Comes now a former client from Galway, Ireland — one of the smartest chaps I have ever met. I had to give him an “Irish Discount” because I am a Brennan.
Says this Irish medical device entrepreneur:
“JLM, always great to hear from you. I hope all is well with you and the family.
A summary of the Irish situation:
All schools, colleges and other public facilities have been closed since March 12th
All restaurants and bars followed suit under government advice the following day
Huge focus on community to practice social distancing to slow the virus in its tracks and push it back and people are really taking it seriously – the streets are empty
Our government’s approach, closing schools, pubs and sporting and entertainment events, has already taken us towards total lock-down, which we expect to come soon
Today’s advice is to continue to go to work if you can, but where possible should work from home.
We are fully operational, approx 30% of staff working from home and we’ve rejigged the office layout to facilitate social distancing (government advice is 2m).
We are not effected as we are an R&D company with limited outsourcing, we are less reliant on a supply chain
The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ireland rose to 557 yesterday from 366 a day earlier, the highest daily increase so far. 3 deaths so far. Its the calm before the storm, predictions are that we will have 15,000 cases by March 31st
The country is rallying, earlier this week, the minister for Health put out a recruitment call asking for healthcare workers to help battle the rising coronavirus crisis.
Incredibly Minister for Health has confirmed that 30,000 people have signed up to help deal with the pressure on hospitals around the country.
Irish authorities said on Thursday they had received 58,000 applications for a new emergency welfare payment for employees and self-employed people who have lost their jobs or had hours cut due to coronavirus, and asked during a news conference as many as 400,000 people could become unemployed (out of a workforce of 2.4 million)
The economy is being hammered.
Over and out my friend – mind yourself”
Imagine this said in an Irish accent.
So, there you have it, a genuine voice from Ireland.