Things move so fast in Covid-land, that the start of any week is barely recognisable by the end of it.We had the three-county lockdown for Kildare, Laois and Offaly. Then 200 cases reported this day one week ago, which shocked many people.
Those involved in cultural events also had a torrid time this week. The drama over whether they could have 50 people, or just six people in a theatre, had more twists and turns than a Shakespearean play and seemed to run longer than most West End shows. Opinions appear more divided now on how to proceed than at any time during the crisis, that I can recall. Perhaps that’s understandable.
There is no escaping the constant talk about the virus, unless you go for a good long, solitary walk. Like Charlie Bird in the Wicklow mountains. There are some fundamental issues about testing and tracing here and where we are now. The World Health Organization has emphasised the fundamental importance of test, trace and isolate.
We are told that testing and tracing is being ramped up. It should never be ramped down. Coronavirus is just waiting for any cracks in our defences. How can this be a reasonable excuse? Ireland is and has been a multicultural society for many, many years. While the publication of the report is welcome, the more important event will be if and when all of the 80 recommendations are implemented. On that point, the report did not go to Cabinet and it has also yet to be costed, so those are major caveats. There is also to be an implementation group set up so only time will tell if another health report gathers dust on the shelves of the Department of Health, faces partial implementation, or is actually embraced with gusto.
It revealed a prevalence of infection of 0.6% in Sligo and 3.1% in Dublin. Loss of sense of taste or smell was seen in a third of cases of people with antibodies. The next big test for the Government will be the reopening of schools and the issuing of the Leaving Certificate Examination results, with the new assessment process.
However, services will operate at reduced levels. This has been a very difficult time for older people who rely on day services and also those with disabilities. Some have become stars in their own right, with all that comes with being at the centre of the public and media eye.