The implications of Covid-19 on travel

PAID CONTENT: Home Instead, Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar - 044 9385260 - www.homeinstead.ie

By Jonathan Acton

jonathan.acton@homeinstead.ie

To date we are still awaiting the release of the green list of countries that do not require 14-day restricted movements after travelling home from visiting.

I would like to point out one fact in relation to the green list, however – is not a green light for us all to start researching cheap flights and booking our holidays in the sun.

One of my friends as recently as today (Monday July 20) called me up to see if I would be interested in going to Malta for a week.

After I stopped laughing at the suggestion I asked: ‘Do you mean next summer?’.

He was very disappointed when I explained that this green list is only relevant for people returning from essential travel, not for people planning a fun trip away in the sun to holiday or visit friends.

I continued to explain that during lockdown the percentage of Covid-19 cases related to travel was at 1.4%.

At present our percentage of cases related to travel is at 12%, which although it is a jump, is still not too much cause for worry considering the number of our daily cases.

If we were to open the floodgates of travel, however, we could be looking at a far more bleak outcome in relation to the spread of Covid-19.

It is clear at present in Ireland the biggest contributor to spreading Covid-19 is house parties and gatherings that are taking place all over the country.

The latest advice states that only gatherings of 10 people are permitted, from a maximum of four different families.

In fairness, would you want any more in your home anyway?!

Returning to travel, there is a clear corridor open to abuse at present and reports suggest there needs to be action taken to ensure the safety of the people of the Republic and Northern Ireland.

The English travel restrictions are being described as ludicrous and unmonitored.

Because there is not a unified approach to Covid-19 between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, it means at present you can fly in and out of Belfast and you do not have to commit to limiting your movements for 14 days on return, as is the standard from flying from the Republic of Ireland.

This clearly puts people in the south at risk in spite of our high level of compliance and adherence to public health advice.

In relation to senior care, there is a good argument for non-essential travel at present and it is being debated in many public forums.

It’s the issue of isolation for seniors due to restrictions.

At present there are many seniors living abroad who have not seen family for a long time, due to the pandemic restrictions.

These people have missed family funerals and births along with the normal everyday things they used to be able to enjoy and share.

Likewise, there are seniors experiencing isolation at home, for many reasons, including emigration, self-isolation or the death of a spouse.

I would appeal to you all to please visit anyone you might know that you feel could be lonely at this time, even if it is just for a simple cup of tea and a chat.

That visit could turn their entire day or week around.

Also, if you have anyone in your life that you feel could benefit from a caring professional CAREGiver calling on a regular basis to check all is well and ensure they receive some assistance in their own home,please call us at Home Instead (044 9385260) and we will take care of the rest.