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Significant decline in COVID cases in 19-24 age-group says HSE

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With the rate of COVID-19 cases declining in the 19-24 age-group, the HSE has today (Tuesday) praised third-level students for their efforts to help reduce the spread of infection. Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Anne Sheahan, confirmed that the rate of COVID-19 is declining in this particular age-group in Cork and Kerry and is now at a similar level to the general population.

 

“This tells us that this age-group, including third-level students, have made huge efforts in recent weeks to stick to the tough but necessary measures which stop the spread of COVID-19 including not socialising, physical distancing and wearing masks,” Dr Sheahan said.

She thanked students and young people for their efforts, and added that the current restrictions which prevent normal socialising are particularly difficult for young people.

“This is a very big ask of young people, we’ve had to ask them to give up so much at a very important stage of life. I want to thank these young people for their efforts. By giving up socialising and by taking the hard decision not to interact with your social groups, you have saved lives and are contributing to the falling levels of COVID-19 in the South,” she said.

While the rates of  COVID-19 continue to fall, Dr Sheahan warned that everyone still needs to continue to stick with the restrictions in order to continue this positive trend.

“Together, we have turned the tide on the third wave of COVID-19 in Cork and Kerry, and I want to thank the student population for the part they have played in that. Unfortunately, I need to ask you to keep it up so that we make the most of this chance to drive infection rates as low as possible. This is a true community effort and it is reassuring to see that students and young people continue to play their part,” she said.

The Department of Public Health (HSE South) has linked with student representatives and third-level institutions in recent months as part of local efforts to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, and Dr Sheahan said this collaboration has been very effective.

“We have linked with student representatives in recent months in Cork and Kerry, and have been very impressed by the supports they have put in place to assist students missing out on the social interaction which are such an important part of student life.”

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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