Covid-19: Ireland is shutdown

Hard to believe in some way, the situation the world is in, with no country being unaffected at this time from Covid-19. From a new virus being discovered in China in 2019, to its spread from China to Europe and beyond over the first months of 2020, we now find our selves in Ireland in a country that has gradually had movements restricted to the current restrictions.  At midnight last night the country was shutdown with only movement of essential workers allowed or visits to the shops within 2km of your home, with the main message being to "Stay at Home".

With over 2,000 cases in Ireland and 22 deaths RIP, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took advice from Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan to put these restrictions in place.

This is the most sombre blog post I have ever written.....and I know there is worse to come. However, I truly believe that Ireland is in a good position in comparison to other countries. I trust those in charge, they have responded in a manner befitting of the situation and have followed all guidance from the World Health Organisation.  Schools were closed by March 13th and the majority of people have restricted their social contacts over the last few weeks with many only having contact with their close family within their houses. ICU beds have been increased, albeit from a low level with additional personal protective equipment on its way from China with the national airline Aer Lingus commissioning flights for its delivery.  We are strong, we have a decisive caretaker government in place. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Ministers Simon Coveny and Simon Harris are dedicated and experienced and are doing their very best. I am proud of them.

I fear for the UK and USA - I think they did not react quickly or correctly.

I pray Ireland will not become like Italy or Spain.

To end this post, I say that as a world wide population, we are strong, we are resilient and we will get through this.  

This will pass.