Most recent news (Links to Automation info below the narrative towards bottom af page!)
COVID-19 Data hubs - updated daily in each jurisdiction.
National Statistics, Information & Data (Rialtas na hÉireann/Government of Ireland)
COVID-19 Dashboard (Dept of Health/Roinn Sláinte/Männystrie O Poustie)
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| Cases per day |
Cases have soared to heights not seen in the worst numbers last January but unlike last January the cases in ICU were very stable - around one hundred and the number of cases admitted into Hospital are increasing nothing like the rate experienced in January. The number of deaths seems stable too.
The great lesson to be learnt here is that no matter how well we in Ireland or in any European country vaccinate or peope the enemy, the Corona Virus COVID-19, is rampent in countries who have not the resources we have and thus it has the opportunity to mutate into other varient some virulent some not so. It is thus important that these countries be resourced and helped and programmes like that administered by UNICEF and others are supported in the distribution and manufacture of vaccines. Othrwise we will continue to have Christmases like 2020 and 2021 each year.
29th December 2021
See previous news below under Recent News
Various statements are being issued by companies and events in the Automation Sector as well as some helpful suggestions. We will list these below as we hear of them. There is some excellent Corona Advice - on coping with this crisis on the Profibus's British website, including warnings about Corona Virus scammers & phishing.
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| Blue: Total Confirmed Cases Red: Day on Day Increase Green: Total Deaths |
The graph on the right shows latest progress of the disease on the Island of Ireland. The first case on the Island was on 28th February 2020 (in Belfast). The first case in the 26 Counties was announced 1st March 2020. The testing policies in both jurisdictions are different with Northern Ireland though they have tended to be closer to each other as progress in understanding and confronting the virus develops. There was some distortion in the testing figures due to delays caused by the non availablity of testing materials and facilities especially in the earlier stages of this the progress of this debilitating disease.
There was a significant jump in the number of positive Covid-19 tests in Northern Ireland on Thursday, 25th June, but the increase (over 800 cases) was due to a change in how figures are reported and included local authority cases from April and May. No increase in deaths were reported and there were no deaths reported in the jurisdiction. A jump like this was recorded in the 26 county area too (3190 cases). This was due to delays as some tests were sent to Germany for assessment as the testing regime was being developed in Ireland. This regime was concluded in mid April.
Major outbreaks were identified in clusters especially in residential homes for older people and those with particular underlying conditions and testing concentrated on these starting in mid April leading to an increase of reported cases. During June the figures were sufficiently low to allow a more rapid lifting of the restrictions at the end of that month.
The first day in which no deaths were reported (Since mid March) were 25th May in the 26 counties and the following day in Northern Ireland. The first day in which no deaths from COVID-19 on the Island - both jurisdictions - was 15th June 2020.
Northern Ireland now has different timelines than those of the UK Government (as do Scotland and Wales). In the 26 counties of the Republic major reviews of the restrictions have resulted in major changes outlined here which take commence on 8th June 2020. But as the Irish Government announcement statement says, "COVID-19 is still having a major impact on our country. By working together we have made progress – but the virus is still in Ireland."
A perceptible rise in the number of confirmed in both jurisdictions has led the Irish Government to delay the easing of restrictions until 10th August (instead of 20th July). The most recent figures include a very large number of people under 45 years of age. Deaths and admissions to hospitals seems to have remained stable however. The Central Statistics Office of Ireland have confirmed that, though the majority of the fatalities are over 70 year old, "eight deaths have taken place of people under 65 years of age who have no underlying health conditions," since the begining of the pandemic. (Irish Independant - 13 Aug 2020).
In the beginning of August a significant rise was noted in meat processing plants and this led to a regional reversal including closure of restaurants and public gatherings and confinement of the public to their local counties in three of the 32 counties of Ireland (Kildare, Offaly & Laois) for a further two weeks to ensure that these cluster outbreaks did not spread into the wider community. Community transmission however has been consistently low throughout the country - north & south.
By mid-August the figures in both were rising steadily and so further restrictions were re-introduced or modified until 13th September. Each person is to reduce their network of people with whom they react or meet. Law enforcement will be strengthened to ensure crowd sizes (16 people) and behaviour are maintained.
It is thought that the number of unvaccinated (around 300k) are contributing substantially to those hospitalised (about 60%) but this means that there are still a number of vaccinated needing hospital care. It appears that the vaccination seems to loose some of its efficacy after six months. Also attention is drawn to the fact that Ireland is a part of the British/Irish free travel area and the rise in the number of cases is the British territories is feeding into Ireland's cases (see graphs from BBC NI news report 23 October 2021). Also with the rise in the figures of those vaccinated people probably eased off off on adhering to the expert advice. 
Whatever the reason the expected easing did happen but with important changes. Face coverings and social distancing were to continue and the requirement of passes to enter restaurants, music venues and nightclubs would continue until well into next year. A programme of booster jabs has been commenced for the over 80s, those in care homes and those with previous serious conditions. It is also hoped to commence a booster programme for the over sixties at the end of the month. This may be continued to younger population later. 
In Northern Ireland the vaccination uptake although initially quite high it is not now as high and the figures there reflect this especially in the level of deaths being reported. The fact that both jurisdictions are operating different systems does create difficulties.
Since the last post (2nd July) the situation is Ireland continues to return to "normalcy".
The Government have felt able to announce several "opening" dates. However Current government advice is to avoid non-essential international travel but internal public transport is increased to 50% capacity (was 25%).
There are however some good things happening. The first is the level of vaccinations is reving up and today the one millionth jab will have been administered. Because of this there is a marked decrease in the number of people needing admittance to hospital or to ICU as a result of the condition. There has been controversy over the acquisition of sufficient quantities of vaccine particularly the Astra Zenica one which seems to have had great difficult in delivering its promised quantity. Ireland is part of the EU and the negotiations were carried out on behalf of the whole 27 countries. Ireland's share is approx 1% and as soon as they are delivered they are administered within a two or three day period.
South of the border (right) the supply has been negotiated by the European Commission but the supply has been less than efficient. A percentage of that supply is being allocated to the 27 members states. Ireland gets 1%. Nevertheless progress is proceeding to plan though very much dependent on a sometimes undependable delivery schedule from the suppliers. Health workers and nursing homes have been completed and progressing in "cohorts" over 85s then over 80s, 75s, 70, and 65s. Also those who are considered vulnerable. The second dose is administered four weeks after and this gives full immunity.
The Irish Government aims to reduce case numbers by 5 March and allow hospitals and ICU's and those who work in them time to recover from the current surge. They hope to allow for the phased opening of schools across February and March. Meanwhile it is hoped to get the vaccine out to more people in the first quarter of this year. There have been some delays in delivering the vaccines and possibly this will cause problems in the months ahead. There is also the worry of new variations of the virus. Two thirds of current cases are the so-called "UK virus" which was unknown here in December.
Some people have been inclined to attribute this to the new variant first noted in the south east of England but the World Health Organisation says no. "Not due to the variant," says Dr Micheal Ryan of WHO, "but due to increased social mixing and reduction of physical distancing. New variant strains have not been the driver of new transmission.” From daily rates of 200 to 300 per day they have escalated to an average of 5000 to 7000 per day in two weeks. Intensive weekly testing of over 170000 per week has been giving readings of up to over 23% positive cases. The exponential growth has been almost vertical.
The government has now introduced even stricter measures including the closure of schools and educational facilities and construction sites until the end of January 2021. They are also introducing stricter test restrictions initially on travelers from the Britain (now outside of the EU) and South Africa. Restrictions from other EU countries will be instituted in consultation with the European Commission. Testing rates are higher than ever at over 170,000 per seven days and the positive results rate of 21.8% (under 2% just before Christmas). The "R" number is decreasing now from a high of 1.8 to 1.3 this afternoon. The aim has always to be below 1.
The situation on the island is causing concern as numbers of cases continue to rise albeit at a slower rate than in March/April. Restrictions have been increased in both jurisdictions though the rate of increase in the North (Pop ca 1.5m) seems to be more severe - there were in excess of 2500 cases in the seven days to 2nd October. There is a warning of another complete lockdown. The increase in the Republic (Pop Approx 4.9m) over the same period is over 2700. (2/10/2020)
There was a significant jump in the number of positive Covid-19 tests in Northern Ireland on Thursday, 25th June, but the increase (over 800 cases) was due to a change in how figures are reported and included local authority cases from April and May. No increase in deaths were reported and there were no deaths reported in the jurisdiction. A jump like this was recorded in the 26 county area too (3190 cases). This was due to delays as some tests were sent to Germany for assessment as the testing regime was being developed in Ireland. This regime was concluded in mid April.
Major outbreaks were identified in clusters especially in residential homes for older people and those with particular underlying conditions and testing concentrated on these starting in mid April leading to an increase of reported cases. During June the figures were sufficiently low to allow a more rapid lifting of the restrictions at the end of that month.
The first day in which no deaths were reported (Since mid March) were 25th May in the 26 counties and the following day in Northern Ireland. The first day in which no deaths from COVID-19 on the Island - both jurisdictions - was 15th June 2020.
Northern Ireland now has different timelines than those of the UK Government (as do Scotland and Wales). In the 26 counties of the Republic major reviews of the restrictions have resulted in major changes outlined here which take commence on 8th June 2020. But as the Irish Government announcement statement says, "COVID-19 is still having a major impact on our country. By working together we have made progress – but the virus is still in Ireland."
A perceptible rise in the number of confirmed in both jurisdictions has led the Irish Government to delay the easing of restrictions until 10th August (instead of 20th July). The most recent figures include a very large number of people under 45 years of age. Deaths and admissions to hospitals seems to have remained stable however. The Central Statistics Office of Ireland have confirmed that, though the majority of the fatalities are over 70 year old, "eight deaths have taken place of people under 65 years of age who have no underlying health conditions," since the begining of the pandemic. (Irish Independant - 13 Aug 2020).
In the beginning of August a significant rise was noted in meat processing plants and this led to a regional reversal including closure of restaurants and public gatherings and confinement of the public to their local counties in three of the 32 counties of Ireland (Kildare, Offaly & Laois) for a further two weeks to ensure that these cluster outbreaks did not spread into the wider community. Community transmission however has been consistently low throughout the country - north & south.
A Framework for Restrictive Measures has been developed to help the country to go about daily living as much as possible, while managing the behaviour of the virus. The Framework consists of 5 Levels with the as part of a "Plan for Living with COVID-19".
Recent news - Progress of the Pandemic.
