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In the midst of a pandemic, a group of asylum seekers were moved to a small town in rural Ireland. Then they began testing positive for Covid-19

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In the midst of a pandemic, a group of asylum seekers were moved to a small town in rural Ireland. Then they began testing positive for Covid-19

He has been waiting for months to make a decision about asylum status. But the letter is not about that.

“I’m afraid for my life,” said Misha, who asked that her real name not be used because she feared it might have an impact on asylum claims.

Around 100 people in total were moved from several treatment centers, including from a hotel in Dublin where a guest from Italy was reported to have the virus.

Just a few days after they arrived, one resident began showing symptoms, according to three people who spoke with CNN. Then the rumors began.

“I’m afraid for my life.”

Misha

The Cahersiveen Community was given little time to prepare; locals only learned a few days before that the Skellig Star – rebuilt in 2006 with the promise of attracting tourists with swimming pools and other recreational facilities – was turned into accommodation for asylum seekers.

Although they lacked consultation and were afraid of losing business from the only big hotel in the city, the people in Cahersiveen welcomed the group, bringing them clothes and toys. But when news began to swirl that asylum seekers were sick, and still shopping at local shops, people in the small town began to panic.

“Rural Ireland will be pleased to have these people living in the community … they will be more than welcomed,” said Jack Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Cahersiveen Community and Business Alliance. “But this is not the way to do it, to get 100 people into a very crowded hotel in the middle of a pandemic.”

The outbreak, which quickly spread through hotels, infected 25 people at its peak, announced on May 20 by the Irish Health Services Executive (HSE), but locals and asylum seekers continued to urge the center to close, joining together as a united front in a series of demonstrations.

Asylum seekers at Skellig Star hold banners protesting the handling of the Covid-19 outbreak on May 7.
Under a system known as Direct Provision, it is overseen by the Irish Department of Justice and Equality and is operated by private businesses lucrative contract, asylum seekers are placed in emergency accommodation while they wait to find out whether they will be granted refugee status and permission to stay in the country.
The call for system reform, which was initially introduced as an emergency measure by the state in Indonesia 1999 after a sudden increase in asylum applications, coinciding with sweeping, global protests for racial justice after the murder of George Floyd in the US.
Asylum seekers – many of them from African countries – have condemned the Direct Provisions for “institutionalized racism” on the part of the government, arguing that no one else in the country is treated the same way as them.
While their applications are being assessed, they are given free accommodation, food and utilities, and have access to health and education services, but they have almost no autonomy and cannot choose their place of residence. And they unable to apply for a work permit up to at least eight months into their application process – expected to survive with a weekly allowance of € 38.80 ($ 43) instead.
Commenting on the comparison between Direct Conditions and George Floyd’s assassination earlier this month, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar recognize that while some Direct Supply accommodations are below standard and need to be changed, it “is ultimately a service offered by the state … involving people who are provided with free accommodation, food, heat, lighting, health care, education, and also some spending money. “

“It’s not the same as a man who was killed by the police.”

Decisions on asylum cases in Ireland can take years, a fact which has been criticized by United Nations Refugee Agency, which has recently called for a process to be accelerated. And the rejection rate is high – around 70%, according to the latest figure. Tens of people died waiting, according to the Freedom of Information request Irish Catholic.

Not suitable for purpose

Ireland Fianna failedFine Gael and Green Party drafted an agreement to form a new coalition government on Monday, which, if ratified by three party members, would end months of political deadlock since the country’s elections in February. It will also inject urgency to reform the Irish asylum system. One of the main commitments spelled out in the agreement is a promise to end Direct Provision and replace it with an accommodation policy that is centered on a non-profit approach.

Liam Thornton, law lecturer and Direct Procurement expert, welcomed the decision with cautious optimism. “After 20 years plus the government’s refusal that there are many mistakes, it is interesting to see,” he told CNN. “Even though we have never been here before, that implementation will be key.”

Thornton tweeted: “Direct Provision is one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Department of Justice. But it takes people to design, manage, implement such atrocities. A new mindset requires ASAP.”

Asylum seekers, human rights campaigners and legal experts such as Thornton say the pandemic has highlighted structural problems that have long existed in the asylum system in Ireland. Against the background of Covid-19, conditions that are often overcrowded and worse become far more real.

