Man brought to special court sitting over Ballinasloe stabbing

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March 24, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway publicans express disappointment with ongoing closure of wet pubs

The Vintners Federation of Ireland, which represents publicans around the country, is asking landlords to help local pubs survive the coronavirus pandemic.

The VFI is asking landlords to meet with their tenant publicans and come to an understanding about rent payments during the nationwide shutdown of pubs during this health crisis.

The government asked all pubs in the country to close down earlier this month in order to prevent people from spreading Covid-19.

“Since the enforced shutdown we have worked with the banks, TV subscription services, drink suppliers and other suppliers to come to an agreement about forbearance and payment suspension for the coming months,” said VFI Chief

“The clear majority, understanding the crisis pubs are facing, have made meaningful efforts to accommodate our members,” he added.

“We need landlords to exercise the same understanding because there is little point in demanding money that isn’t there.”

“We need to work together to get through the current crisis. The relationships we strengthen now through mutually acceptable agreements will make the return to normal trading easier for all.”

This plea for help comes as the VFI has condemned those pubs which have chosen to open despite the governments guidance that they should close.

Though the initial guidance was a request, new emergency legislation passed last week gives Health Minister Simon Harris the power to shut down premises that are not complying.

Beyond just this shutdown, Minister Harris has said himself that “we will remember those who undermined the health and wellbeing of our people when it comes to renewing licences”.

Salthill car parks closed to reduce visitor numbers

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March 24, 2020

Galway Daily news Council orders car parks closed ahead of Storm Isha hitting Galway City

Galway City Council has closed the two main car parks in Salthill in order to reduce the number of visitors to the Prom and help social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Salthill car park on the Promenade was closed from Monday evening, and Toft car park is closed as of today.

The council said that that this move is being made both to reduce visitor numbers to the area and to aid in social distancing.

The city council recently installed new painted signage on the ground along the Prom in order to show people the proper distance they should be maintaining to limit the possibility of spreading Covid-19.

Approval given for expansion of Loughrea supermarket

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March 24, 2020

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

Galway County Council has granted planning permission for the expansion of a Supervalu supermarket in Loughrea.

Approval was sought by Greenstream ULC for the retention and completion of an expansion to an existing supermarket at Cosmona, Loughrea.

The expansion consists of incorporating 64sqm from an adjacent retail unit into the Supervalu at Loughrea Shopping Centre.

The county council requested further information from the developer in February about the intended use of the expansion, noting that the portion currently in use is being used to store trolleys.

In response the developer said “It is intended to use the extended area for the retail sale of comparison goods.”

“This activity is ancillary to, and in keeping with, the wider permitted use of the supermarket as per the parent planning permission”.

Planning permission was granted by Galway City Council with a total of four conditions attached.

The council stipulated that “this space shall not be used for the sale of comparison goods which would normally be found in town centre locations”.

“This excludes the sale of clothing, footwear, food, books/music/toys, small goods, all service activities including personal services, financial services”.

The developer is also obliged to pay €1,376 to the county council as a contribution towards the public services which will be provided to this supermarket.

Coronavirus: city council shutters sports facilities

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March 24, 2020

Galway Daily news €3.3 million in grants awarded to Galway Community Centres

Galway City Council has taken the decision this week to close public sports facilities around the city to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The council had already shut facilities such as community centres in order to limit the venues in which people could transmit the coronavirus, but that list of shuttered amenities has now expanded.

Fianna Fáil city councillor Alan Cheevers welcomed the move, saying that he believes it is “vital to combat and to decrease the curve of Covid-19”.

“I have seen large groups over weekend congregating in tennis courts, basketball courts and all weather facilities,” councillor Cheevers said, noting that people are not abiding by the council’s guidelines on social distancing.

“We must do everything we can to protect the health of our citizens and bring down the curve,” Alan Cheevers emphasised.

The move comes as Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard has called on the government to declare a nationwide lockdown, saying that social distancing guidelines simply aren’t being adhered to.

Concerns have also been expressed about the continued operation of the Prom in Salthill, despite the new signage indicating the social distancing people should be practicing.