The 22nd of October was the day Ireland planned to have finished completely with the restrictions, social distancing, face coverings, need for vaccine passes to enter restaurants and social areas, opening of clubs music venues and sporting venues. This was particularly expected in view of the vaccination take up with over 91% of the population over 12 immunised. However the rate unexpectedly started to rise about two weeks prior to that and has continued to do so. Why?
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Figures of fatalities continue to rise though the number of deaths, though also rising, is not on the same scale as the numbers of cases.
It looks like COVID 19 is here to stay and we have to learn to live with it.
23/10/2021
The end of August marked a significent change in Ireland. Plans were announced for the cautious relaxation of restrictions culminating to return to near to normal by 22nd October. Figures appear contradictory in that figures of actual cases continued to rise whereas the number of cases needing hospitalisation did not rise at anything like the rise that occured earlier this year. Deaths also are mercifully low as well. The great majority of these cases are among the unvaccinated. The extraordinary uptake of the vaccination programme has shown its effect. All from the age of 12 are eligible for receiving the vaccination. Indeed today (6th Sept), the figures for vaccination were among the highest in the European Union. This table shows the progress.
The emphasis is gradually shifting to personal responsibility in each area though certain restrictions will remain until well into 2022:
- Use of face coverings in enclosed areas, public transport and shops
- Maintaining social distancing
- Personal hygiene - washing hands.
An campaign for booster vaccinations for the vulnerable, health service workers and over 65s is envisaged towards the end of the year.
6th September 2021
Vaccinations are proceeding at an incredible pace and now just over 80% are fully vaccinated in a pobulation of 4.98million. Because of the Delta Varient the daily figures have increased markedly - this is the 4th wave - the figures of hospitalisations although increasing is nowhere near the figures in previous waves. Now the majority of cases is in the under 35 year age group.The vast majority of those over that age are fully vaccinated.
Vaccinations of all over 12 will be in progress from the first week of August and the medical officials of the state can see the removing of most restrictions within a matter of weeks although strongly urge that excercise of caution be continued well into the future.
Ireland since mid July participates in the European Union's Digital COVID certificate fro travelling throughout the Union.
The North of Ireland, which operated under a different system has some problems with the health system dealing with the level of outbreaks. Nevertheless they have opened at a faster rate than in the Republic. The daily rate of outbreaks there is roughly the same as in the Republic though the population is about 1.8million.
Deaths in both regions is very low about 5 in seven days.
30th July 2021
The situation in Ireland could be said to have stalled.
There was a plan which stated that a further opening up of venues to allow further congregating indoors such as indoor dining would commence on the 5th July 2021. But in the words of the Scottish bard, "the best laid plans of mice and men gan aft agley!" While figures looked good at the beginning of the month of June - there was a very slow fall in the daily numbers of cases and a more steep fall in the number of deaths there was a steady and gratifying fall in the number of hospital admissions and the number in intensive care was also very low (in comparison to earlier in the year). Similar features were noted in the north as well. But!
Throughout the month a steady increase was noted in the number of cases involving what has become known as the Delta Variant - as of early July this is up to 70% of cases. This was seen first in India and quickly spread into Britain where it quickly established itself as the dominant variant. It was a game changer there because they had opted for the Astra Zenica vaccine and had great success in innoculating a very large number of the population with the first dose. The second dose was not scheduled until around twelve weeks from the first. The problem was that the first dose particular vaccine was not as effective against this strain and figures began to rise again steeply.
In Ireland we are about three weeks behind Britain in vaccinations and we are not as dependent on the AZ vaccine but it had been used in the vaccinations of the 50 to 60 year olds so they are thus more vulnerable. The length of time between jabs was decreased to 8 and then to 4 weeks - it is hoped tis group will be fully vaccinated by mid July or earlier. Another perhaps unforeseen problem was that the younger 18 to 40 age groups who were thought to be reasonably resiliant now became the more infected group. The Government advisors issued a stark message to the Government - another wave is coming and it could be really bad, overcoming the health service and thousands of deaths unless a break was applied.
This is also echoed in the latest warning from the WHO stating that Europe was alarmingly close to being an epicentre of the disease in a very short time.
Last Monday the Government halted the opening at least until mid-month. During the week they also changed the vaccination programme. It had been progressing very smoothly on an age bases starting with the oldest and was now down to the late 30s. This was changed so that people between the ages of 18 to 30 could register to receive the Jansen & Jansen (one jab vaccination) or the Astra Zenica (2 Jab) from the 5th July in their local pharmacy. This would run in parallel with the existing system. As always this is dependant on the supply of vaccines.
There was a plan which stated that a further opening up of venues to allow further congregating indoors such as indoor dining would commence on the 5th July 2021. But in the words of the Scottish bard, "the best laid plans of mice and men gan aft agley!" While figures looked good at the beginning of the month of June - there was a very slow fall in the daily numbers of cases and a more steep fall in the number of deaths there was a steady and gratifying fall in the number of hospital admissions and the number in intensive care was also very low (in comparison to earlier in the year). Similar features were noted in the north as well. But!
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| The start of a 4th Wave (14 day average daily reports) |
In Ireland we are about three weeks behind Britain in vaccinations and we are not as dependent on the AZ vaccine but it had been used in the vaccinations of the 50 to 60 year olds so they are thus more vulnerable. The length of time between jabs was decreased to 8 and then to 4 weeks - it is hoped tis group will be fully vaccinated by mid July or earlier. Another perhaps unforeseen problem was that the younger 18 to 40 age groups who were thought to be reasonably resiliant now became the more infected group. The Government advisors issued a stark message to the Government - another wave is coming and it could be really bad, overcoming the health service and thousands of deaths unless a break was applied.