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“HSE has advised us, and everyone, about social distance, but you cannot get social distance where there is no space,” Misha said.

“We share a bedroom with strangers. We share a dining room. We share a salt shaker. We share a lobby. We share everything. And if you look at the whole situation, you cannot say that it is suitable for the purpose.”

Skellig Star residents, locked in the center during quarantine, singing

Misha said she watched in horror as people began to fall ill around her, before being pulled into the emergency isolation room. The first suspected case of Covid-19 at the center was reported on March 24, the Department of Justice has admitted, adding that the person was not stated positive. They did not say when the test was carried out.

According to asylum seekers and previous managers, asylum seeker testing does not begin until the following week in mid-April. After the positive case was confirmed, all residents at Skellig Star were ordered to remain in quarantine.

“I have verifiable evidence of a written communication from Skellig Star to the Department of Justice and Equality on March 24 that confirmed the alleged Covid-19 case. The concerned citizen was placed in isolation on March 20, one day after his arrival at Cahersiveen,” Member of Parliament for Kerry, Norma Foley, said deeply special parliamentary committee hear the Covid-19 government’s response.

“The timeline may not be important for HSE or the Department of Justice and Equality but it is very important for the residents of Skellig Star and the Cahersiveen community. This timeline confirms clearly that Covid-19 was transported by bus on March 18 and March 19 to Skellig Star and the Cahersiveen community. “

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In a statement to CNN regarding the timeline, the Department said it had made an “honest mistake” for failing to receive March 24 communication and that “there was no attempt by the Department … to intentionally mislead or hide facts” related to the outbreak.

“Our biggest fear is the second wave … We fear it will spread like wildfire in a hotel again, but next time it might also pass through the community.”

Jack Fitzpatrick

After her roommate was stated positive and taken to isolate herself in another center, Misha thought that someone would move her, so the room could be disinfected. When no one came, he said that he expressed his concern to an HSE worker on site, who told him that there was no reason to worry.

“It’s a shame for my intelligence,” Misha said. He tested positive 10 days later.

The Irish Ministry of Justice told CNN that HSE Development Workers were in the hotel to monitor the health of residents and staff during the outbreak, and now provide more general support, including accessing key health services and integrating into the local community.

The department said they continue to work closely with HSE and Cahersiveen center managers to ensure the welfare of all occupants and staff, including offering all residents of their own bedrooms and providing enhanced cleaning services. The center also intends to provide self-catering facilities so that residents can cook in their rooms, instead of eating together in the shared dining room.

Townbe, the company that operates Skellig and three other Direct Supply centers, did not respond to CNN’s comment requests. The Justice Department said it cannot comment on the value of the contract with Townbe until after two years, due to commercial sensitivity.

But the conditions detailed by the Department of Justice differ dramatically from what was described to CNN by two asylum seekers and one previous manager at the center.

Fear of the second plague

When Misha and other asylum seekers arrived at Skellig Star in mid-March, they said they had found a vacation hotel that was not ready for guests, or prepared to face the corona virus. Central heating is broken, bedrooms – smaller than standard – have not been cleaned, isolation rooms have not been established, personal protective equipment is not available and staff have not been inspected by An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service.

Bulelani Mfaco, an activist who has lived in Direct Provision since 2017, details some of these conditions in a report for the Asylum Seekers Movement in Ireland (MASI), provides recommendations for broad system reform. Top of his list: Ensures a suitable standard of living that protects physical and mental health.
Skellig Star residents in quarantine wave to local residents protesting outside on May 7.

“Cahersiveen shows us that the model does not work,” Mfaco said. “Giving vulnerable people to hoteliers, who have no training. No thought is taken at the risk of gathering all these people, cramming them into buses and taking them to remote villages far from health services.”

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Jack Fitzpatrick and other local residents fear that health services will be overwhelmed if another outbreak occurs.

The closest major hospital to Cahersiveen, which has a population of around 1,000, is 40 miles away. There are only two doctors in Cahersiveen, and one ambulance serving the entire remote Iveragh Peninsula, where the city is located.

