www.facebook.com/776808977/posts/10157438269758978/
Sorry about the paper but just using it to demonstrate the difference in the way the coronavirus is being treated in our 2 neighbouring countries.
Here we have shut down all schools, colleges and childcare facilities.
Testing has been extended to everyone in the community that has symptoms.
Supports are being put in place to increase statutory sick pay, remove waiting periods for unemployment benefits, bring self employed people into the benefit scheme, extend periods for the payment of taxes such as VAT etc..
All outdoor events over 500 have been cancelled as well as indoor events over 100.
Clear guidelines have been issued in relation to social distancing and measures have been taken in relation to reducing the risk on public transport by only filling to half capacity to allow for social distancing. Public spaces have been closed and many places are choosing to limit their offerings for example my yoga studio is closing to do a deep clean this weekend and will operate on a restricted schedule with class numbers limited to allow for social distancing guidelines.
Employers are being encouraged to let staff wfh especially those who have spouses working in the health system and they are examining ways of providing childcare for those who work in the health sector.
Why is ROI taking this approach? I think it is so it slows down the transmission rate so that our health services can cope with the additional demand. We expect to see the rates rise hugely now that testing has been extended. We know our health service is under enormous strain as it is, so these measures should slow down the spread and allow the Country to take care of those who most need the care.
How is the UK system going to cope with the huge increase in hospital referrals when the virus has spread into every community over a very short space of time? Why are they not trying to halt the spread so that they can save lives?
I see so many posts from people agreeing with the way the UK Government are dealing with this crisis but it seems to be in total opposition to the scientific advice from the WHO and the advice other Countries are following.
It really seems like a political decision and not one based on the interests of public health. I can see that it is also somewhat political in Ireland. We just had a GE with poor results for Leo's party so they are definitely using this as an opportunity to get it right and gain back public confidence whereby they can improve their popularity by showing how they managed this crisis and showed leadership and saved many lives etc..
We all hear about flattening the curve and I think both Countries are trying to do this the difference being that Ireland seem to be trying to do this in a controlled way so the health service can cope with it, whereas the UK seem to be saying it's every woman for herself and let the fittest ones win.
Communities are coming together (not literally because of the social distancing) but reaching out over sm to offer support like deliveries and helpful advice.
Yes our economy is going to take a hit but economies can be built up again but lives can't be replaced.