This is also echoed in the latest warning from the WHO stating that Europe was alarmingly close to being an epicentre of the disease in a very short time.
Last Monday the Government halted the opening at least until mid-month. During the week they also changed the vaccination programme. It had been progressing very smoothly on an age bases starting with the oldest and was now down to the late 30s. This was changed so that people between the ages of 18 to 30 could register to receive the Jansen & Jansen (one jab vaccination) or the Astra Zenica (2 Jab) from the 5th July in their local pharmacy. This would run in parallel with the existing system. As always this is dependant on the supply of vaccines.
The Government have also managed to secure an extra million Pfizer and Moderna vaccines from the untaken up stock in Romania..
We are in effect now in a race between vaccinations and a Delta Variant surge.
2nd July 2021
The end of May saw a flurry of dates and recomendations and hopes from the Irish Government.
The Hacking of the Health Service IT system (14th May 2021) severely effected the general health service however the Vaccination Programme was largely unaffected as it operates under a separate dedicated system. However the reporting statistics publication was severely curtailed. Reports on daily news cases and numbers hospitalised and/or in intensive care has continued albeit with a warning that these may be updated later. This figures show a steady figure of around 400 cases per day, deaths reported have virtually collapsed and cases in hopitals an IC have shown a steady decline. |
| Daily figures showing the 3 waves |
2nd June: Hotels & Guest house may reopen.
9th June: Visitors to your home; Weddings: 25 people can attend a wedding celebration or reception; Outdoor sports matches can take place; Gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres can reopen for individual training only; Outdoor services in Restaraunts and bars;
5th July: 50 people can attend a wedding celebration or reception; Indoor services for Bars and restaurants can resume; Organised indoor events Maximum of 50 attendees at the majority of venues; Maximum of 100 can attend events in larger venues with strict public health measures in place; Maximum of 200 attendees for the majority of venues for rganised outdoor events; Maximum of 500 for outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000; Indoor training, exercise and dance activities can recommence in pods of up to 6.
19th July: Depending on the prevailing public health situation at the time, Ireland will operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel originating within the EU/EEA
Further changes are anticipated for August.
There is a certain nervousness because of the speedy spread of the so-called Indian variant in Britain and the Government still has the option of reintroducing or delaying things. There have been some cases in Ireland of this variant. See "Ireland's progress will be reviewed in June" - Taoiseach (Head of Government)/
It is thought that about 50% of the population has received at least one vaccine injection.(Over a million were inoculated during May and about 20% of the population is fully vaccinated.)
31 May 2021
The end of April was marked by a flurry of announcements heralding the re-opening of "normality" in Ireland. In the north, which commenced an innoculation programme in line with the British system in December 2020, meant a marked improvement in things leading to an earlier opening-up then in the rest of the island. This part participates in the European Union's acquisition programme. There were problems with supply at the start but as vaccines are received they are administered on an age and vulnerability basis and it is reckoned that things will be very much the same by June.
Schools returned after Easter holidays, the construction industry also returned and a schedule of "openings" over the next few weeks including travel throughout the island (for the first time since Christmas Eve!) has been announced by the Government. It is expected that over 80% of the population will have received full innoculation.
The incidence of the disease is still stable and very slowly decreasing. Nevertheless the programme of innoculation is proceeding well and shows remarkable results especially in the number of cases needing hospitalisations and reducing numbers of deaths.
In automation the number of stories about equipment used both in the production or in treatment is very marked in the past month in particular. This one on vaccine bottles quality arrived this morning for example.
13 Bealtaine 2021
Here in Ireland though there has been marked improvement since the grim days of early January the number of outbreaks still exceed the levels in the first surge of spring 2020. The picture shows first of all a swift fall from the heights of over 8000 cases per day down to around 500 per day. The number of daily deaths also seems to be plateauing at around four or five.
The vaccine is being distributed in various "cohorts". Firstly to healt professionals and the occupants in nursing and care homes. Next those over 85, then over eighty and then over 75 etc. After the over seventies other vulnerable people with a medical condition. The government had started to talk about dosing by sector then - eg Teachers, Garda (Police) etc but on the advince of the Medical Committee monitoring the situation the system now is based on age alone. The disease seems to target the older people and the reduction in cases requiring medical care in hospital or indeed dying from the condition is market. The higher that age the more likely is death or hospitalisation.
A very slow relaxation of the draconian measures is starting finally from the 12th April. Schools return and people will be able to travel in their own county or 20Km outside their county. Meeting with others or visiting homes is still strongly discouraged. The vaccination programme is proceeding and by the end of june it is estimated that at over 80% of the population will have received at least one jab and possibly about 40% will be completely vaccinated but there is the caveat - depending on supply of vaccine.
8/4/2021
Here in Ireland the most severe restrictions have applied since Christmas Eve. Though the figures show a marked improvement since the eyewatering daily tolls in January they still remain higher that those that allowed the brief respite at the end of last November. The schools have remained closed up to March and are only now beginning to open very slowly.
The great hope is the arrival of vaccines. At this stage there are three approved - Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Astra Zenica and a forth one from Johnson & Johnson is expected to gain approval shortly (11/3/2021?). The two juristictions are operating separate policies. Northern Ireland operates using the British system which is one injection and then the second jab is scheduled for twelve weeks later. In addition their approval came through some weeks before the European Union.
The effects of the vaccine is now measurable and cases among those cohorts that have been vaccinated is appreciably reduced in both areas. (10/3/21)
The situation throughout the month continues to cause concern on both sides of the border. Now both areas have decided to continue the highest level of restrictions through February. Botha areas do show a decrease in the levels of contamination but death rates and admission to hospitals and needing ICU facilities continues to exceed emergency levels.
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| Progress of the Virus as of today |
There are "significant policy changes" to foreign travel so that anyone entering the state from overseas will be required to mandatory quarantine in a hotel or their home. Previously this was "advisory."
More cooperation is anticipated between both sides of the country. The message throughout the island is clear, "Stay at home!"
26/1/2021
Ireland has passed an unenviable record as the country with the highest daily rate of contraction of COVID-19 in the world. This is all the more remarkable as for much of December the country had among the lowest rates in Europe. So what happened?
This does show signs of decreasing but the strain on the health service is approaching alarming levels and though this is coping at present the next two weeks will create the greatest strain. Meanwhile the programme of vaccination is being rolled out. Figures are being quoted of about 0.8% of the population now covered and expected to be doubled by next week.
(12/1/2021)
As the rate of increase in cases continues the number of people requiring hospital treatment is starting to trail this. There are now more people in hospital than at any time during the pandemic at over 1000 with 88 in ICU. Doctors are reporting alarming numbers of people contacting them. They advise that we should regard everybody we meet as a carrier. Since there have been zero reports of the normal winter flu anybody who has flulike symptoms has COVID-19.
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| Confirmed positive cases since start of pandemic! |
In the North of Ireland which is in virtual full "lockdown" as well, the state examinations has been cancelled and the advice is basically the same as the rest of the island - "STAY AT HOME IN JANUARY!"
The one light at the end of the tunnel is the availability of vaccines. Today the European authorisation was made for a second vaccine and hopefully for a third by the end of January.
(6/1/2021)
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| Progress of the Pandemic |
The Christmas holiday season heralded an unprecedented increase in the number of cases in both jurisdictions. The increase was beyond any of the projected figures and necessitated imposition of further restrictions on St Stephen's Day (26 Dec 2020). These were slightly less that the Level 5 that was experienced up to 1st December however as the week progressed it was evident that the those restrictions were not sufficient with cases increasing to almost 3000 cases reported on the Island on 30th December. The Chief Medical Officer of Ireland, Dr Tony Holohan, said this increase was due increased socialisation over the period. However the most alarming thing was the increase of admissions to hospital with the condition. This had doubled in the past seven days.
Full 5 Level was introduced again on that evening - no home visits all non-essential activities forbidden and 5km limit on all travel except for essential shopping or medical purposes. The only light at the end of the tunnel was the commencement of the vaccination programme. Northern Ireland is under the British system which is slightly ahead of the EU system in operation south of the border. Nevertheless this will alter the situation substantially but in the meantime the restrictions and practices - physical distancing, washing hands, the wearing of face coverings especially in closed premises and good ventilation. (31/12/2020).
"After a truly horrible year, the arrival of vaccines today represent a bright new dawn of hope. Vaccination is a gateway of opportunity for Irish people to protect themselves against this awful virus.
The initial delivery (equal across all EU 27) is now in place at -71 deg C." (Irish Health Authority)
Today the number of cases advised to the Department of Health in Ireland is the highest since the pandemic started - 1296. (26/12/2020)
At a press conference in Dublin the Irish CMO announced that we were in the midst of a "third wave" of the disease. Case numbers seem to be heading for a rate of 10% per day in the last week. The Government have to decide what restrictions to bring in and when. It is thought that travel outside of county boundries will be reintroduced as early as St Stephen's Day and many commercial establishments are to be closed down again from lunchtime on Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile over 40 countries have halted all but the most urgent flights from Britain and in Ireland the 48 hour ban has been continued until 31st December 2020 "at least." There is some worry that flights from Britain are still flying into Belfast and the Government there seems unable to act decisively on the matter (unlike Scotland). Figures from Northern Ireland will not be reported until 28th December. (24/12/2020)Due to a particularly contagious strain of the virus, which according to the English Health Secretary is "out of control," a severe restriction has been placed of much of the south east of England including London. Wales & Scotland have also introduced tough restrictions. Countries like Belgium & the Netherlands, Germany Italy and Ireland have introduced a ban on flights from Britain for the next 48 hours "at least". Though the number of cases in Ireland is low by European standards the Chief Medical Officer has said, "Every indicator of disease severity is moving in the wrong direction, more rapidly than we had anticipated." The cases in Ireland show 67% are under 45 years of age and the median age is 34 years old. However the great danger is spreading it to older and other vulnerable people. (20/12/2020)
The level five restrictions were lifted and a limited level three was introduced with most retail and eating establishments open but travel restricted to within county boundries. While this was the situation in the south a new short sharp system was adopted norh of the border. On 18th all travel restrictions were lifted though limited capacity was permitted on public transport. In both areas figures of both positive cases and deaths continue to rise. In the North particularly the hospitals were finding it difficult to cope and help was asked of the South in strengthening the ambulance service. The north are to introduce very strict restrictions on St Stephen's Day an almost complete lockdown until February. The South too is considering strengthening restrictions from late December. There is however hope in that it is believed that vaccinations can start in late December after the EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) approval hopefully on 21st December but not later than 29th December. (19/12/2020)
The British government have announced the approval of one of the vaccination and hope to start a programme of vaccination as early as next week. A quantity of these will be allocated to Northern Ireland. Vaccinations in the rest of the island wait for approval from the European authorities in Amsterdam. Applications for approval for two were submitted to the European standards authority on Tuesday. (2/12/2020)
The six week under Level 5 is sceduled to en on 1st December. All retail outlet will open and from the 4th December restaurants will also be opened. Movements will be restricted to within each county until 18th December when movement throughout Ireland will be permitted until early January. The wearing of face coverings is been increased from indoors in shops etc to wearing outside on the streets. The restrictions did facilitated a marked improvement in the propagation of the disease though not to the degree hoped nevertheless it is remarkable that schools have remained open throughout the period and the "R" number was brought to under 1. The positivity rate was also reduced to around 2.6 and numbers in hospital have remained stable rather than reducing though nowhere near the figures in the first wave.
