Today on Morning Focus, our show was heavily dominated by discussions about the Coronavirus, following cases of the virus being confirmed in North Clare.
Parents of children attending a number of North-West Clare schools are closed today, following positive tests for the COVID-19 virus in the area. While the HSE is only stating that the latest cases of the virus discovered in Ireland are ‘in the west’, Clare FM understands that the two males and two females affected are a family living in Clare, and that they recently returned from Northern Italy. They’re now receiving treatment in hospital, and the HSE has advised that contact tracing is underway. Clare FM also understands that a number of other schools are affected.
Dr. Maire Finn joined us in studio to discuss more about the Coronavirus, the symptoms, what to do if you have these symptoms and gave general advice with regards to the situation as it stands.
If you missed it, you can listen back below:
We heard from Councillor Shane Talty as he spoke to Gavin just before the programme about the issue. We also re-played clips from an earlier interview which we did with Dr Kim Roberts, Assistant Professor of Virology, Trinity College Dublin, just to remind listeners of the symptoms of Coronavirus and the best way to protect yourself from it.
Following from that we were joined in studio by, Geraldine Gregan, Fine Gael activist, from Clarecastle, Michael McTeigue, Fianna Fail Clare PRO and Gary Fitzgibbon, Vice-Chairperson, Shannon Sinn Fein as the Dáil resumes amidst the stalemate continuing. TDs in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil will be briefed on policy discussions between the two parties later as the Dáil meets for a second time. A six hour discussion between the two parties has not changed Fine Gael’s position that it wants to head for the opposition benches. The Dáil will discuss the Coronavirus and the upcoming EU summit when it meets but there won’t be votes to elect a Taoiseach.
If you missed it, you can listen back below:
We then heard from Paddy Waldron of Kilrush and District Historical Society to talk about Clare’s link to Prince William. Prince William and his wife, Kate are visiting Galway today. It’s part of their three-day tour of the Country which has brought them already to Dublin, Kildare and Meath. William and Kate will not be visiting Clare this time around – but the Prince does have a link, although a slightly tedious one, to the Banner county and Paddy told us all about it.
Next on Morning Focus, Sharon Cahir of Cahir & Co Solicitors joined us in studio to discuss Women and the law ahead of International Women’s day as this relationship has evolved over time also Sharon mentioned what laws are in place regarding sick leave following the confirmation of the virus in the county.
If you missed it, you can listen back below:
We then heard from, Éanna Ní Lamnhna, Environmentalist, as she gave us a preview of what she will be talking about during the concluding event at Ennis Book Festival this weekend .
Usually of a Thursday we hear an Arts Round-Up but today due to news of the Coronavirus we didn’t get to this slot but be sure to listen to it below to hear from Clare County Arts Officer, Siobhán Mulcahy as she tells us all about the events taking place across the county.
You can listen to our Arts Round Up here:
