Relaxation of Restrictions, Part XII *Read OP For Mod Warnings*

GBD would have been a disaster, we've seen the unnecessary deaths that occurred in countries that let it rip and the devastating effects on their economy. Sweden who sort of but didn't follow it, had a worse performing economy than all their neighbours in 2020 and 2021 and way higher death rates all the way through and Omicron has blasted away the herd immunity from virus plan as well, in hindsight, it was utterly nuts. The only thing it had going for it was an illusion of freedom, but even that would have just led to the loonies shouting at everyone else for being afraid (while they die in excess numbers).

It seems lockdowns necessary till vaccines, then restrictions to manage through the vaccine and treatment rollouts, future pandemic learning would be for a lower latency to vaccines and treatments not "let it rip and test" given that antigen tests aren't reliable enough (maybe future tech will make a reliable take at home test that would allow that plan to work).

I think this is overstated. Its not Stalingrad or Berlin 1945, its a hospital system. A collapsed hospital system does not remain permanently collapsed, there would have been some dark days but things might have have recovered soon enough. The problem wmis that that would have been political suicide.

I can't decide which is worse though, the situation above where the state essentially says that people will die, that's life and we have to get on with it foe economic prosperity or inflicting huge social and economic externalities to safeguard people well past the average life expextancy.

I must admit, I find it amusing to see people keep asking "how long should I be isolating for, is it 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 50 days etc etc".

It makes two things really clear. One, that the number of days needed are just being pulled out of thin air at a government level, and two, that the people don't want to spend one minute thinking about those isolation periods and what should be done, they just want the man in charge to tell them a number and off they'll go to follow it.

Currently it is the second most amusing thing I read about covid. The most amusing thing is all those perfectly healthy people isolating from each other in the same **** house, and getting pissy at each other for not isolating the right way.

First week into a new year and I'm left wondering were we are.

It's been very quite on the Media front, especially RTE news and Virgin Media, both essentially closed for two weeks. Government too gone awol albeit a few appearances over the past few days, Stephen Donnelly yet again making incorrect statements about people being able to upload info onto HSE website.

In essence there's a nothing to see here approach, CMO left to continue on his solo mission about washing hands, avoid retail, avoid large groups etc, clearly no one listening, especially government.

Schools will reopen on Thursday, there'll be thankfully no more restrictions, the only thing worrying government is absenteeism from work places so quick tweak of isolation rules to solve that.

People will be left to depend on antigen testing at no cost to government that worked out well for them. PCR testing system unable to cope, I can see that service gradually winding down.

It's onwords and upwards I think, Hospitality sector will be left in limbo, probably till march (clearly not a priority for Government)

Focus used to be on all hospitalisations, now the focus will only be on ICU numbers.

Living with Covid has begun Folks, should be an interesting few weeks ahead.

Meanwhile Israel have named a combined Flu and Covid infection 'Florona" 🙄 sound like a low fat butter spread 🤔

The really bad news from all of this is that 'lockdown' has now become a seemingly accepted way of dealing with hospital emergency situations. It used to be preventing deaths, then moved to possible overcrowding.That has been the sliding scale effect. Once a policy is implemented one time, it can be again another time for a different reason, you know, to protect the vulnerable by limiting freedom for everyone else. Numbers do not really matter much as it is the fear of what MIGHT happen that is enough. I am glad the UK is at least taking a more balanced approach..

It is a pity i cant put 'end of the road' guy on ignore, though i do in fact ignore him by not reading his posts as he his become a wee irritant fella with a chip on his shoulder.

Whilst once lockdowns were the only solution in Government and NPHET"s eyes, there'll be absolutely no more lockdowns, Living with Covid has commenced, Hospitality sector unfortunately weren't included in Governments new plan, they'll be invited in around late March I suspect.

RTE"s Morning Irelands Headline

"New Year, Same Virus" 👀🙄

It is not possible to have a working brain and maintain this opinion.

If I tell you not to go out into my garden because it's full of landmines and you'll die, and then you look out the window and see me dancing about in my garden having a grand old time, the logical assumption is not that I think the rules don't apply to me, but that I was lying about the landmines.

Sssh, sure the Irish media don't promote fear! 🙄

Thankfully the general public seem to be waking up to the reality. It's little more than a cold for almost everyone who catches it now.

I expect more attention to be given to minimum unit pricing this week when people realise the price of some of their alcohol has doubled.

Indeed, it's going to be an interesting week ahead as Media outlets begin to wake up after Christmas hibernation😉

Absolutely maddening this almost yearly report and we're left to wonder why the actual health service in such a mess. How many mangers does it take to figure out more medical staff needed, more ICU beds required.