Covid-19 pandemic's impact still visible in Ireland

Five years have passed since the Covid-19 pandemic began in Ireland. The first restrictions were announced by former taoiseach Leo Varadkar from Washington. Since then, the pandemic has led to over 9,000 deaths in the country. Photographs taken during this time capture how life changed for many people. Social distancing became a part of daily life. Images show visitors sitting in painted circles on the lawn of the Irish Museum of Modern Art to comply with health precautions. In hospitals, staff celebrated special moments. At St Monica's Covid ward, workers marked Bernard Duffy's 101st birthday with a cake, as he could not have visitors. Other images depict ordinary people adapting to the new rules, such as wearing face masks on public transport in Dublin. Some couples found creative ways to celebrate love. With jewellers closed, Neil Ferguson and Marie Ryan bought jelly rings for their wedding. Meanwhile, at St Vincent's University Hospital, a Covid patient was transferred by medical staff dressed in full protective gear. As churches prepared to welcome back parishioners, social distancing signs were put up. The vaccination effort also gained momentum, with the Citywest vaccine centre seeing a surge in weekly vaccinations, reaching over 200,000. These moments reflect the challenges and adaptations made by the Irish community during the pandemic.