The tanaiste is supposedly standing up for small shops by prohibiting supermarkets from selling what is deemed as non-essential items, but how does that help the small retailer? During the six week proposed lockdown period a lot can happen. Children may need new shoes, washing machines or dryers break down, the elderly need heaters, a winter coat. Workers from home might need provisions, computers etc. All this curtailing, some of it needless, yet the government remain committed to open borders with Britain whose covid rate is a cause for concern; leads to the question, will another lockdown change anything?
With regard to covid statistics, figures do not tally with hospital reports leading to the possible conclusion that many covid positive people, except those in rest homes are self isolating, possibly with chronic symptoms. It is probable that individuals having been exposed to other corona viruses, for example middle eastern respiratory syndrome have more more immunity.