University
Express
Volume 24 | Issue 6 | Tuesday 8th December 2020
“Initiatives like the UCC Bystander Intervention Programme are tackling harmful behaviours such as image based sexual crime through education and empowerment.” - pg 6 -
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“Like an old and trusted friend, the Holly Bough will always be there for you’ begins the 2020 message on their website, and this year more than most, the comfort of this Cork tradition’s continuance was felt.” - p18 -
“Online shopping in Ireland was at 51% the past month, overtaking in-person shopping, not surprising due to the Level Five lockdown” - p32 -
COUNTRY AND COLLEGES EXIT LEVEL 5 FOR CHRISTMAS
Writes Maeve McTaggart, News Editor After six weeks of Level 5 restrictions, the reopening process of retail, restaurants and other amenities began on December 1st as part of the government’s Safe Christmas Plan. The nation is now operating under Level 3 restrictions with the festive season allowing for a number of exceptions - much of these were against the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). Galleries, museums and cinemas have opened in a departure from the original Level 3 restrictions, as have restaurants and gastro-pubs. Places of worship have reopened with a congregation of 50 peo-
ple allowed and inter-county travel will be permitted from 18th December for those travelling home for Christmas. From this date, gatherings between up to 3 households can occur in homes and gardens. The guidance on face masks has also been updated by the government with Taoiseach Micháel Martin announcing that in addition to wearing masks indoors, “people will be asked to also wear their masks outdoors on busy streets, within crowded indoor workplaces and in places of worship.” This first Christmas with Covid-19 will be different to any before it and the health advice is conscious of this, reminding people to celebrate safely. “Avoid hugs, kisses and handshakes as people arrive,” the guidelines read,
“don’t share items like crockery and very precarious position where we are glassware; avoid sharing food; wear a vulnerable to a sudden sharp increase mask when cooking and serving food.” in incidence.” Dr Holohan warned of the impact intergenerational mixIt is hoped that such advice will curb the ing during the Christmas period will spread of the virus as much as possible have on “our particularly vulnerable” during the Christmas season, as another health service due to an increase in bout of Level 5 restrictions is unlikely hospitalisations and ICU admittance. to achieve the public buy-in and enthusiasm it would need. Daily case num- Education remains a priority for both bers have been cut by 75 per cent since NPHET and the Irish government as early October, from a peak of around childcare, primary, and secondary 1,200 to under 300 daily cases - but this schools continue to operate in accorfalls short of the target public health dance with health guidelines until they officials had held of 50-100 cases a day. break for Christmas holidays. Further, higher and adult education inThe chief medical officer Dr Tony Ho- stitutions such as UCC remain remote lohan has written in a letter to the gov- during the modified Level 3 period. ernment that the relaxation of Level 3 restrictions will lead to a difficult scenario in January 2021: “Ireland is in a Cover Story Continued on Page 3....