The Fianna Fáil grouping on Galway City Council has called on the council and chief executive to close both the Prom and Eyre Square,

The list of sports facilities shuttered by the city council s of this week includes:

MUGA Multi-Use Games Area Corrib Park

All Weather Pitch at Corrib Park

MUGA Multi-Use Games Area located behind Glen Oaks Hotel, Rahoon Rd.

All Weather Pitch Cappagh Park

Tennis Courts located at Westside Amenity Park

Basketball Courts at Westside Amenity Park

Skate Park at Millenium Park

All Weather Pitch Bohermore Park

Tennis Courts at McGraths Field

Tennis Courts at Crestwood Park

Tennis Courts at Roscam Park

Basketball Courts at Roscam Park

Skate Park at Doughiska Park

Astroturf Pitch at Doughiska Park

Tennis Court at Doughiska Park

Basketball Court at Doughiska Park

All City Council facilities under licence arrangements

GAA & Juvenile GAA pitches at Cappagh Park.

All Weather Sports Facilities

Boxing Club at Westside

COVID-19: Galway TD says we need to ‘wake up’ and increase emergency measures now

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March 23, 2020

Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

A Galway West TD has said that it is time to bring in increased emergency measures and restrictions to combat COVID-19.

Mairéad Farrell TD said that ‘other countries have learned, to their cost, that delay costs lives’.

She also said that ‘mixed messages’ from the Government must stop.

“In the space of a few short weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused levels of national and international disruption unprecedented in our lifetimes. We need to wake up to that here,” she said.

The Sinn Féin TD said that welcome interventions have been made to get ahead of this virus, but ‘the truth is that we now need more urgent, decisive action’ from the government.

“They need to be taking every necessary measure to save lives,” said Deputy Farrell.

“Social distancing is central to this strategy, but Government Ministers can’t criticise people for gathering together, while at the same time saying that gatherings of up to five hundred people outdoors are still allowed.

“This limits the ability of the relevant authorities to enforce social distancing. These mixed messages must stop.

“It was deeply frustrating to see the large numbers of people filling our beaches and coastal communities last weekend when local people who are trying to avoid contracting the virus were virtually marooned in their homes.

“Nobody should be holidaying at this time. People should be staying in their primary homes, walking and shopping in their local communities.

“It is time now to scale up emergency measures and restrictions. Other countries have learned, to their cost, that delay costs lives.

“We also need urgent action to ensure that tens of thousands of people who have lost their jobs are protected financially and that they can provide for their families at this time.”

Setting out her party’s plan for a comprehensive Income Support Scheme for workers and families impacted by the crisis, she said: “Sinn Féin has proposed the immediate introduction of an Income Support Scheme that will guarantee an income of up to €525 per week for 20 weeks for all workers that are laid off as a result of the current crisis.

“This would benefit every worker and would mean that everyone who earns up to €32,500 a year will receive their full wage.

“The people of this State bailed out the country’s banks a decade ago. Now we need an bailout for workers and families.”

Coronavirus: Confirmed cases in Galway rise to 33

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March 23, 2020

The number of people with COVID-19 in Galway has risen to 33.

The number of confirmed cases in the state has risen by 219 with two more people dying from the disease.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases in the Republic to 1,125.

The two patients who died were males in the east of the country, the Department of Health has confirmed.

Of those who have tested positive for the virus, 55% are male and 44% are female, with 37 clusters involving 210 cases.

The median age of confirmed cases is 44 years and almost a third (239) have been hospitalised.

Galway has the third highest number of cases with 33, which is 4% of the total confirmed in the state.

Dublin has the highest number with 471 cases, and Cork is the second most affected, with 104 confirmed cases.

Mayo has six confirmed cases.

More to follow..

Galway start-up to pitch live to thousands tomorrow in online event

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March 23, 2020

galway daily news start up company galway ev energy raj lyons

Galway-based start up EV Energy has been selected to compete and pitch live to thousands of people at a major international event.

Based in Ballinasloe, Galway, the business is one of six start-ups which have been chosen from 100s to compete at the Smarter Mobility World Event.

The event was originally due to take place in the Sustainable City in Dubai, but is now a digital event.

The six start-ups have been selected for having a unique impact on innovation and the ability to solve challenges within the area of smarter mobility.

