The Government’s new national coronavirus strategy is a necessary response to the virus, based on clear scientific advice to the National Public Health Emergency Team. The recommendations mark an important transition and an intensification of our response to what the World Health Organisation (WHO) is now calling a pandemic. The measures are voluntary, “strong recommendations”, whether the curtailing of mass meetings, closing of schools, remote-working, or individual social distancing. Among the most immediate concerns is the task of social distancing on public transport, which must continue to function. Special measures to allow health workers to continue to work will be needed.

Source: The Irish Times March 12, 2020 19:30 UTC