Were coronavirus to spread across the entire African continent, countries will have to rely only on their own scarce resources, writes Trócaire CEO Caoimhe de Barra.
The latest edition of the Tobacco Atlas says that the industry is maximising profits by targeting the ‘vulnerable’ in places like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Around 3,000 new cases are found each year in the country, and medical workers are warning that the debilitating disease could be on the rise once more.
FIANNA FÁIL TD Christopher O’Sullivan is calling for the government to introduce a €100 voucher for over-65s who receive the Covid-19 vaccine, which they can spend on hotel accommodation and “eat in” food and drink for when businesses open back up.
“The over-65s have had to make huge sacrifices during this pandemic. Many would have had the pre-pandemic habit of heading to their local hotel with family members for Sunday lunch. The fear is that this habit may not continue. This encourages old traditions to start up again,” O’Sullivan said.
“Many over-65s have received no supports form the state during the pandemic. Pensioners are unable to avail of the PUP payment. A voucher scheme like this is the least we should be doing.”
The Cork South West TD said the voucher would also help hotels and restaurants that have had to shut during the pandemic.
What do you think: Should over-65s get hotel or food voucher after they receive Covid-19 vaccine?