EV Energy is committed to solving challenges around the electric vehicle charging.

The 3 biggest challenges are a lack of education for automotive dealerships and EV drivers in the area of EV charging; poor EV charging infrastructure; and drivers experiencing range anxiety.

We aim to solve these problems with our Unique SMART Charging Mobility platform that empowers, educates and supports the everyday lives of Electric Vehicle drivers across the World.

It also has the added benefit of an integrated, public and private, on-demand charging network: ‘The EV Energy Smart Charging Network’.

The pitch will take place online tomorrow between 1.00pm and 2.00pm and everyone is encouraged to tune in, to show their support.

The event can be viewed here: https://generationehq.com/smarter-mobility-world/ .

Raj Lyons will be the first Irish person from the Irish Automotive Industry to be speaking on one of the panel discussions regarding smarter electric mobility.

Speaking ahead of the event, he said: “Our exciting EV Energy App Version 1 will be released in the coming weeks and is very unique.

“It is a Network of EV Charging / EV Education and EV Community Communication which has some excellent features and will continue to offer drivers the leading tools to support them on their daily commutes in their Electric Vehicles.”

Supermac’s closing all outlets this week

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March 23, 2020

Galway Daily news Supermac's top chart for best Customer Experience among Irish restaurant sector

Supermac’s has announced that it is closing all of its outlets from this week due to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The Galway based fast food Supermac’s chain said that the “ever changing challenges” presented by the current crisis have forced this move.

All seating areas in their outlets will close tonight, and remain shut, and all outlets will fully close by 7pm on Thursday, March 26.

The delay between the closing of seating areas and the restaurants themselves is in order to allow emergency services using outlets for food to make alternate arrangements the company said in a statment.

For the past week Supermac’s has been offering free meals to members of the emergency services on the front line of this crisis.

“We would like to thank our staff and customers in these challenging times. We would also like to thank the emergency personnel and wish them well in these unprecedented times.”

Supermac’s is the latest in a long list of major chains which are shutting down for the duration of this public health crisis.

McDonald’s announced yesterday that all of its branches in the UK and Ireland from 7pm today, and coffee chain Starbucks has also announced that it is closing its Irish outlets.

Coronavirus: Mayor Cubbard calls for nationwide lockdown

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March 23, 2020

Galway Daily news Ring out the year with a cheer for frontline workers in Christmas convoy

Mayor of Galway City Mike Cubbard is calling on the government to enact a complete lockdown on Ireland during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Cubbard made a statement calling for a lockdown today, saying that social distancing guidelines to limit the spread of coronavirus simply aren’t working.

“Having witnessed far too many crowds gathering, hearing reports of house parties, seeing some restaurants operate without a care in the world and seeing first hand the amount of people ignoring the social distancing guidelines it leaves me with little choice.”

There has been widespread frustration at people refusing to abide by social distancing, with stories and pictures of people packing parks and beaches shared widely on social media.

Galway City Council has attempted to make it easier for people to see what distance they should keep from others with new signage painted on the Prom in Salthill.

The city council has also warned that amenities such as the Prom will only remain open so long as people abide by these guidelines, else they could be shut down along with many other facilities.

Lockdown

“In a time of uncertainty and high risk to public health we need big decisions made and in good time,” Mike Cubbard said.

The Independent city councillor said that he has contacted the government to ask it to make this “brave call” to protect people against the coronavirus, adding that it isn’t waiting for people to make decisions.

“A few weeks of a complete shutdown is better than months of uncertainty,” Mayor Cubbard said, adding that “we have tried putting the onus on people” to voluntarily distance, but this has failed.

He is not the only Mayor to come out in support of a national lockdown today, as similar calls to action have also been made by the mayors of Cork and Dublin.

However, Minister for Health Simon Harris has said that the government has no plans to introduce stricter measures, so long as social distancing is abided by.

He added that the government will only act on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer.

Decision imminent on plans for new convent in Galway City

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March 23, 2020

Galway Daily news Decision imminent on plans for new convent in Galway City

Galway City Council is due to make a decision this week on whether to grant approval for the construction of a new convent building on Nuns’ Island.

The Presentation Sisters intend to build a modern new convent just to the north of their existing building, facing onto the canal at Nuns’ Island next to St. Joseph’s Church.

They intend to build a 14 bedroom convent building, with other facilities including an oratory, reception, living/dining area, and an administrator’s apartment.

Other work involved in the project will include the demolition of an extension to Presentation National School and several outbuildings.

Last October the city council asked why the Presentation NS had not been factored into the design, to which it was answered that there would be no intensification of use on site, as the school is to be abandoned.

The disused school building itself, a Protected Structure, will be converted into part of the living quarters of the new facilities, which will require that installation of two new staircases and six new windows.

In response to a request from the city council the proposed design was altered to move the new convent building further back from the banks of the canal.

An addendum to the Architectural Heritage Assessment Report said that the new buildings would have a minimal impact on the 18th century Walled Gardens which make up part of the site.

“The selected location of the building avoids any significant impact on the main axis paths, any mature trees, and the main features of note”.

It also stated that the development would have no impact on the Protected Structure of Eglinton Canal and Waterways.

A Flood Risk Assessment, Appropriate Assessment for an NIS, and an Ecological Impact Assessment report were submitted with this planning application.

An application cover letter from Sean Dockery & Associates architects said “This application is primarily for a new convent building for the sisters within the boundaries of the current premises.”

“It will facilitate a residency to current standards with a building suitable to meet their needs in a manner that is compliant with current Building Regulations”.

Galway City Council is due to decide on whether to grant planning permission for this convent by Thursday, March 26.

Coronavirus: NUIG confirms two cases among student body

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March 23, 2020

NUIG has said that there have been two confirmed cases of Covid-19 coronavirus among its student body, both of who are self-isolating.

NUI Galway has been closed since March 12, when the government ordered schools, colleges and childcare facilities shut in order to limit the spread of coronavirus.

This week the university is resuming teaching online after spending the past week sharing resources and preparing a full online curriculum.

NUIG has also been keeping the student body updated with the latest information on its services, advice from the government, and the status of Covid-19 coronavirus among staff an students.

“Over the weekend, we were made aware of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our student community,” President of NUIG Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said today.

“Both patients have been in communication with us: we understand, thankfully, they are both doing well, self-isolating and receiving advice from the HSE.”

“I am heartened by the caring and timely responses of several of our colleagues in looking after the wellbeing of our students at this time.”

Full lockdown not the way to go despite concerns, insists Government

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March 23, 2020

Galway Daily news Taoiseach Varadkar meeting with local businesses in Ballinasloe visit

Minister Simon Harris has said that the Government still has no plans to introduce stricter measures to ensure that social distancing is observed.

He said that the government will act only on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, and will not be swayed by public opinion on social media.

Speaking to Bryan Dobson on Morning Ireland today, the Minister for Health called once again for people to abide by advice on social distancing, while in public.

He said: “To be very clear to everybody in Ireland today: you need to abide by the social distancing. That means there should be 2 metres between you and other people.”

Simon Harris also admitted that there are some places in which social distancing is not possible – so better guidance in relation to public playgrounds and public spaces ‘could be useful’.

The Health Minister then accompanied the Taoiseach to ALONE where Leo Varadkar echoed his colleagues views on a lockdown.

He said he took on board the advice of the WHO’s Chief Executive Director Dr Mike Ryan in on strict lockdowns, such as those currently in place in Spain, Italy and France.

Leo Varadkar said that Dr Mike Ryan suggested that “some countries are focusing a bit too much on lockdown and if you have a very sharp lockdown, and you reverse it, the virus might come roaring back”.

However, some commentators noticed that even during the government’s press briefing this morning, 2 metre social distancing wasn’t being observed – despite the best efforts of the journalists, workers and TDs present to avoid each other.

Leo Varadkar and Simon Harris arriving at ALONE – where it's very hard to maintain social distancing pic.twitter.com/TbMiq5gW4h
— Hugh O'Connell (@oconnellhugh) March 23, 2020

Meanwhile Sinn Fein continues to favour a much stronger approach, with Mary Lou McDonald saying today: “It is now necessary to shutdown everything except essential services. Delay costs lives.”

#StayAtHome

Three men hospitalised in Ballinasloe stabbing

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March 23, 2020

Gardaí in Ballinasloe have arrested a man after three people received stabbing injuries from an altercation which took place yesterday evening.

The stabbing incident took place at approximately 7pm in Brackernagh, Ballinasloe on Sunday when a fight broke out between four young men.

Three men, all aged in their 20s, received stab wounds during the course of the altercation.

All three attended at Portiuncula Hospital for treatment. Two remain in hospital, where they are receiving treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

One person, a 20 year old man, has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently being detained at Ballinasloe Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

A garda spokesperson said that all four of the young men were known to each other.

Gardaí have said that they are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident, but are asking for any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station by calling 090 963 1890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station.

Bank of Ireland to temporarily close 101 branches: List of Galway branches to stay open

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March 23, 2020

Galway Daily news Bank of Ireland to reopen closed branches on June 29

Bank of Ireland has announced it will temporarily close 101 branches across the country due to the ongoing pandemic.

The closures are part of changes which will come into effect from tomorrow, Tuesday 24 March.

161 branches across the country, including 11 in Co. Galway, will remain open as normal.

Of the 161 branches open tomorrow, 148 of these will provide a full service to customers, while the other 13 locations are Advice and Self Service branches.

These will provide cash and cheque lodgement and cash withdrawal facilities through self-service devices, but will not offer a counter service.

Every branch will continue to provide an external ATM cash withdrawal service.

Normal opening hours will continue in the branches that are open.

These branches will also continue the provision of prioritised services for over 65s and carers between 10.00am and 11.00am, Monday to Friday.

Galway branches still open from Tuesday 24 March 2020

Ballinasloe

Clifden

Galway City Eyre Square

Galway Industrial Estate Mervue

Gort

Loughrea

Mountbellew

Salthill

Portumna

Tuam

Oranmore

Full list of branches open in Connacht and Ulster

Bailieborough
Ballina
Ballinasloe
Belmullet
Buncrana
Carrick On Shannon
Carrickmacross
Castlebar
Cavan
Claremorris
Clifden
Donegal
Galway – Eyre Sq
Galway Ind Est Mervue
Letterkenny
Loughrea
Monaghan
Roscommon
Salthill
Sligo
Tuam
Ballybofey
Dungloe
Castlerea
Ballaghadereen
Boyle
Gort
Portumna
Mountbellew
Oranmore
Swinford
Manorhamilton – Advice and Self Service
Ballyshannon
Killybegs
Carndonagh
Tubbercurry – Advice and Self Service
Cootehill – Advice and Self Service
Westport

Medtronic doubling Galway staff building ventilators

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March 23, 2020

Galway Daily news Medtronic doubling production of ventilators in Galway

Medtronic medical devices company is more than doubling its staff numbers in Galway dedicated to building more ventilators to fight the cornavirus pandemic.

Medtronic currently has 250 people working on ventilators in Galway, and the company plans to add another 300 to the number in order to have the plant building ventilators 24/7.

Ventilators have become one of the most crucial pieces of medical equipment around the world for treating people who have been hospitalised by Covid-19.

More than 50% of the world’s ventilators are manufactured in Ireland, and countries are scrabbling to increase their supply in order to meet the soaring demand for them.

These devices supply oxygen to patients by simulating breathing, allowing their lungs to rest.

ICU’s around the world have been struggling with a lack of these life saving machines, as more and more people are hospitalised in serious condition.

The HSE has said that it had 1,229 of these machines prior to the Covid-19 crisis, and that 900 more have been ordered.

Medtronic plans to double production levels at its Mervue manufacturing facility, both by hiring new staff and by transferring them from other facilities around Ireland.

Bob White, an executive vice-president with Medtronic, said they recognise “the demand for ventilators in this environment has far outstripped supply.

“No single company will be able to fill the current demands of global healthcare systems,” he added.

“However, with all manufacturers increasing their production and through partnerships with governments, hospitals and global health organisations, Medtronic is committed to getting more ventilators into the market and to the right locations in the world to help doctors and patients dealing with Covid-19.”

correction: This article previously stated that Medtronic builds ventilators in Parkmore not, as is correct, its Mervue facility

Galway 2020 to hold emergency talks today on future of project

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March 23, 2020

Galway daily news Call for further transparency on Galway 2020 finances

The board of Galway 2020 will meet today to discuss the project, which is in great difficulty due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Galway City Council has already decided to refuse an additional €2.5 million in funding to expand the project.

Following this decision, councillors were asked to meet with the board of Galway 2020 individually.

This morning, Cllr. Pauline O’Reilly said: “It is hugely disappointing to see the project in difficulty, however a continuing funding stream is in place which eats in to public money.

“Given that I, and many of my colleagues, are calling for a moratorium on commercial rates, the city simply cannot afford to continue to pay for a project that will not go ahead.

“We need to ensure that local groups are not out of pocket, but all other financing must be reversed.

“One option is that it is delayed until 2021, and that is a request that would need to be made of Europe.”

Local Enterprise Office offering help to businesses hurt by coronavirus

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March 23, 2020

Galway Daily business Business Forum needed to support Covid-19 recovery councillor says

Businesses in Galway and elsewhere are struggling with unprecedented difficulties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Even if they have not already been forced to close due to the spread of coronavirus, they are facing issues with lower traffic, staffing issues due to people self-isolating, and cash flow problems.

Local Enterprise Office Galway is offering its services to all local businesses hurt by this crisis figure out how to stay afloat.

The first step advised by LEO Galway is to always to communication with their bank, saying that banks have indicated flexibility for businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Options that may be available to you through your bank could include loan payment holidays or emergency working capital facilities.

dditional cash flow supports can be accessed through Local Enterprise Office Galway:

Changes have been made to the MicroFinance Ireland loans available through LEO Galway. The maximum loan available through the programme has been doubled to €50 thousand as an immediate measure to deal with the impact on micro-enterprises.
Businesses may also be eligible for a Business Continuity Voucher through LEO Galway. The initiative will provide advisory specialists in fields including finance and HR to help develop a lean, robust business strategy as enterprises face an extended period of great uncertainty. Details of eligibility for this voucher will be published later this week.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has also put in place a package of business supports – including the Covid-19 Working Capital Loan. This will offer loans of up to €1.5m at reduced rates, with up to the first €500 thousand unsecured. Applications can be made through the SBCI website at www.sbci.gov.ie
The Credit Guarantee Scheme is a Government supported product from the banks for small and medium enterprises, providing an 80% guarantee to participating banks. Businesses can apply for loans of up to €1m for terms of up to 7 years from AIB, Bank of Ireland or Ulster Bank.
A €200m Package for Enterprise Supports, including a Rescue and Restructuring Scheme, is available through Enterprise Ireland. This is targeted at firms identified as being vulnerable but viable, that need to restructure or transform their business to overcome the challenges presented by Covid-19.
A Finance in Focus grant of €7,200 will is also available to Enterprise Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta clients, to enable them to access consultancy support to undertake immediate finance reviews.

Businesses are also being advised to be mindful of the supports available from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

This includes a refund scheme whereby employers can continue to pay their staff €203 a week, ultimately paid for by the government, in order to prevent people having to submit jobseekers claims.

After much outcry last week, the government is amending this scheme to allow employers to top of what the give their employees beyond the €203 from the state.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has also been introduced for the self-employed who have lost business, or those who have been laid off as a result of the pandemic.

Those eligible will be entitled to a six-week flat payment of €203 without having to attend an INTREO office.

Coronavirus: Number of confirmed cases in Galway rises again

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March 22, 2020

The Department of Health has confirmed that another person has died in the Republic from COVID-19.

There are now 25 confirmed cases in Galway, according to the most recent breakdown available (which deals only with the first 712 cases).

Galway remains the third worst affected county after Dublin and Cork, but with much fewer cases.

There were 121 new cases in Republic of Ireland today, with 60 new cases confirmed in the North.

This brings the total number of cases in the Republic to 904 and on the island to 1034.

The person who died was a a male in the east of the country, with an underlying health condition.

30% of confirmed cases have been hospitalised, with 17 people admitted to ICU.

#StayAtHome

Broadcast levy on local radio stations waived for six months

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March 22, 2020