Coronavirus in Ireland/N Ireland

[beanaseireann]

The first case of Coronavirus has been confirmed in Northern Ireland.
A passenger travelled from Italy to the North via Dublin.
I don't know how we will cope in the Republic if we have large numbers ill with the virus as our health service is already at breaking point.

I'm of the mind that they know exactly what needs to be done - Reduce the flow and contact of people as much as possible to give those who are on the front line, the medical professionals, half a chance of dealing with it.
Maybe they are waiting for Leo to get home...

Rumour has it that the woman who died wasn't diagnosed with Covid-19 initially. She was in hospital due to respiratory illness.

On a tangent was the title changed from NI to Ireland? Or am I losing it?

My heart goes out to the lady and her family. Difficult time for them, no matter what the circumstances.
It was NI originally @squigean 🤔

Yes Squigean the title was changed.
Probably because initially the first Covid19 infection was in Northern Ireland but it has spread throughout the island now.

I've just seen a social media post where a teacher was told that two students in her school have the virus and was told not to tell anyone to not cause panic?? This is madness!!!

Is there any suggestion that the country might go into lock down?

I only ask because we were due to book our ferry for Easter and travel by boat from Scotland to Larne then drive down to Cork to stay with PIL. FIL in denial about Covid19, MIL has Alzheimer's so no idea, and we don't want to run the risk of either not getting there (and being stuck on the P&O rust bucket ) or getting stuck there.

I think it's too early to tell Juno. Easter is a month away, we could either be over the worst or in the thick of it by then. It really depends if we end up like Italy. Social distancing is all very well but will everyone who returns form Cheltenham go into self isolation? Probably not.

Imagine 14 days from now there's going to be a huge burst of new cases thanks to Cheltenham

Ah, I know you are right. I think sometimes I get lulled into the whole "sure it's grand" attitude but then I'm not Irish so inside I'm screaming "but is it really!?!" At my FIL.

Let's hope Cheltenham doesn't become a super spreader central though.

I think the Cheltenham goers are totally irresponsible and selfish.
How many of them will have had a lot of drink taken and their hygiene will have gone out the window !
The Irish government should have checks on those coming back at air and ferry ports and laws demanding they self isolate. It won't happen😰

Leo is not leading!
He should be at home, not in the states.

He has had a perfect opportunity to boost his own ratings by stepping up to the plate and showing what he's capable of...which appears to be nothing. What a disappointment.

Did anyone really expect leadership from Leo or any politician?
This is a major crisis we are facing now , akin to wartime. None of that shower in the Dail are up to the task of Governing the country.
The best advice is to self isolate and maintain hygiene precautions of careful and thorough handwashing with soap and hot water. Hand gel is not required unless access to soap is not possible.
All social gatherings such as the pub, restaurants ,Mass etc should be off the agenda.

I feel like politicians are using this crisis to take cheap shots at each other, rather than coming together to sort something.

Looks like we are getting an announcement from Leo Vradker from Washington soon, and then monster of health is having a press conference.

Monster of Health --

No, 123, I didn't expect but I hoped that his failure in the election might have galvanised him to piss or get off the pot.

Why is there such a shortage of decent, honest (🤣) politicians that we can look up to and feel secure in their representation of our best interests?

I think leo might close the schools from next week.

Whoops, that's a funny mistype 🤣🤣

I think the same @Deadringer.

Here he comes!

Schools closing

Schools are closed from tomorrow. Wasn't expecting it to be from tomorrow, hope people are able to get their childcare sorted!

Very relieved they are doing this now

Glad they have made this decision.

I actually think the current administration has handled this crisis pretty well so far, apart from
leaving it so late to cancel Paddy's Day.

I am no fan at all of Varadkar, Harris etc but I am
actually feeling quite relieved they are in charge at the minute and not an inexperienced government.