The Irish Examiner View: Time to be open

The coronavirus figures are constantly changing, and are likely to do so for some time. Nevertheless, by yesterday afternoon, the virus had been found in some 55 countries,including Ireland.

There have been almost 90,000 cases, 1,520 in Europe. The death toll has reached 2,979 and will grow, and even if flu has already killed far more people this year, coronavirus remains an unknown known, which is the strongest possible argument for concerted caution and action.

The 55 or so countries fighting the spread of the virus may, by and large, adopt the same approach but each country will have its peculiarities, especially around how information on the virus and how it is spreading through communities is shared with the public.

Official Ireland has had a deep commitment to discretion bordering on secrecy. This culture may have its time and place, but at a moment when discipline and an active commitment to the common good is essential it would be counter-productive. This seems a moment for openness, so confidence might be sustained and the prospect of panic minimised.