The idea of transforming Ireland into a 'Zero-Covid' island is based on an "utterly false promise" that carries huge risks, Professor Philip Nolan said last night. Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan also said this country has essential links with Europe, including Northern Ireland, which makes it unrealistic to seal our borders. Earlier Prof Nolan said the spread of the virus is declining rapidly with 1,466 new cases yesterday. HSE chief Paul Reid announced yesterday that close contacts of confirmed cases are to be offered tests again from today. Dr Lorraine Doherty of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre provided examples showing how one event can spark a chain of transmission.

Source: The Herald January 29, 2021 02:26 UTC