“We are very fortunate that no one died at the hotel, and we have succeeded in stopping the spread of the virus in the community,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Our biggest fear is the second wave … We fear it will spread like wildfire in a hotel again, but next time it might also pass through the community. So we basically do our best to try to make them close down and move people to sort out accommodation . “

People in the city are demanding the resignation of Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, who they say is misleading the public over the Covid-19 outbreak on Skellig Star.

“We must be given, at the very least, permission status to remain so that we can have our own accommodation, cook our own food and keep ourselves and our families safe from viruses.”

Azwar Fuard

Flanagan has apologized to the people in Cahersiveen, but said his department had no knowledge of infections in Dublin hotels before moving asylum seekers from there.
After the plague, Flanagan has asked the former Secretary General to do a review Department responses to Covid-19 at direct supply centers such as Cahersiveen.

Ciaran Quinlan, from Cahersiveen, told CNN he was looking for an order to close the center. He said he wanted to “help these people to get accommodation at their own front door, and to move them from accommodations that do not fit where they are.”

Azwar Fuard, an asylum seeker who has acted as a spokesman for the 70 remaining residents at the center, called on Flanagan to grant amnesty to Skellig Star residents to remain in Ireland.

Fuard, who is from Sri Lanka, was transferred from the same hotel as Misha in Dublin with his young family when they began to feel calm. Fuard and his wife have found work in the capital, are friends, and their three-year-old daughter starts school. To be deprived of another life, he said, is like a double trauma.

Now he says a family of three is mostly confined to a 12ft x 13ft room, with en suite bathrooms and no cooking or washing facilities.

“We must be granted, at the very least, permission status to remain so that we can have our own accommodation, cook our own food and keep ourselves and our families safe from viruses,” Fuard said.

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All Your Acrylic Nail Questions Answered: From Application to Care

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Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those looking to add length, strength, and style to their natural nails. Whether you’re new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are always questions that arise about the application, maintenance, and overall care of these enhancements. This guide will answer all your acrylic nail questions to ensure your next manicure is a complete success.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. When combined, they form a hard protective layer that can be molded into various shapes and lengths. Once hardened, they provide a durable and long-lasting canvas for nail polish, art, or simply a natural look. For more in-depth information, check out Acrylic Nail FAQs to get all the details you need before your next salon visit.  

How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?

The application process of acrylic nails begins with the preparation of your natural nails. The nail technician will clean your nails, file them down, and apply a bonding agent to help the acrylic adhere. The acrylic mixture is then applied in thin layers, sculpted to the desired shape, and allowed to dry. Once set, the nails are filed, shaped, and buffed to a smooth finish.

Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length and shape, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their look.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

Typically, acrylic nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks before requiring a fill. During a fill, the nail technician will replace any grown-out acrylic and maintain the structure of the nails. With proper care, acrylic nails can be worn for extended periods, but it’s essential to give your natural nails a break occasionally to maintain nail health.

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How Do You Care for Acrylic Nails?

Caring for acrylic nails is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible and that your natural nails remain healthy underneath. Here are some essential tips:

  1. Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken acrylic nails, making them prone to lifting or damage. When washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
  2. Moisturize cuticles regularly: The acrylic application process can sometimes dry out your cuticles. Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and prevent hangnails.
  3. Be gentle with your nails: Acrylics can be strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scrape things, as this can lead to breakage.
  4. Schedule regular fills: As your natural nails grow, gaps will appear between the acrylic and your cuticles. Regular fills ensure your nails maintain a smooth, polished look and help prevent lifting.

How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails Safely?

Proper removal is crucial to avoid damaging your natural nails. It’s highly recommended to have acrylics removed by a professional at the salon. However, if you prefer to remove them at home, follow these steps:

  1. Soak in acetone: Start by soaking a cotton ball in acetone, then place it on each nail. Wrap your fingers in aluminum foil and allow the acetone to work for about 20 minutes.
  2. Gently scrape off the acrylic: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Be patient and avoid forcing the acrylic off, as this can damage your natural nails.
  3. Buff and moisturize: Once the acrylic is completely removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.
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Are Acrylic Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?

When applied and removed properly, acrylic nails should not cause significant damage to your natural nails. However, improper removal or overuse without giving your nails time to breathe can lead to thinning, weakening, or breakage of your natural nails.

If you plan on wearing acrylic nails long-term, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications and ensure you’re nourishing your nails with oils and treatments.

