Covid takes a turn
A further 1,914 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on Friday, while there were 413 Covid-19 patients hospitalised as of this morning, with 73 in ICU.
The National Public Health Emergency Team has said that the five-day moving average of new cases now stands at 1,685.
Director general of the HSE, Paul Reid, today said that the recent rise of Covid numbers was “not a panic button”, but a signal of early warning, as recent trends have led to serious concerns in Government and among public health officials.
The chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac), Professor Karina Butler, said that the “real elephant in the room” was the high level of unvaccinated people in the country, as 80 per cent of Covid patients in ICU were unvaccinated.
Reopening still in doubt
People who cannot return to their jobs if the next easing of Covid restrictions is delayed have been told there are opportunities to work in restaurants and elsewhere in the hospitality sector.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys made the comments after she was asked whether there are contingency plans in place to protect workers who may be impacted by a decision to delay plans to remove most remaining restrictions next week.
While no final decision has been made about the next planned phase of reopening on October 22nd, senior sources have said some of the measures may be paused if the situation continues to deteriorate.
Ministers are set to push for a partial easing of restrictions next week which would see vaccine passports remain a requirement for entering venues and premises.
CAB marks 25 years
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has “denied and deprived” criminals of €199 million since it was set up 25 years ago.
Officers from the CAB said they are uncovering more high-end and extravagant items from criminal gangs, including gyroplanes and cars.
They said gangs are also investing in bloodstock and cryptocurrency as part of their criminal enterprise.
Garda Detective Chief Superintendent Michael Gubbins made the comments as the CAB marked 25 years since it was established.
Chieftains founder's funeral
Paddy Moloney lived for music, mourners at his funeral were told.
The president of Ireland Michael D Higgins attended the funeral mass at St Kevin’s Church in Glendalough, Co Wicklow, for the founder of The Chieftains.
The Dublin musician, who played a key role in the revival of traditional Irish folk music, died this week aged 83.
Other members of The Chieftains attended the funeral along with Moloney’s widow Rita, his children Aonghus, Aedin and Padraig, and his grandchildren.
His son Aonghus told the service that his father had played for the Pope as well as opening for The Rolling Stones.
