Seven cases in Westmeath
Covid-19 morning news roundup
Seven cases of Corvid-19 coronavirus infection have been identified in Westmeath.
The county is in joint sixth place nationally for infections. Topping the table is Dublin with 129. Cork has the second-highest number of cases, with Limerick occupying third place on the table with 14 cases.
In Galway, there are 12 cases, while Wicklow has nine. Westmeath and Waterford share sixth place with seven infections, one ahead of Kerry’s six.
There are three counties with no infections recorded – Laois, Leitrim and Monaghan. The remaining counties each have fewer than five cases.
The total number of cases now confirmed as 366. Some 74 new cases were added to the list yesterday.
Mullingar hospital
All outpatient department and electives surgeries have been postponed in Regional Hospital Mullingar. The hospital is contacting patients directly to reschedule these appointments at the earliest possible convenience.
Regional Hospital Mullingar has said it would like to apologise to all those affected by these cancellations. They also ask for the public’s patience at this important time.
Council meeting cancelled
Given the public health advice regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, an Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy Hill has exercised his prerogative under standing orders to cancel the March Monthly Meeting of Westmeath County Council which was scheduled for Monday March 30 2020.
Business proposed for the March Monthly Meeting has been adjourned to the April Monthly Meeting which is scheduled for Monday April 27 2020.
Westmeath County Council says it will continue to keep the public advised regarding any changes to service delivery arrangements as it continues to deliver essential public services during this pandemic while having due regard for public health advice.
Yesterday, Westmeath County Council announced that access to its offices will be allowed only from 10am until noon and from 2pm-3pm.
The public is being asked to use other methods of communication other than face to face communication. The general email is: secretary@westmeathcoco.ie, and the phone number is (044) 9332000.
Unemployment payment
The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty has announced details of how the Government would refund employers who temporarily laid-off their employees but are continuing to pay them the special Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €203 per week.
The minister stated that the Revenue Commissioners haveyou come forward and offered to implement the Refund system on the Department’s behalf which, the minister said, will help speed up the refund process and reduce the need for employers to rely on short-term finance.
Under the arrangement developed with Revenue, employers who have to temporarily lay-off staff and who are not in a position to make any wage payment to them, are asked to keep their employees on the payroll and pay them an amount of €203 - the equivalent of the Covid-19 Support Payment. When they submit payroll returns to Revenue via their payroll provider, Revenue will refund the employer the €203.
Livestock sales
Aurivo Marts has announced that it will be temporarily suspending all its livestock sales from Monday March 23 until at least the end of the month.
Pre-booked sales at its centres in Ballymote on Thursday, Balla on Saturday and Mohill on Saturday will proceed under strict protocols. There will be restrictions around the number of sellers allowed to attend the ring.
Lorry driver rules
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have agreed to allow a temporary change to the EU driving and resting time rules. The proposed derogation will apply to all operators and drivers subject to the EU driver’s hours and tachograph rules engaged in the carriage of goods (including oil supplies etc). Will lessen the severity
The driving time rules are being relaxed by lifting the fortnightly driving limit from 90 hours to 112 hours. Because of this approach, drivers will be entitled to drive a maximum 56 hours in each consecutive week until further notice (there is no change to the rules relating to working time).
The rules relating to weekly rest are also being relaxed by allowing drivers to take a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours in each consecutive week during the relaxation period. There will be no obligation on a driver to take at least one (1) regular weekly rest period in any two consecutive weeks until further notice. Furthermore, there shall not be any requirement for compensation where reduced weekly rest is being taken.
The derogation lasts until April 16 and will be reviewed every week as regards application and scope.
Operators need to check the full details with the Road Safety Authority.
Masses
Masses are being broadcast daily on line on the Mullingar Cathedral webcam at 7.45 am, 9.15am and 10am.Daily Rosary is being broadcast at 6pm and Holy Hour at 8pm. https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/cathedral-of-christ-the-king-mullingar
Daily Mass at 9.30 am daily from Kilbeggan https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-james-church.
In response to Covid-19-related restrictions on public gatherings, RTÉ will start, from Thursday 19 March, to air Mass every weekday at 10.30am from St Eunan’s and St Columba’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, on RTÉ News Now.
The broadcasts will continue at least until 29 March, when current public health measures will be reviewed by the government.
Mass will be followed each day by a short religious message from representatives of Ireland’s other faith communities and Christian denominations.
Optometrists to keep essential services available
Optometrists today advised the public to telephone their eye-care provider for information, or advice on services – many of which will remain available.
The Association of Optometrists Ireland re-assured patients that many of their needs could continue to be met without unwanted contact – and patients should ring their Optometrist in advance for information.
For example, if people were to lose or break their glasses their Optometrist can prepare new glasses for safe collection, observing social distancing, without the patient needing to attend at the practice.
Similarly people can call for contact lens supplies which can be prepared for collection without close contact.
In circumstances where people have immediate eye-care concerns, people can ring their Optometrist for guidance.
Post offices
An Post has arranged for post offices to open from 8am on Friday to facilitate older customers anxious to collect their pensions ahead of the arrival of other customers.
An Post says its staff will capture customer details directly, avoiding the need for customers to handle counter equipment such as signing pads and pens.
Alcohol advice
Drinkaware, the national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse in Ireland, has noted that recent images and media stories have shown many people are stocking up on alcohol in light of the social distancing regulations. It is encouraging the public to manage time spent at home or in self-isolation without alcohol, given that 50% of Irish adults cite ‘coping’ as motivation for their drinking habits.