THERE is shock around Clare this afternoon as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced a range of new measures to try and halt the spread of Covid 19.
In a statement in Washington today the Taoiseach said that schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close, while he advised that indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings of more than 500 be cancelled.
Explaining how serious the situation is, the Taoiseach said, “Yesterday, the World Health Organisation formally described it as pandemic and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) updated it guidelines advising us all to act early to be effective.
“Our own National Public Health Emergency Team met last night and has issued new advice to Government. We are acting on that advice today.”
“There will be many more cases.
“More people will get sick and unfortunately, we must face the tragic reality that some people will die.
“The virus is all over the world. It will continue to spread but it can be slowed. Its impact can be reduced making it easier for our health service to cope and giving our scientists more time to develop better testing, treatments and a vaccine.
“It is important to remember that the disease effects will be mild for the majority of people especially the young and healthy.
“We know that older people and those with chronic diseases are at real risk. We have a duty as a society to protect ourselves and above all to protect others – our parents and grandparents, our family and friends, co-workers and neighbours.
“We have not witnessed a pandemic of this nature in living memory. This is unchartered territory.”
He explained that a new range of measures are now required to halt the damage. “From 6pm today, the following measures are being put in place. They will stay in place until March 29.
“Schools, colleges, and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow. Where possible, teaching will be done on-line or remotely. Cultural institutions will close.
“Our advice is that all indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled.
“Arrangements are being made to ensure that everyone entering Ireland through our ports and airports is fully informed and self-isolates if they develop symptoms.
“You should continue to go to work if you can but where possible should work from home. In order to reduce unnecessary face to face interaction in the workplace, break times and working times should be staggered and meetings done remotely or by phone.
“Public transport will continue to operate.
“The shops will remain open and we have plans to ensure that supply chains will not be interrupted.”
He said that restaurants, cafes and other businesses can stay open, but should look at ways to implement the public health advice on social distancing. He also urged people to reduce social interactions as much as possible away from work.”
Summing up, the Taoiseach made some optimistic comments about Ireland’s capacity to cope with what is happening and recover. “I know that I am asking people to make enormous sacrifices. We’re doing it for each other.
“Together, we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back. Acting together, as one nation, we can save many lives.
“Our economy will suffer. It will bounce back. Lost time in school or college will be recovered. In time, our lives will go back to normal.
“Above all, we all need to look out for each other.
“Ireland is a great nation. And we are great people. We have experienced hardship and struggle before. We have overcome many trials in the past with our determination and our spirit.
“We will prevail.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.