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

Well, anybody with a good brain should be able to infer certain things without going into the precise complex mechanisms behind the data. This is actually very important at a time when experts start misleading the public. When you start digging you will find other highly qualified dissenters with an opposing view to the presumed 'consensus' we are all supposed to follow. It has never been easier to do so. True, it also gives people the opportunity to act in bad faith but you might say that goes for the ones dismissing opposing views as well. To me it is still balancing scales. Most things are not as settled as supposed. If experts start insisting on a consensus that should be a red flag especially when politicians put them in front of a tv screen. In science there is no such thing as a consensus just the scientific method in which data seems to suggest that...etc

Yes I can see you’ve not the vaguest idea what I’m on about.

Virus, and variants, wax and wane. A wave has an end - zero or low-level circulation.

A man looked for a pattern, as is human nature. If a theory, discovery or postulated solution doesn’t stand up to subsequent scrutiny it doesn’t mean the motives were nefarious - much of what you’ve written is practically conspiracy theory.

There’s apparently a few different rabbit holes people can fall down.

That just looks like complete incompetence. A protest is not remotely surprising at this stage with people close to cracking and some already dug into trenches way past it.

Good old Irish media. Now we know how we should feel about omicron...

It's about the risk-benefit ratio, schools are a risk but they are a low risk by comparison to the benefit. Any parent who had to do a teachers job last year will tell you that

The whole discussion seems to be focused on staffing shortages in schools.

That is an issue for every profession at the moment, but only the teachers unions are calling for their work places to be shut.

Ffs, my kids have been dealing with substitute teachers for months on and off. If there are no teachers available for a specific class, perhaps they could tell those kids to stay home for a few days until cover is sourced.

They have to find a means of living with this. Shut the schools now and they'll stay shut for another two months minimum. A bit of cop on is required at this stage.

If the schools do close again the time WILL at this stage have to be made up by keeping the schools open into the summer holidays. I know the teachers here will be baying for my blood for saying that, but so many younger kids education has been absolutely decimated by these closures that hard decisions need to be made to ensure the education of children gets prioritized over teachers working entitlements.

It's quite extraordinary and your correct, serious shortages of staffing in hospitals, retail, manufacturing, supply chains and barely a whimper about it. RTE have long been obsessed with all things Teacher related.

Perhaps the Teaching Unions not aware of a simple fact, most of us are aware of, Norma Foley not listening to unions (the One and only Trait, I begrudgingly admire in her)

I mean if a teacher needs to isolate and there is no sub available then fair enough, 9-10 days of schooling remotely in that instance is completely understandable and acceptable. Secondary schools the effect is even less

What benefit is there to closing every school in the country because if it though?

Spoke to soon, I forgot Claire Byrne works school hours, we'll be spared her Covid Hysterics for a few days more.

That said, Pompous Boucher Hayes at it already. Michael Gillespie (TUI) on now, schools should re open but schools should be allowed to decide.

Good point raised as to why only yesterday the ASTI only raising concerns about Omicron yesterday 🤔

None but we operate with abundance of caution dont forget. It should be up to each school individually if they dont have the staff to teach then send kids home.

The issue is a little more acute in secondary schools mind, in primary one teachers minds one class, if ye can bring in a sub for that class then happy days.

Teachers unions have long been the squeaky wheel of Irish public life. And so it remains.

They will likely follow what they've done in the US and halve the isolation period for close contacts and positive cases.

If you are symptomless after 5 days you can stop isolating - shows they now accept that stopping the spread is a pointless endeavour, and that keeping society functioning is more important.