Covid-19 Evaluation chairwoman says decision-makers' engagements will not be aired in public
Senior decision-makers engagement with Ireland's pandemic review will not be aired in public, chairwoman of the Covid-19 Evaluation Professor Anne Scott said. She was issuing an appeal to the public to share their experience of the Covid-19 pandemic between now and July.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Kempton Park still at risk of closure as developers have option to build houses on famous track until 2030
KEMPTON PARK is still at risk of being closed and knocked down for housing. The Jockey Club announced in January 2017 they were selling off the racecourse to developers in a bid to raise £100 million. 2 Kempton Park has been at risk of redevelopment since 2017 Credit: PA 2 Builders Redrow have exclusive rights to buy the land at Kempton Credit: Dan Charity But the track was given a reprieve when those plans hit the buffers in the face of So the Jockey Club sold an 'option to purchase' to builders Redrow in September 2018, Sunracing can reveal, meaning they can buy the land for development during a set timeframe whenever they want for a pre-agreed price. The expiry date on the agreement is in 2028, though it can be extended a further two years if Redrow express interest in going ahead with the purchase of the 230-acre site, either in its entirety or part of it. The Jockey Club has not hidden its desire to sell off land at Kempton for housing to raise much needed funds, and in February 2020 they announced But those plans were also scuppered by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Jockey Club remains in a deep financial hole, with the last set of accounts published last summer showing they have around £54 million of debt. Spelthorne Council said eight years ago the site was unlikely to be considered for housing eight as it was deemed 'strongly performing' green belt land. But the new Labour government has relaxed planning laws to encourage house building, with the aim to build 1.5 million new homes before the next election. The Jockey Club dismissed recent speculation on social media that the racecourse was to be closed at the end of next year, but there is a desperate need for housing in Surrey and Redrow is still interested in developing the site, for all they have yet to trigger their option to buy the land. Most read in Horse Racing A Redrow spokesperson said: 'We have an agreement with the Jockey Club to promote Kempton Park for development, lasting until 2030. 'Since this agreement was made, we have been reviewing whether the site, or parts of it, could assist with the delivery of much needed new housing in Surrey.' The Jockey Club said: "Since 2018, Redrow have had the exclusive right to promote Kempton Park as a potential site for residential development, lasting until 2028. "Since the agreement came into effect it has been entirely normal procedure for there to be ongoing discussions to see if the site, or parts of it, could play a part in addressing the need for houses in the local area. "Given the recent changes in wider planning policy, it is no surprise that those discussions are continuing, but in real terms there has been no change in Kempton Park's status.' FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major health warning as doctors warn of fast-spreading Covid 19 strain with ‘unusual symptoms' – 16 signs to watch for
HEALTH bosses have issued a major warning to the Irish public after a new strain of fast-spreading Covid-19 was spotted. A new variant of the same viral infection that caused the 2020 Advertisement 3 The new strain has unusual symptoms Credit: Getty 3 People who who the symptoms outlined should stay at home Credit: Getty It's been discovered in both the Republic of Ireland and And it's been reported in Hong Kong and New data from the Public And the Advertisement READ MORE IN HEALTH They recently added NB.1.8.1. to their watchlist, although they noted that while the strain is more transmissible than strain before, there is no evidence to suggest the symptoms are any worse. But public health officials have urged members of the public who are feeling unwell to stay at And Although older Covid strains caused flu and cold like symptoms, the new strain to more closely linked to gastrointestinal issues. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun This can lead to issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and heartburn. Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, Dr Lara Herrero, explained: "Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion." I was told Covid origins probe would lead us to gates of hell... Watergate was nothing compared to outrageous lab leak cover-up She added that gastrointestinal issues may also occur in some cases. The full list of symptoms of the new Covid variant have been outlined, with those suffering from them urged to stay home for 48 hours or until they feel better. Advertisement The first symptom is a high fever of 38C or above, including having chills or cold sweats. A second symptom is a dry cough, a burning cough which can irritate your throat and requires lots of water to soothe. Fatigue, tiredness, and a change to your sense of smell and taste are also among the symptoms. Another indicator is a runny or blocked nose, a sore throat, or a headache. Advertisement Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is another symptom. And having muscle of joint pain or an unusual rash could be a sign that you have the new strain. Diziness, chills, and loss of appetite are also among the symptoms. Lastly, shortness of breath, confusion, and pain or pressure in the chest could also be indicators that you have contracted the new strain. Advertisement Symptoms to watch out for Here are the 16 signs to watch out for A high fever Dry cough Fatigue Change to sense of smell or taste Runny or blocked nose A sore throat A headache Conjunctivitis Muscle of joint pain Unusual rash Dizziness Chills Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Confusion Pain or pressure in chest 3 The new strain is 'fast-spreading' Credit: Getty
Irish Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Symptoms of latest Covid variant to hit Ireland identified - 'Vigilance is key'
For many of us, Covid-19 feels like a chapter we've closed – along with the days of PCR tests, mask mandates and daily case updates. But while life may feel back to normal, the virus hasn't completely vanished. In fact, new variants continue to quietly circulate. One of the latest to appear on the radar is NB.1.8.1 – a name that you may have seen pop up in headlines and on social media feeds this week. This newly emerging sub-variant hasn't triggered widespread concern, but it has caught the attention of scientists and health officials. NB.1.8.1 has now been detected in Ireland. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the strain first emerged in January and by late April was responsible for approximately 10.7% of global infections, up from just 2.5% a month earlier. But what sets the latest variant apart? Here is what medical experts know so far 'The NB.1.8.1 variant, also referred to as Nimbus, is a new strain of the Covid-19 virus that has emerged due to mutations in its genetic material,' says Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice. It's a sub-variant of Omicron, says Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. 'Variants like this pop up when the virus mutates, which is normal for viruses, especially ones that spread widely,' explains Tang. 'NB.1.8.1 was first picked up in early 2025 and has since been detected in several countries, including the UK, China and US. It's got some new mutations that scientists are keeping a close eye on.' 'NB.1.8.1 isn't too different from the Omicron variant, but it does have some tweaks to its spike protein, which might make it spread a bit more easily or slip past some of our existing immunity,' says Tang. 'That said, early signs suggest it doesn't seem to cause more serious illness, but of course, we're still learning more about it.' However, Nimbus does appear to be more transmissible than previous variants, with notable increases reported in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, notes Asif. 'Its spread has been identified in around 22 countries,' says Asif. 'The WHO assesses the additional risk to the global public as currently low, and existing Covid-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease.' 'It's spreading in the usual way, person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze or even just talk closely,' says Tang. 'Like other variants, it can hang around in the air in poorly ventilated spaces.' 'Common symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant include severe sore throat (described as a 'razor blade sensation'), fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and congestion,' says Asif. 'However, symptoms can vary widely so vigilance is key.' 'Treatment for Nimbus generally aligns with that for other Covid-19 variants,' says Asif. 'Most individuals will recover at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptom management. 'For those with severe symptoms or high-risk complications, antiviral medications or monoclonal antibody treatments may be recommended. Always consult your GP for personalised advice.' 'Make sure everyone's up to date with their Covid-19 jabs, especially boosters,' recommends Tang. 'Wash your hands regularly, keep rooms well ventilated, and consider popping a mask on in busy places or if you're around people who are more vulnerable. 'If someone in the house is feeling poorly, try to keep some distance and clean shared surfaces regularly.' 'Seek medical advice if you experience Covid-19 symptoms, especially if they worsen or if you have underlying health conditions that increase your risk,' advises Asif. 'Additionally, consult your GP if you've been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the NB.1.8.1 variant or if you have health concerns.'