What Are the Best Acrylic Nail Shapes?

Choosing the right nail shape is essential for creating a look that complements your hands. Some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes include:

– Square: A straight-edged, classic look perfect for shorter nails.

– Oval: A soft, rounded shape that elongates the fingers.

– Coffin: Also known as ballerina shape, this trendy look features a tapered edge with a flat tip.

– Stiletto: A dramatic, pointy shape ideal for those who want a bold statement.

Each shape offers a unique aesthetic and can be tailored to suit your personal style.

Are There Any Alternatives to Acrylic Nails?

If you’re looking for a different type of nail enhancement, consider these alternatives:

– Gel nails: Gel nails offer a glossy finish and are cured under UV or LED light. They’re less rigid than acrylics and can feel more natural.

– Dip powder: This method involves dipping the nails into a colored powder and sealing them with a clear coat. It provides a similar look to acrylics but is generally less damaging to the natural nails.

Conclusion

Acrylic nails are a versatile and durable option for achieving customized, beautiful nails. By understanding the application process, knowing how to care for them, and safely removing them, you can enjoy long-lasting manicures that enhance your style. With the ability to choose from a variety of shapes and designs, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Remember to take care of your natural nails in between applications to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to express your personality and keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.

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Jacqueline Troost Omvlee – A Tool in the Hands of the Russian Elite

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When sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, their objectives were twofold: to reduce Russian military capacity by limiting modern weapons and to lower Russian revenue streams. While in the beginning, the sanctions indeed weakened the Russian economy, they have fallen short of their initial objectives – mostly because Russia has found ways to circumvent many of them. The Kremlin has exploited international corruption, relied on foreign third parties, and utilized loopholes in trade restrictions. One such individual who allegedly provides services to Russian-linked companies is Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, a Geneva-based Dutch citizen.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is married to Niels Troost, an oil trader sanctioned by the United Kingdom. He and his company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, are among the 50 individuals and organizations blacklisted in response to the business connections with Russia. His wife, Jacqueline, helps to facilitate financial transactions for Niles Troost and Russian oligarchs including Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire oil trader and Putin`s close associate.

Gennady Timchenko and his family have been sanctioned in many countries for backing the Kremlin’s war machine. However, with the help of Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, he seems to find ways to evade sanctions and continue his financial operations. In these illegal schemes, individuals like Jacqueline often serve as a front person for sanctioned oligarchs and their business assets. Russian-linked companies set up subsidiaries around the world, often registering new entities in offshore havens or countries where regulations are relatively lax or non-existent. To obfuscate the arrangements, the daughter companies spawn offspring in the form of subsidiaries, as the chain of concealment stretches on and on. The result is like a giant Matryoshka doll.

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Jacqueline’s involvement in financial transactions that potentially support Timchenko’s interests raises significant concerns about the efficacy of Western sanctions. The fact that Jacqueline Troost Omvlee continues to operate without facing sanctions herself highlights a significant loophole in the enforcement mechanism. Various shady schemes and tactics designed to circumvent sanctions often hide the activity of individuals such as Jacqueline, making it difficult for authorities to detect and punish them for their involvement.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee’s role in her husband’s financial dealings as well as her alleged ties to Russian business schemes, emphasizes the need for stronger international sanctions. Her actions not only aid in sanctions evasion but also diminish the overall effectiveness of the measures designed to isolate and pressure those supporting the Russian regime. Therefore, sanctioning Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is not only a matter of addressing her individual actions but also a necessary step to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. By targeting individuals who play a key role in evading sanctions, authorities can send a strong message that efforts to undermine international sanctions will not go unpunished. This measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sanctions system and ensuring that it achieves its intended goal of isolating and restraining those who support destabilizing activities.

European countries and the US need to expand their sanctions-tracking and investigative actions to improve the monitoring of sanctions compliance and to introduce new measures against systematic violators of law. The sanctioning states have the resources and capacity for this, and need to take action now.

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Hermann’s Tortoise Lifespan: How to Ensure a Long, Healthy Life

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Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.

Creating an Optimal Habitat

One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.

  1. Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
  2. Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.

  1. Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
  2. Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
  3. Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
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Regular Health Checks

Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.

  1. Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
  2. Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.

  1. Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
  2. Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.

Conclusion

By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.

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