In the North however the incidence continues to be very high in comparison. At some periods the rate was three times that in the Republic. The authorities there have now introduced a very strict two week close down of all retail establishments from Thursday (26 Nov). In both jurisdictions strong controls are to be maintained on family visits. Strong emphasis is being mado on personnal responsibility. (28/11/2020)
Cases in both jurisdictions continue to increase exponentially and so both Governments have introduced extremely tough regulations. In the Republic the entire country has been placed under Level 5 which is similar to the regulations as those introduced last March though slightly more nuanced - manufacturing is permitted as an "essential service" for example and schools remain open. These are scheduled to be in force until the end of November. In the North the regulations are also very difficult. Here the outbreaks are about half of those in the other part of the island though the population is less than one third however in both the daily increase in cases is greater than at the height of the initial phase. However because of the age of the majority of those catching the disease is under 60 the death rate and the number admitted to hospital is much lower. The attached (right) shows a comparison showing growing total in each area. (20/10/2020)
Due to a significent increase in cases over the weekend (Average daily number over 14 days is 430:Population near 5 million) the Government placed the entire 26 counties under Level 3 restrictions at midnight on Tuesday (6th). The situation in the North is much worse (average 569 over 14 days: Population ca 1.5 million) and is the hardest hit on the island but because the regional government there is dependent on finances from Westminster they are unable sufficiently to back up restrictions financially. Today (Friday 9th) the number of confirmed 1080 in Northern Ireland - the highest since the pandemic started in the area. (9/10/2020)
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| Top: Republic; Below N.Ireland Red:Total Cases Green: Total Deaths Blue: Daily Report of cases |
All six counties of Northern Ireland are placed under further restrictions from 21st September. There will be no mixing of two households indoors except for single-person household bubbles and certain other exemptions. No more than six people from two households can meet in private gardens.
The north western county of Donegal has been moved to Level 3 due to a surge of outbreaks there. It is bordered by the area of Derry/Tyrone in Norther Ireland which is the area of highest outbreak in Northern Ireland - the area of highest outbreak on these islands. (26/9/2020)
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has announced that Dublin is moving to Level 3 of the Living with Covid plan from midnight tonight. He said that all across Europe the coronavirus is gaining a foothold and spreading at a rate not seen since March and April. In the past two weeks many countries have seen a ''doubling of new cases''. He said the threat of Covid-19 is growing throughout Ireland. "Here in our capital, despite people's best efforts over recent weeks, we are in a very dangerous place. Without further urgent and decisive action, there is a very real threat that Dublin could return to the worst stages of this crisis." From midnight tonight, Dublin city and county will move to Level 3 for three weeks. This includes: Visitors to private homes including gardens from one household only, up to a maximum of six people; No indoor gatherings and outdoor gatherings up to a maximum of 15. Restaurants and pubs serving food must close for indoor dining but can stay open for takeaway and delivery or a maximum of 14 customers outdoors. (18/9/2020)
A steady though slow increase in cases in Ireland has been occuring in both areas from the end of August continuing through September. There is a large number in "clusters" which are mostly family units. The other notable is that the majority of cases are aged under 45 years of age. There is a worrying number of "community transfer" cases as well. Schools returned however during this period and seems to have gone reasonably well. People are encouraged to restrict their one-on-one meetings and to avoid congregating in groups exceeding 6, maintain a two metre physical distance, washing hands frequently, wearing face coverings in confined spaces and download the Covid Tracker.
