Public meeting to argue for Zero Covid strategy
A public meeting to discuss an alternative, evidence-based strategy to successfully tackle Covid-19, while preserving society and economy, takes place tomorrow.
The meeting will be hosted by the Galway branch of the We Can Be Zero campaign, in coordination with the Independent Science Advocacy Group, and will take place at 1pm on Friday May 7 on The We Can Be Zero Facebook page.
The event will be chaired by Independent Galway West TD, Catherine Connolly. Speakers will include Olive O’Connor (patient experience specialist and healthcare advocate of ISAG ), JP McMahon (chef, author, and restaurateur ), Eoghan Fox (Mandate trade union ), Aoife Moore (activist ), and Liam De Brún (student ). There will also be a performance from Ciara Ní É.
Zero Covid is an approach which calls for mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine for incoming international travellers; wearing masks at all times when out; washing our hands and ensuring good ventilation when indoors; stopping blaming of individuals for clusters and instead insist of accountability for each individual’s list of contacts, which will then be shared by the contact tracing teams; better resourcing public health physicians; financially and socially support people affected by self-isolation; and continuing the vaccine roll-out.
The public can register to attend by emailing [email protected]. — Kernan Andrews
More than 2,600 people in Galway waiting for a driving test — McNelis
A total of 2,640 people in Galway are waiting for a driving test, a figure described as “frightening” by Labour Galway City West councillor, Niall McNelis.
The figures, which were released to Labour TD, Seán Sherlock, via a Parliamentary Question, showed 1,180 people are now waiting on a driving test in the Carnmore area; 1,176 people were waiting in Westside of the city; and 284 were waiting in Clifden.
The figures have led Cllr McNelis to demand that the Government “take immediate action” to deal with the “spiralling waiting lists”. He also noted the majority of those waiting for a test are under the age of 30, and this is likely to affect many working in hospitality, retail, and other services.
Cllr McNelis said that, with restrictions easing, and society partially re-opening, a plan was essential to “considerably up the throughput” of driving tests, driving lessons and theory tests.
“People should be receiving test dates this week in order to move to reduce this colossal waiting list, but they are not,” said Cllr McNelis, who was also critical of no date to resume tests having been agreed between the Department of Transport and the RSA. “This should have been agreed weeks ago in anticipation of the anticipated easing of restrictions.” — Kernan Andrews
Clifden player wins €10k in Euromillions draw
A EuroMillions player in Clifden matched five numbers in last night’s draw to win €10,993.
The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased in The Paper Shop on Main Street in Clifden on the day of the draw.
The winning EuroMillions numbers were: 03, 10, 13, 28, 46 and lucky stars 04, 11.
The winning ticket holder is advised to sign the back of their ticket and check www.lottery.ie for details of their nearest An Post Prize Claim Centre where prizes up to €14,999 can be claimed.
Alternatively, they can contact the National Lottery claims team on 1800 666 222 or email [email protected].
