Hospitals Limit Visitors as Flu Cases Rise
Many hospitals are enforcing a ‘one visitor only‘ rule to help curb the spread of the flu.
The latest figures show 410 cases of the flu were reported last week, almost double the amount reported the previous week, while 171 Covid-19 cases were reported during the same period.
At least 18 hospitals around the country are limiting the number of visitors to one per patient.
GP dr Ilona Duffy said it is indeed difficult at this time of year, but necessary.
“We’re not quite seeing it in every hospital yet but it’s likely that we will. People have to understand why,” she said.
“If you’re in hospital, if you’ve been admitted to hospital, you’re obviously fairly sick.
“and to get another infection on top of that, especially influenza, really could compromise the person in hospital’s care, the patient’s care, and obviously we have to safeguard all of the staff around the hospital too. So, I think this is probably a sensible approach.”
The Mater Hospital has appealed to the public, where possible, to avoid its emergency department.
It said hospital services are under extreme pressure due to the large volume of patients in the hospital with influenza.
Michael Martin Reelected as Taoiseach in Ireland
Following a motion of no confidence brought by Sinn Féin, Michael Martin has been reelected as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. The vote, held today, saw Martin secure the support needed to remain in office, continuing the power-sharing agreement with Fine Gael and the Green Party.
The motion of no confidence was largely focused on the government’s handling of the housing crisis,a significant issue facing the country. Despite the challenge, Martin successfully navigated the vote, with 87 votes in favor and 62 against.
This outcome reaffirms the stability of the current coalition government, which was formed in 2020. The agreement dictates a rotation of the Taoiseach role, with Leo Varadkar of Fine Gael expected to take over in December 2022.
Martin’s continued leadership is expected to prioritize addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis and navigating the economic challenges posed by the war in Ukraine. He has also pledged to continue working towards the implementation of the Program for Government, a comprehensive plan outlining the coalition’s policy objectives.
[Image of Michael Martin](https://img.resized.co/breaking-news/eyJkYXRhIjoie1widXJsXCI6XCJodHRwczpcXFwvXFxcL2ltYWdlcy5icmVha2luZ25ld3MuaWVcXFwvcHJvZFxcXC91cGxvYWRzXFxcLzIwMjVcXFwvMDZcXFwvMTYxMzA2MTBcXF
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