Many of us are involved (perhaps for the first time) in video meetings. This article Mastering the role of the virtual meeting host (Elizabeth Scarce, Control Engineering 8/5/2020). BMON which always gives good advice on on-line procedures & marketing has recently written How to look more professional on a Zoom or Teams call. (24/1/2020)
Automation News/Links
Monitoring: The key to vaccine production and distribution safety (Laboratory News 2/12/2021)
Pandemic casts long shadow as labour shortages plague manufacturers. (InTech Oct 2021)
Autonomous disinfecting robots join the front lines of the coronavirus battle (InTech May June 2020)
Robotics & Automation industries post COVID-19 (Connectivity 23/6/2019)
Motion control market hit by Covid-19 (IEB 23/6/2020)
Christophe Roche of Endress+Hauser Ireland on how Covid-19 has affected their business. (YouTube 22/6/2020)
Survey reveals that British public sees key role for robotics in tackling COVID-19 &future pandemics (UK-RAS 19/6/2020)
With the resumption of in-person trade fairs, in Nov 2021 SPS returns to its traditional venue of the Nuremberg exhibition centre. (Read-out Signpost 1/10/2021)
Meet the engineers who are exceeding expectations and improving operations as the COVID-19 pandemic continues! (Control Engineering 8/9/2021)
Digital Transformation Key to Vaccine Development and Rollout (Sergio Velasquez - Emerson - 14/7/2021)
Covid prompts new thinking and 17% bump in tech spend in ‘21 (Fierce Electronics 1/7/2022)
Siemens and BioNTech expand their collaboration for global vaccine production (Siemens 23/6/2021)
Lowering Covid Risk with ventilation (Vaisala 12/5/2021) see also COVID-19 response resources from ASHRAE
Five technologies that can help manufacturers evolve after COVID-19 (Control Engineering 5/5/2021)
Is the Pandemic Changing the Client Supplier Relationship? (Automation World - 29/3/20210)
Creating Success for Every Worker Amid and Beyond the Pandemic (Automaition.com - 16/3/2021)
AI Adoption Accelerated During the Pandemic, but Many Say it's Moving too Fast (Automation.Com/KPMG)
Cybersecurity and COVID-19. (Lynx Survey in USA)
Manufacturers Must Adapt Workers’ Skills for Fast COVID-19 Recovery (Automation Jan2021)
How robotics engineers are taking on COVID-19. (Control Engineering Dec 2020)
CO2 Gas Sensors assess COVID-19 transmission risk. (IDTechEx 12/11/2020)
Why energy producers need to increase remote operations capacity today, and how to transition securely. (Automation.com 28/10/2020)
What have we learned about the virus, so far? (Sterling Presentation Health 21/10/2020)
Back to work safely (FLIR 13/10/2020)
Test & Measurement sector - Gambica Advice (PBSI - 30/9/2020)
Test & Measurement sector - Gambica Advice (PBSI - 30/9/2020)
Support safe opening (Omron 22/9/2020)
Plans for AGM ( ISA Ireland 14/9/2020)
Automation Supplier Revenues Plummet in First Half of 2020 Courtesy of COVID-19 (ARC Advisory 27/8/2020)
Webinars for industrial communications (CANinAutomation 25/8/2020)
People, Processes & Pandemics (Interactive White Paper, Paul Galeski/Maverick 24/8/2020)
Using automation to keep workers at food manufacturing plants safe during the pandemic. (Automation Insights 19/8/2020)
People, Processes & Pandemics (Interactive White Paper, Paul Galeski/Maverick 24/8/2020)
Using automation to keep workers at food manufacturing plants safe during the pandemic. (Automation Insights 19/8/2020)
Workplace distancing and contact tracing technology! (Emerson 19/8/2020)
Opto-sensors for touch-free life. (Anglia 19/8/2020)
Automation helps with COVID-19, energy efficiency, robotics, non-contact motion control, STEM (Control Engineering 12/8/2020)
Automation helps with COVID-19, energy efficiency, robotics, non-contact motion control, STEM (Control Engineering 12/8/2020)
How many were there? (CrowdScan 14/7/2020)
Autonomous disinfecting robots join the front lines of the coronavirus battle (InTech May June 2020)
Robotics & Automation industries post COVID-19 (Connectivity 23/6/2019)
Motion control market hit by Covid-19 (IEB 23/6/2020)
Christophe Roche of Endress+Hauser Ireland on how Covid-19 has affected their business. (YouTube 22/6/2020)
Survey reveals that British public sees key role for robotics in tackling COVID-19 &future pandemics (UK-RAS 19/6/2020)
Helping organisations make their own face coverings. (Festo 17/6/2020)
There is no dip! (ARC Advisory 12/6/2020)
Innovative Engineering Solutions Contribute to COVID-19 Medical Protection (Automation.com 29/5/2020)
Will COVID-19 change the future of the electric grid? (ARC Advisory 27/5/2020)
Top products since COVID-19 pandemic relate to air control and/or cleaning (Control Engineering 21/5/2020)
Coronavirus phishing attacks rising (Control Eng 14/5/2020)
There is no dip! (ARC Advisory 12/6/2020)
Innovative Engineering Solutions Contribute to COVID-19 Medical Protection (Automation.com 29/5/2020)
Will COVID-19 change the future of the electric grid? (ARC Advisory 27/5/2020)
Top products since COVID-19 pandemic relate to air control and/or cleaning (Control Engineering 21/5/2020)
Coronavirus phishing attacks rising (Control Eng 14/5/2020)
