Antigen tests
The chief medical officer is doubling down on his position against the widespread use of antigen tests for Covid-19.
Dr Tony Holohan is due before an Oireachtas committee shortly, where he will be asked to explain why Ireland is not using the tests for international travel.
In his opening remarks, Dr Holohan will say there is still much we need to learn about these tests and their actual – as opposed to hypothetical – benefits and limitations.
He will also say that the hypothesis that antigen testing could enable a safe return to international travel poses several risks to individuals and those around them.
AstraZeneca doses
The “vast majority” of people waiting for their second dose of the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine will receive it earlier than planned due to fears of the risk posed by the Delta variant.
The chair of the high-level task force on Covid-19 vaccination, Prof Brian MacCraith, said many will receive their second dose ahead of the original 12-week schedule.
However, the HSE was unable to suggest how many would receive their remaining jab within an eight-week timeframe.
Barry Coughlan
Gardaí have confirmed that skeletal remains found in a submerged car off the coast of Cork last month are that of a local man who had been missing for 17 years.
DNA analysis has identified the remains as those of Barry Coughlan, who was reported missing to gardaí in May 2004.
A file will now be prepared for the coroner by investigating gardaí, a Garda statement said on Wednesday.
