Covid 19 Part XXXV-956,720 ROI (5,952 deaths) 452,946 NI (3,002 deaths) (08/01) Read OP

I think that Brendan O'Connor is the only RTE broadcaster who has held a balanced, reasoned and calm discussion about Covid throughout the pandemic. No drama, no hysterics, no fear mongering - just good open discussion.

It's also clear that the narrative is changing and we will see a change in policy soon after the mild Omicron wave subsides. We need to ensure that we do reclaim as much normality as possible after 2 years of chaos. As one of Brendan's guests said; its must easier to drive in than reverse out.

Day 2 of Omicron myself. 2nd positive Antigen. Feel less tired today and slept like a baby - sore/tight throat remains and swallowing is a pain but Nurofen Plus quickly takes care of the headache. No other symptoms yet. I find mince pies help too! 😊

"an added danger".

Would you ever stop and listen to yourself. Grown men and women talking about the "danger" of a teacher closing a window because the kids are cold.

Imagine being an adult and saying that with a straight face.

Sorry if this line comes off as attacking.... but who's they? Where are they? And how many?

I'm only asking this because I keep hearing people say it's the covid hermits prolonging this. But then I look towards my family, social circle, even people I work with and I know zero people who are afraid to go outside. In fact, I know a couple who have mentioned to me "microchips in vaccines" (yes, that level of oddness) who refused to get them and they are still out and about.

Yet I keep hearing people going on about these hermits. It's all their fault. Just how many is there tho? Or is the line becoming a starting point to rabble on now?

83 in ICU, 26,122 new cases, looking very good for St Patricks Day Parades being green lit.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/0108/1272508-coronavirus-ireland/

83 in ICU is the lowest since early November. Total of 273 in ICU of which 83 are Covid related. And we still have people screaming about numbers and "danger".

Well over 10k per day since Xmas. The lack of testing made it impossible to quantify. Probably 40k+

We’re genuinely starting to look to be in a really really good position now. Have thought that a lot throughout the pandemic but this feels like it

Better wait till it's below 10 to be safe, we can still have a meaningful Halloween.

It makes the ICU numbers seem unreal. Beyond my expectations and I am an optimist. It's great to see all the natural immunity in the population too. Great timing too. 2022 will be great.

Why do some covid questionnaires ask if you've been out from the country in the past two weeks? At this stage in the pandemic, it's nonsense to be asking that. In the early days of the pandemic travelling abroad was seen as high risk for exposure and infection. At this stage, it's every where at home in Ireland. You don't need to get on a flight for an exposure.

well Gone Home just described his/her circs so there you are. Happy to help.

I also feel for the first time since the start of the pandemic that we are actually not in a bad position restrictions wise compared to most other European countries. I thought when Omicron arrived that the government would panic and go into an unnecessary lockdown like the Netherlands did. Stupid though the 8pm hospitality closing time is, it's nowhere near as bad as Germany's new rule where you must be vaccinated AND have a negative test to go to a bar or restaurant. Their case numbers are a fraction of ours. And there's no talk of mandatory jabs like in France, Italy, Germany and Austria.

Out of the significant number of EU countries to reintroduce testing requirements for vaccinated travellers, we were the first (and so far only) country to remove them. Last year we were by far the last to reopen travel.

You make some interesting points actually. Some of our European neighbours are taking much stronger actions then us since Omicron came about and they don’t seem to be in any rush to change them.

The fact that she's retweeting Feigl-Ding tells you all you need to know about her