How robotics can fight the Coronavirus pandemic. (ARC -Smart City Podcast 11/5/2021)
AQE & WWEM postponed until May 2021 (4/5/2020)
The Future of Business in a World with Coronavirus (Corsini Group 28/4/2020)
All automation face-to-face events cancelled for 2020 (ISA 24/4/2020)
My thoughts on COVID-19 (Real Time Automation 15/4/2020)
Analog Devices Contributes to Global Fight Against COVID-19 (ADI 8/4/2020)
How Emerson is responding to the Covid-19 outbreak (MPN 6/4/2020)
We need some constants in our lives. (BMON 2/4/2020)
Our commitment during the COVID 19 outbreak. (Maverick 1/4/2020)
Harting cable assemblies for medical devices (1/4/2020)
Corona pandemic and CAN. (CiA 1/4/2020)
Support for ventilators (Anglia GB 30/3/2020)
An exhibition hall as a temporary hospital? (Bmon 29/3/2020)
Survey on impact of COVID-19 on electronics industry released (Control Engineering 28/3/2020)
ACHEMA preparations and the impact of SARS-CoV-2. (ACHEMA 26/3/2020)
Hannover Fair 2020 - (Cancelled next fair in 2021; 26/3/2020)
Covid-19 Related Event and Training Status Update Hub (ISA 26/3/2020)
Business Supports Udarás na Gaeltachta (25/3/2020)
Impact of COVID-19 on Industrial Markets (Collection of studies from ARC Advisory 25/3/2020)
ARC Industry Forum Europe Goes Virtual (25/3/2020)
Belfast Seminar deferred to October 2020 (Profibus 24/3/2020)
Making remote working work! (GC Forge 24/3/20200
Helping fight COVID-19 through better comms (BMON 23/3/2020)
Gas analyser manufacturer offers help! (Signal Group 23/3/2020)
Coronavirus will force manufacturers to enhance automation, digitalization (Control 18/3/2020)
Business Update For Fiscal Second Quarter (Keysight 18/3/2020)
COVID-19 UpDate (Headwell Photonics:17/3/2020)
Industry 4.0 Summit (Cancellation GB Media & Events Ltd 16/3/2020)
Working from home productively (BeMon 16/3/2020)
Enterprise Ireland Business Response – COVID-19 (13/3/2020)
Apple Worldwide (13th March 2020)
Statement from ISA Europe (13 March 2020)
Measures from Anglia Components. (11th March 2020)
COVID-19 Webpage (IDA 10/3/2020)
productronica China: New date in July 2020 has been set (10th March 2020)
What’s going to happen about PI UK’s events? (Profibus/Profinet UK 9th March 2020)
Analytica 2020 - Munich (6th March 2020)
New date October 2020
Coronavirus and the ARC Automation Index. (ARC Advisory Group 6th March 2020)
Emerson User Group Event - Milan! (Postponed 27th February 2020)
Rescheduled for March 2021 same venue!
New Dates for Control World Expo 2020 (Kuala Lumpur 7th February 2020)
AQE & WWEM postponed until May 2021 (4/5/2020)
The Future of Business in a World with Coronavirus (Corsini Group 28/4/2020)
All automation face-to-face events cancelled for 2020 (ISA 24/4/2020)
My thoughts on COVID-19 (Real Time Automation 15/4/2020)
Analog Devices Contributes to Global Fight Against COVID-19 (ADI 8/4/2020)
How Emerson is responding to the Covid-19 outbreak (MPN 6/4/2020)
We need some constants in our lives. (BMON 2/4/2020)
Our commitment during the COVID 19 outbreak. (Maverick 1/4/2020)
Harting cable assemblies for medical devices (1/4/2020)
Corona pandemic and CAN. (CiA 1/4/2020)
Support for ventilators (Anglia GB 30/3/2020)
An exhibition hall as a temporary hospital? (Bmon 29/3/2020)
Survey on impact of COVID-19 on electronics industry released (Control Engineering 28/3/2020)
ACHEMA preparations and the impact of SARS-CoV-2. (ACHEMA 26/3/2020)
Hannover Fair 2020 - (Cancelled next fair in 2021; 26/3/2020)
Covid-19 Related Event and Training Status Update Hub (ISA 26/3/2020)
Business Supports Udarás na Gaeltachta (25/3/2020)
| Coronavirus (WHO) Coronavirus (EU) COVID-19 Updates (Ireland) Public Health NI (Northern Ireland) Coronavirus (UK) Coronavirus (USA)  |
ARC Industry Forum Europe Goes Virtual (25/3/2020)
Belfast Seminar deferred to October 2020 (Profibus 24/3/2020)
Making remote working work! (GC Forge 24/3/20200
Helping fight COVID-19 through better comms (BMON 23/3/2020)
Gas analyser manufacturer offers help! (Signal Group 23/3/2020)
Coronavirus will force manufacturers to enhance automation, digitalization (Control 18/3/2020)
Business Update For Fiscal Second Quarter (Keysight 18/3/2020)
COVID-19 UpDate (Headwell Photonics:17/3/2020)
Industry 4.0 Summit (Cancellation GB Media & Events Ltd 16/3/2020)
Working from home productively (BeMon 16/3/2020)
Enterprise Ireland Business Response – COVID-19 (13/3/2020)
Apple Worldwide (13th March 2020)
Statement from ISA Europe (13 March 2020)
Measures from Anglia Components. (11th March 2020)
COVID-19 Webpage (IDA 10/3/2020)
productronica China: New date in July 2020 has been set (10th March 2020)
What’s going to happen about PI UK’s events? (Profibus/Profinet UK 9th March 2020)
Analytica 2020 - Munich (6th March 2020)
New date October 2020
Coronavirus and the ARC Automation Index. (ARC Advisory Group 6th March 2020)
Emerson User Group Event - Milan! (Postponed 27th February 2020)
Rescheduled for March 2021 same venue!
New Dates for Control World Expo 2020 (Kuala Lumpur 7th February 2020)
#PAuto #TandM #Automation
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