Irish Daily Mirror

The signs of terminal decline

Don’t ignore symptoms of cancer

- BY LAURA LYNE BY LEIGH MCGOWRAN

HERE are the eerie pictures showing a deserted Dublin Airport after it emerged passenger numbers are down more than 95%.

The snaps show a virtually empty Terminal 2, with just over one page of scheduled flights showing on the departures board.

When compared to the same period last year, the airport’s passenger numbers have plummeted more than 90%.

A spokespers­on said earlier this

THE public is being urged to continue to follow guidelines to stop the spread of the coronaviru­s.

Gardai issued a reminder yesterday that people are required to stay indoors and week: “Our passenger traffic is down more than 95% compared to this week last year.

“We’re an essential service and are operating for vital cargo flights – such as medical supplies and repatriati­on flights.” only go outside when necessary. That includes going for required shopping, heading to essential work or checking on and helping the vulnerable and elderly while practising social distancing guidelines.

Deputy Commission­er John Twomey said: “We want to thank people for the high level of compliance with the health guidelines. It is vital that continues today and for the rest of the time they are due to be in place. By working together and keeping to the HSE advice, we can flatten the curve and save lives.”

Planes waiting on the runway

Gardai in Dublin yesterday

Averil Power

THE Irish Cancer Society has warned people to not ignore unusual symptoms and put their lives at risk due to the coronaviru­s pandemic.

It expressed concern that people are afraid to contact their GP on issues unrelated to Covid-19 because of the current pressure our health workers.

Chief Averil Power has urged people to speak to their doctor as normal if they show signs of cancer, adding that “early detection is key”.

She said: “Our nurses have heard from a number of people who are concerned, or even embarrasse­d, about contacting their GP about potential cancer symptoms or other health worries because of the pressures the coronaviru­s is creating in the health system.

MESSAGE

“Our message to everyone is really simple: please contact your GP if you are worried that you may be showing a sign or a symptom of cancer. Please don’t be afraid or embarrasse­d to do this – when it comes to cancer early detection is key.

“Both the Health Minister and the Chief Medical Officer have made it clear that during the coronaviru­s the health system is there for people who need care for any reason.”

Cancer remains the biggest killer in Ireland, with roughly 30% of all deaths caused by the horrific illness.

The ICS added one person dies every hour in Ireland from the disease.

Ms Power said: “GPS, and in an emergency situation hospital Emergency Department­s, are available to care for people when they are unwell.

“Cancer will not stop during coronaviru­s and it is so important that people continue to be aware of the signs and symptoms and act on any concerns they have.”

 ??  ?? EERIE Normally bustling airport falls totally silent
DUBLIN Deserted terminal building
GROUNDED
SIGN OF THE TIMES Hub is only open for vital flights
CHECKS
DETECTION
EERIE Normally bustling airport falls totally silent DUBLIN Deserted terminal building GROUNDED SIGN OF THE TIMES Hub is only open for vital flights CHECKS DETECTION

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Ireland