CORONAVIRUS: Latest developments and impacts on events here
The growing threat of the spread of Coronavirus in Ireland has resulted in the cancellation of upcoming events including St Patrick's Day parades with towns such Navan, Trim and Dunboyne confirming their festivities would not be going ahead.
Policies around admission to local hospitals and nursing homes were also tightened up with the North East Hospital Group putting visitor restrictions in place.
To try and keep people up to date with latest developments we'll keep updating this page with information as it comes in. Please help us by letting us know of any disruption or changes to events where you are. Message our facebook page or email: news@meathchronicle.ie
HEALTH:
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The Ireland East Hospital Group says it has put visitor restrictions in place at all IEHG Hospitals until further notice as a precautionary measure to protect the safety of patients/staff and to help prevent the spread of infection. This will directly affect visitors to Our Lady's Hospital, Navan and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
A spokesperson said the measure is being taken as a precaution. "The Ireland East Hospital Group says the only visitors who will be allowed into Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan are “those who are visiting patients in critical care”.
ST PATRICK'S DAY:
All St Patrick's Day parades are to be cancelled after a cabinet sub-committee meeting this afternoon. A number of parades had already been cancelled due to to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Navan Shamrock Festival announced it was cancelling its parade on Monday evening with Trim parade also abandoned.
The decision had been taken to cancel this year's Dunboyne St Patrick's Day parade (due to take place this Sunday 15th) before Monday's sub-cabinet decision. "After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone Dunboyne's St Patrick's Day parade for the moment. This was a difficult decision as we know a lot of groups were working hard on getting floats ready. In the interest of public health and to help with reducing the spread of Covid-19 we feel this is the best course of action to take. We do hope we can run with a parade later in the year and we will keep in touch"
I've come to the view that the government needs to postpone the St Patrick's Day parade and festival in light of public health concerns over #coronavirus. This would seem a sensible precautionary measure to limit the spread of the virus at a critical time. https://t.co/3OOracYMu4
SPORT: With news that the St Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin has been cancelled, there are fears that the Div 1 NFL clash between Dublin and Meath could be postponed. More as we get it.
No pre-match handshakes at all FAI matches
The Football Association of Ireland has today issued a directive to all affiliates instructing them that players are not to shake hands with their opponents or match officials at all games under FAI jurisdiction. The FAI decision, following on from a UEFA directive for their competitions, comes into effect immediately and will remain until further notice across all games in the Republic of Ireland.
The decision has been taken in line with recommendations made by the World Health Organisation to minimise potential transmission of COVID-19. The FAI medical team remain in communication with the Department of Health and will follow all government recommendations regarding coronavirus.
Meanwhile the Meath LGFA Board issued a directive to clubs stating that "as a precautionary measure and in light of the recent health issue, we would like for al players and teams to refrain from costimary friemdly handshakes throughout our games and also to be mindful of sharing water bottles."
- The Meath Primary Schools Cross-Country Championships which were due to be held at the Navan Adventure Centre on Friday were called off as a precaution against the spread of the Coronavirus COVAD-19.
"In the light of advice received, we are taking the prudent precaution of making the above decisions in order to avoid unnecessary gatherings," a statement from Meath Athletics read. "This decision has not been taken lightly. We will look at other events as matters unfold over the next weeks."