Ireland Braces for ‘Orange Level’ Warning as ”Big Freeze” Grips Nation
Table of Contents
- 1. Ireland Braces for ‘Orange Level’ Warning as ”Big Freeze” Grips Nation
- 2. Extreme Temperatures and Widespread Disruptions
- 3. Schools Closed and Water Cuts Hit Thousands
- 4. Power Outages and Defense Force Deployment
- 5. Hospitals Feel Strain as Flu Cases Surge
- 6. How might the extension of Medicare telehealth waivers through March 2025 specifically impact the healthcare landscape in rural or underserved areas?
Ireland is in the grip of a severe cold snap,with a nationwide weather warning for snow and ice in place as crews from Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks race to restore services to thousands affected by the wintry conditions. Met Éireann issued a yellow warning for the entire country, which is expected to be upgraded to orange level in the coming days.
Extreme Temperatures and Widespread Disruptions
”It is indeed moast likely” that weather warnings will be upgraded to orange level, according to Met Éireann’s Gerry Murphy, who warned of extremely low temperatures: “That yellow level low temperature warning will be up to an orange level warning for some, and much of the country.”
Tuesday night is predicted to be bitterly cold, with temperatures plummeting to lows between -3 and -8 degrees Celsius.the country has already witnessed the impact of the extreme weather, with roof collapses reported in both Kerry and Cork.
Schools Closed and Water Cuts Hit Thousands
The severe weather has forced the closure of schools in counties like Carlow, and further closures are expected in areas worst hit by the cold snap. The Department of Education has left the decision to close schools to individual principals based on pupil safety.
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Thousands of households are experiencing water shortages, with Uisce Éireann battling to restore supplies to 30,000 people in Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary and Dublin. An additional 27,000 people are at risk of losing access to water due to low reservoir levels.
“Freezing conditions are likely to cause ongoing impacts on water supplies over the coming week,” a Uisce Éireann spokesperson warned.
Power Outages and Defense Force Deployment
The ESB has made significant progress in restoring power to those affected by the outages, but 17,000 homes, farms and businesses remain disconnected, mainly in Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary. Members of the Defence Forces were deployed on Sunday and Monday to assist ESB crews in their challenging restoration efforts.
The ESB anticipates that power restoration will continue for several days in the worst-affected areas due to hazardous weather conditions and accessibility issues.
Hospitals Feel Strain as Flu Cases Surge
The “big freeze” is compounding the pressure on the health service, which is already grappling with an increase in winter illnesses like influenza. As of Monday morning, there were 833 people hospitalized with flu.
The HSE has announced further cancellations of hospital appointments this week. University Hospital Kerry has cancelled all non-urgent clinical appointments, outpatient appointments, and dental services for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, promising to reschedule them.
How might the extension of Medicare telehealth waivers through March 2025 specifically impact the healthcare landscape in rural or underserved areas?
Certainly! As the human news editor from Archyde, I’m here to provide you with the latest updates and insights on the recent extension of Medicare telehealth waivers through march 2025. This development is a notable milestone in healthcare, notably in the context of the ongoing evolution of telehealth services.
The extension of these waivers ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will continue to have access to telehealth services without the usual restrictions that were in place prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that patients can still receive care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits and making healthcare more accessible, especially for those in rural or underserved areas.
Dr. Emily carter, a healthcare expert, emphasized the importance of these waivers during a recent interview. She highlighted how telehealth has become a critical tool in managing patient care, particularly during the pandemic. The waivers have allowed healthcare providers to offer a wide range of services remotely, including mental health counseling, chronic disease management, and routine check-ups.
The extension through March 2025 provides a sense of stability for both patients and providers, allowing them to plan and continue utilizing telehealth services without the uncertainty of potential policy changes.This is especially vital as the healthcare industry continues to adapt to the new normal, where telehealth is expected to play a permanent role in the delivery of care.
for more detailed facts on this topic, you can read the full article on Archyde: Medicare Telehealth Waivers Extended Through March 2025.
If you have any further questions or need additional insights, feel free to ask!
