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05 Sept 2025
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05 Sept 2025
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Professor Breda Smyth made the recommendation
The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has said that she wants older people to return to doing the things they love following the Covid-19 pandemic.
It follows after figures from the Health Service Executive released yesterday showed that over 27 per cent of Covid-19 related deaths were in nursing homes.
Professor Breda Smyth said in an open letter to older Irish people: We know that many people still feel apprehensive about getting out and about.
"So, I would like to offer my reassurance that today we are – thankfully – in a much better place.
"We have access to safe, effective vaccines; we know these vaccines save lives and help protect us from the worst effects of COVID-19.
"Your vaccinations offer a high level of protection, so you can feel safe while engaging with others. We also have effective antiviral treatment.
'WE CANNOT ALLOW IT TO STEAL MORE YEARS FROM US'
The CMO continued: "The pandemic has taught us to embrace stronger personal protective behaviours, like hand-cleaning and practising good respiratory etiquette.
"With measures like these, we are learning to live with COVID-19. But we cannot allow it to steal more years from us.
"If you haven’t yet returned to doing the things that you love, I am encouraging you to do so now.
"Spend time with grandchildren, re-join local clubs or activities or get involved in your local community.
"All of us can play our part, by reaching out to the older people in our lives.
"Their wisdom and experience can only enrich life for us all.
"Understandably, people may still feel anxious about COVID-19, particularly those with underlying health conditions.
"Anyone who feels safer by wearing a mask should be supported in their choice.
She concluded: "So today, take that first step, and reconnect."
In related news, a former member of NPHET, Professor Martin Cormican, said on Monday last that making vaccines for Covid-19 a legal obligation should have been considered, and should become mandatory in the event of a future pandemic.
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