It's certain now that there will be many chapters in Ireland’s Covid-19 story. While the plot lines may change from time to time, the central character remains coronavirus.We know how it started - but the ending remains a mystery. And no-one quite knows what each new page will reveal. Every person has a role to play in this storyline, as we are all contributors to the outcome.
While we are seeing broad lockdowns currently, it may be that over time that these measures will become more targeted and focused. If we do move to colour codes for the status of various counties or regions, it may be a bit like the weather warnings. Let's hope people don't confuse the two. That means sticking to the known public health measures of keeping at least one metre away from others, avoiding crowded, closed spaces, wearing masks where physical distancing is not possible, isolating cases and doing high level testing and contact tracing and isolation of people who are infected.
The real surprise is how accurate the film is and how so many aspects of the storyline have already happened in the world with coronavirus. This week, data released on the 14-day incidence rate for countries and on a county by county basis, revealed how dynamic the situation with coronavirus is. Others are breaking records, for the wrong reasons. The Covid Tracker App will always give you a good national and local picture and it is updated regularly.
It does look like the economic impact of Covid-19 will be much worse than predicted, as the virus looks as if it is here to stay for a long time. And we have still to get through the really difficult autumn and winter period. In preparation for winter, the annual flu vaccination campaign is due to get under way in September, once the influenza vaccine for this season is available.
The surprise story of the week was the claim from Russia that it has developed a 'vaccine' – the Sputnik V vaccine, so-named as a nod to the cold war space race. It was Science magazine that revealed much more information this week about the vaccine and the limited testing to date. The drug is given in two shots and is based on two variants of the adenovirus which can cause the common cold.
Christmas 2020 looks set to be unlike any festive season we have ever seen. Indeed, one wonders how coronavirus will affect Santa's plans this year and if Rudolf has a red nose, will he be allowed to travel?
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »
Source: thejournal_ie - 🏆 32. / 50 Read more »
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »