Ireland defies its beloved ‘Dr. Tony’

Here's the latest news from the global pandemic.  U.S. faces new wave of economic pain as Trump halts aid talks Covid has wiped out the economic dreams of a generation in Asia Europe plans social bond bonanza to fund recovery from pandemic Ireland defies its beloved 'Dr. Tony' At about 8:30 p.m. in Dublin on Sunday, just as the rest of the world was fixated on Donald Trump's health, a bombshell dropped. Public health officials were recommending the nuclear option: Ireland should move to a Level 5 lockdown, essentially returning to the nation to a full shutdown, becoming the first European nation to do so. For most, not least the government, the news was a bolt from the blue. While case numbers had been rising nationwide, with stricter measures slapped on Dublin, there had been no sense that hospitals were in danger of being overwhelmed, no broad hints dropped for the people of Ireland to ready themselves. Leo Varadkar Photographer: PA Images/PA Images Almost instantly, resistance built, led by business groups fearing economic devastation. By early afternoon ton Monday, it became clear that for the first time since the pandemic struck, the government was rejecting the advice of public health officials, led by Dr. Tony Holohan, who has become widely beloved for his steady leadership during the crisis. In fact, it was Holohan's first day back on the job after taking extended leave to care for his wife, who is fighting cancer. Instead, the government moved the nation to Level 3 lockdown, a far lighter form of shutdown than Holohan wanted. Worse was to follow for 'Dr. Tony,' as he has become known, as Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar publicly accusing his committee of "not thinking things through" and wanting to use Ireland as a lab for a "circuit-breaking" experiment. The affair has left the nation divided. Some fear the consequences of ignoring Holohan. Others back the government's gamble, believing the economic and social consequences of another lockdown are too big. For once, though, it's not a debate that will play out in the nation's pubs. Level 3 means that most will have to close again, just weeks after reopening their doors. Last orders, one more time.—Dara Doyle   Track the virus Mapping the Outbreak Around the World   What you should read Mild Infections Can Make People Sick for Months 66% of mild-to-moderate Covid cases have symptoms after 60 days: survey. Regulators Dim Hopes for Pre-Election Vaccine FDA asserts power, unfurls long-expected guidance for emergency shot.  Majority of Thais Oppose Lifting the Tourist Ban  Poll shows people fear virus infections, disagree with government plan. Europe's Banks Serious About Work From Home  Pandemic taught lessons to lower costs, afford staff better work-life balance. Facebook Removes Trump Post on Coronavirus He said Covid less deadly than seasonal flu, violating misinformation rules. Know someone else who would like this newsletter?  Have them sign up here. Have any questions, concerns, or news tips on Covid-19 news? Get in touch or help us cover the story. Like this newsletter? Subscribe for unlimited access to trusted, data-based journalism in 120 countries around the world and gain expert analysis from exclusive daily newsletters, The Bloomberg Open and The Bloomberg Close. Follow Us Get the newsletter You received this message because you are subscribed to Bloomberg's Coronavirus Daily newsletter. Unsubscribe | Bloomberg.com | Contact Us Bloomberg L.P. 731 Lexington, New York, NY, 10022