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Saturday 1 April 2023 Dublin: 9°C

# Covid-19

Last year
2022
# Colm Henry
PCR testing system could be re-opened to all age groups, Colm Henry says
HSE Chief Clinical Officer said that he does not foresee any changes to mask wearing guidelines in the immediate future.
# New Zealand
Police arrest convoy protesters in New Zealand
Among the protesters’ grievances is the requirement in New Zealand that certain workers get vaccinated against Covid-19.
# Living With Covid
Boris Johnson signals end to self-isolation rules in England as part of ‘living with Covid’
He said the legal requirement to self-isolate for positive cases of Covid-19 is expected to end later this month.
Voices
Ivana Bacik: Flexible work makes sense, so why is the government clinging to old ways?
The TD says the conservatism being shown by Government on flexible working is in stark contrast to the need for radical change.
# Covid-19
Sweden ends wide-scale Covid testing as pandemic restrictions lifted
The move puts the nation at odds with most of Europe, but experts say it could become the norm as costly testing yields fewer benefits with Omicron.
# vaccine mandates
New Zealand anti-vaccine parliament protesters vow to stay 'as long as it takes'
Several hundred protesters have pitched tents and are refusing to leave.
# Canada
Canada's Saskatchewan province lifts all Covid restrictions as protests rumble on in Ottawa
More than 80% of Saskatchewan residents had received two Covid vaccine jabs.
Voices
Opinion: Restrictions may have eased, but the pandemic is far from over for disabled people
A culture of ableism means disabled people were forgotten as Covid restrictions eased, writes Rosie Farrell.
# latest figures
Covid-19: 9,365 new cases and 646 patients in hospital, including 72 in ICU
The Department of Health confirmed the latest figures this afternoon.
# Ottawa
Mayor seeks mediator as Canadian authorities struggle to tackle truckers' Covid-19 protests
The protests against Covid-19 health restrictions have began on 9 January.
# latest figures
Coronavirus: 15,168 new PCR-confirmed cases and 12,998 positive antigen tests reported since Friday
The Department of Health confirmed the latest figures this afternoon.
# Penal Reform
Report claims pandemic ban on prison visits and lack of psychological supports impacting prisoner health
The annual Irish Penal Reform Trust’s progress in the penal system report was published today.
# Spotify
Spotify CEO tells employees cancelling Joe Rogan ‘not the answer’
The firm paid Rogan a reported 100 million dollars to exclusively host the podcast.
# Lockdown
Australia will reopen borders to tourists on February 21
Australia’s ports and airports shut to tourists in March 2020.
# Canada
State of emergency declared in Ottawa due to anti-vaccine mandate convoy
Thousands of protesters descended in Ottawa again at the weekend.
# Misinformation
Irish scientists on TikTok describe trolling and misinformation working on Covid campaign
The SciComm Collective, launched In the first half of last year, was intended to get the government’s Covid-19 messaging out to young people.
# Vaccines
Austrian president signs law making Covid-19 vaccination mandatory for all adults
Those holding out can face fines of up to €3,600 after mid-March.
# Coronavirus
Europe is heading for Covid-19 'ceasefire' that could lead to 'enduring peace', WHO says
This comes as a growing number of European nations lift almost all Covid-19 restrictions.
# latest figures
Coronavirus: 12,875 new cases, 610 patients in hospital and 63 in ICU
The Department of Health announced the figures in a statement this afternoon.
# covid flying
Ryanair ranked worst short-haul airline for Covid refunds
The carrier received a refund satisfaction score of just 47% in a survey by consumer group Which?
# reopening
New Zealand won't fully reopen borders to foreign travellers until October
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a five-step plan to reopening New Zealand’s borders.
# Covid-19
'Old age matters': TD calls for public inquiry into nursing home deaths during Covid
Many people who died in nursing homes were not properly looked after, TD Fergus O’Dowd told the Dáil.
# latest figures
Covid-19: 12,560 new cases and 630 patients in hospital, 92 deaths notified in past week
The Department of Health confirmed the latest figures this afternoon.
# Paris
France lifts most Covid restrictions but keeps vaccination certs
The country has loosened several of the restrictions imposed to curb the latest surge.
# Health
Ireland's Covid position improving but global risk remains high, CMO tells Oireachtas Committee
Senior NPHET members fielded questions from TDs and senators at a Health Committee meeting today.
# UK
Study claims reluctance to get Covid-19 vaccine may be linked to childhood trauma
The UK study found people who suffer in childhood are also least likely to trust NHS information.
# charlotte bellis
New Zealand grants entry exemption to pregnant reporter who sought Taliban help
Only 800 rooms per month are set aside for New Zealanders and visa holders.
# Covid-19
Enhanced Illness Benefit extended until end of June
To date, almost €230 million has been paid under this scheme, supporting over 374,500 people.
# latest figures
Covid-19: 10,618 new cases and 624 patients in hospital, including 66 in ICU
The Department of Health confirmed the latest figures this afternoon.
# Nursing Homes
New guidelines for care facilities to give unrestricted access to nominated support person
Residents should be able to choose a support person who should typically have unrestricted access to visit them.
# Covid-19
Denmark becomes first EU country to lift all Covid restrictions despite record case numbers
The country’s health authority “recommends” that those who test positive for the virus should isolate for four days.
# coronvirus
'Stealth Omicron' spreads more than original strain, Danish study finds
Sub-variant BA.2 – also called “stealth Omicron” – was detected earlier this year.
# charlotte bellis
New Zealand defends strict Covid quarantine as pregnant reporter fights to leave Kabul
Charlotte Bellis said she had to turn to the Taliban for help after her requests to return home were rejected.
# return to work
Government announces new guidance for workplaces as Covid-19 regulations ease
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the new protocol will also help deal with other illnesses.
# Canada
Thousands join protests against Canada’s Covid vaccine mandates
As many as 10,000 protesters are expected at the weekend-long rally condemned by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
# Your Say
Poll: Will you boycott Spotify over Covid-19 misinformation?
Neil Young has accused Spotify of “spreading fake information about vaccines — potentially causing death”.
'They're not going to go away': Where does Ireland's anti-lockdown movement go next?
Some Covid sceptics have become emboldened by the easing of restrictions.
Parts of the anti-lockdown movement have shifted their focus since restrictions were eased last week, Stephen McDermott writes.
Sceptics and conspiracy theorists believe the Government announcement precedes a bigger crisis.
Recent events suggest the movement may be becoming more regionalised and attracting smaller numbers.
# Nuvaxovid
Fifth Covid-19 vaccine approved for use in Ireland
It is expected that it will be added to Ireland’s booster programme next month.
# Joe Rogan
Joni Mitchell joins Neil Young in boycotting Spotify over Covid 'lies'
“Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives,” the singer said.
# latest figures
Covid: 9,591 new cases as Dept confirms daily figures will no longer be released at weekends
The Covid-19 case numbers, released daily throughout the pandemic, will only be announced on Monday to Friday from now on.