Michael Clifford: Nursing homes needed much quicker response during Covid-19

The unfolding tragedy in the State’s nursing homes was foretold writes Michael Clifford.

Staff numbers have been depleted through infections and the requirements of self-isolation. File picture.

The unfolding tragedy in the State’s nursing homes was foretold. There was always potential for the Covid-19 virus to spread like wildfire through a sector of the population which are both vulnerable and living in close proximity to each other.

A crystal ball was not required to project what could happen. The worst-case scenario had already occurred a month before the virus reached these shores.