Tánaiste Leo Varadkar is understood to have told the meeting that he believes it was “unfair” to “dump this all on the GPs”. File photograph: Niall Carson/PA Varadkar says ‘dumping’ contact tracing problem on GPs ‘unfair’
A further three deaths and 1,167 new Covid-19 cases reported in the Republic A further three deaths and 1,167 new Covid-19 cases reported in the Republic
Martin only told of contact tracing problem when texted Irish Times story Martin only told of contact tracing problem when texted Irish Times story

Coronavirus Pandemic

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Coronavirus Pandemic

A woman wearing a face mask passes a sign for a test centre in Co Cavan on October 15th. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Life under Level 5: What will the next six weeks look like for the State?
Out in the world, the dismay at this ceaseless, shouty Babel of voices, political leaks, agenda manipulation and all shades of one-upmanship, is palpable. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill Kathy Sheridan: Now is the time for humility, not cynicism
Minister for Education Norma Foley has said school communities ‘can be absolutely assured’ that any necessary resources and measures will be put in place to ensure a safe return to school after mid-term. Photograph: Maxwells Schools should not reopen after midterm unless safety improves, say unions
Shoppers on Mary Street in Dublin city centre on Tuesday. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie The Irish Times view on Level 5 restrictions: a heavy toll on the economy
People living alone with the support of a carer may form a support bubble with one other household. Photograph: iStock Covid-19 Level 5 support bubbles: Everything you need to know
Pulling stunts with the Land Rover 007 team The Land Rover Defender: “Finished on the stunt course, I plod back to base. I think I’ve covered myself more in mud than glory, and Commander Bond remains elusively un-caught.”

The first new Defenders off the production line were shipped straight to the set of the new James Bond film

Ghosts: Dolly Alderton’s debut novel haunts, but not in a good way Dolly Alderton has published her first novel, called Ghosts. Photograph: Jo Bongard

Book review: There are barbs and biting observations, but the humour falls flat in this story about a 32-year-old food writer’s dating disasters

‘My sister preys on people’s weaknesses, and causes nothing but trouble’ Is it possible for you to see that your suister needs help, even if you are not the person that this should come from? Photograph: iStock

Tell Me About It: I am sickened by the injustice and recently stopped visiting

Michael McDowell: What exactly is the price of accepting this Nphet advice? Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan: We need another emergency team that researches, quantifies and advises on other health issues involved in lockdowns. Photograph: Collins

Emergency health team does not just recommend change – it advocates for it

Pope Francis backs civil unions for same-sex couples in documentary The pope has appeared to break with the position of the Catholic Church by supporting civil unions for same-sex couples, according to remarks he made in a new documentary. File photograph: Lauren DeCicca/Getty

Traditional church teaching considers homosexual acts ‘intrinsically disordered’

Des Bishop apologises to Traveller community for comments in interview A screengrab from the Sirius XM interview with Des Bishop. Image: Youtube

Comedian said Travellers ‘drink a lot’ and are ‘very paranoid’ during a 2018 interview with US radio station Sirius XM

Marquees and fleets of delivery vans: how supermarkets are ready for Lockdown 2 Social distance queuing: Supermarkets are better prepared for lockdown this time.

Chains have been quietly ramping up preparations for winter since mid summer

Family settle case over death in hospital of 23-year-old woman

HSE admitted it failed in its duty of care to Paige Crotty during post-operative period

Affordable homecare? Here’s a winning solution for our challenging times Tom Quinlan, ALHomecare: “The carer does housekeeping, prepares meals, keeps company and provides personal care if required.” Photograph: Getty Images
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ALHomecare has placed hundreds of live-in carers around the country in what manager Tom Quinlan believes is a safe and affordable alternative to nursing homes and private visiting carers

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Central Bank has reported ‘suspected criminal’ tracker offences to Garda The Central Bank has previously said that it has been in regular contact with An Garda Síochána and other authorities throughout its wider examination of the tracker issue. Photograph: iStock

Regulator obliged to report potential criminal activity if it comes across it

‘It was hard enough the first time’: Clothes retailer mulls return to lockdown Tom Monaghan (95) of Monaghans Cashmere, South Anne Street, Dublin: “I am an emotional person by any standards and I just couldn’t bear the thought of being there today when the shutters came down again,” he said. “It was hard enough the first time.” Photograph: Alan Betson

‘I am an emotional person ... I couldn’t bear thought of being there when shutters came down again’

Edwin Poots says he never sought to offend Catholics with Covid comments Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture Edwin Poots. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty

1,039 new Covid cases and five deaths in NI; incidence in Derry and Strabane still falling

Hugo Keenan and Will Connors to make Ireland debuts against Italy Will Connors will make his Ireland debut against Italy. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho

Andy Farrell opts for Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose in midfield for Six Nations clash

Nearing UK’s exit from EU: Preparing for the final break Getting ready for Brexit is time consuming and customs declarations are detailed. File photograph: Getty
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‘There may be less than three months to go but there is still enough time to act’

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