dying worldwide much more than woman “Italian health authorities last week reported that among 13,882 cases of COVID-19 and 803 deaths between Feb. 21 and Mar. 12, men accounted for 58% of all cases and 72% of deaths. For woman findings strongly suggest that there’s something about estrogen that protects against the ravages of deadly coronaviruses” https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-03-21/why-is-the-coronavirus-more-deadly-for-men-than-for-women

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emer Caffrey
    Favourite Emer Caffrey
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:02 PM

    @GO GREEN: normally female hormones scourge them for life, in this instance perhaps we get a slight advantage

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute GO GREEN
    Favourite GO GREEN
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:06 PM

    @Emer Caffrey: Yes, the facts are clear for whatever reason, woman have a better chance of surviving this virus.

    8
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sirius
    Favourite Sirius
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:12 PM

    @GO GREEN: all deaths in under 40s in Italy have been men.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AA Brady
    Favourite AA Brady
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:49 PM

    @GO GREEN: If it’s estrogen protecting women then the numbers for postmenopausal, but not elderly,female victims would also be higher, surely?
    I wonder have they had any evidence yet of this?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute GO GREEN
    Favourite GO GREEN
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 9:24 PM

    @AA Brady: Makes sense, clearly scientists do not know the reason why more men are dying of this virus.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pauline Fedigan
    Favourite Pauline Fedigan
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:15 PM

    WHEN DID THAT EVER TELL THE TRUTH, WOULDN’T BELIEVE A WORD OUT OF HER MOUTH

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marie Broomfield
    Favourite Marie Broomfield
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:43 PM

    @Pauline Fedigan: call the doc, I think this one has a fever!

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Furey
    Favourite Paul Furey
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:38 PM

    @Marie Broomfield: and her Caps Lock is stuck!

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sally
    Favourite sally
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:26 PM

    Okay so I understand why there is a delay in doing tests but why the massive delay in giving out the test results? I was tested last Tuesday and have still heard nothing back. It’s a little bit concerning that our health service is currently at probably the least busiest they have been in decades and they still cant get it together. What are they going to do when it actually gets busy.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trevor Wallace
    Favourite Trevor Wallace
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 7:37 PM

    @sally: Health service at their least busiest???? Right!

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Power
    Favourite Paul Power
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:49 PM

    Are the streets being sprayed like in other countries?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Foley
    Favourite Dermot Foley
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 6:43 PM

    Not even a hint of when Monaghan might get a testing centre. It’s a complete farce. Italy told us it was coming and we didn’t listen. Mental stuff.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aktham Sharif
    Favourite Aktham Sharif
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2020, 9:01 AM

    I’m a doctor looking after cancer patients. I took ill last Thursday at work fever cough loss of taste and smell. Contacted HSE and went into self isolation. Still waiting to be tested. Nobody has contacted me

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daniel Kelly
    Favourite Daniel Kelly
    Report
    Mar 22nd 2020, 12:49 PM

    @Aktham Sharif: Get well soon!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Fahey
    Favourite Sean Fahey
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 8:47 PM

    If you have symptoms or suspect you have the virus, call HSE and they can get you tested as a priority.

    In a perfect world we would test everyone, isolate the virus and it would be gone, but that’s not possible, so please don’t panic buy, horde masks or take tests for the craic, for the moment the focus is on finding the virus and isolating it and that means prioritizing people with symptoms first.

    Be mindful of our limited resources and capacity. Don’t take or use anything you don’t need. Ask yourself, is it important I take up this medical facility and professionals time when we are over capacity? Sometimes the answer will be yes, but it doesn’t hurt to ask the question.

    Check in on old and vulnerable.

    I’m off to the bunker lads. Stay safe and I’ll see some of ye post apocalypse.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cooking School
    Favourite Cooking School
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 8:46 PM
    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ann Bourke
    Favourite Ann Bourke
    Report
    Mar 21st 2020, 11:55 PM

    Yes everyone should be tested, but with a plan in place. If no symptoms register by text with name DOB and eircode. The system then process applications by alabethical or by age. The person sent a text with an appointment for their local test centre but bring photo ID. No ID no test.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds