I'll try write a few words of helpful advice, because all I am seeing is unhelpful anger:

1. Focus on what you control.

You can't decide if pubs are open or closed.

What you can decide is not to go for a pint. It's in your power to go for a walk with friends or have a glass of wine on the couch instead.

2. Ignore people who imply we are doing things uniquely wrong in Ireland.

Our 14-day incidence is the 16th highest in Europe, the virus is well in command on the continent.

We are doing far better than average in Europe currently on both deaths and cases.

3. Don't participate in blame games.

The temptation to blame someone is common in Europe.

The Balkan countries blame Roma community, Catalonians blame Madrid people, Unionists blame nationalists, some Swede's blame immigrants, Belgians blame house parties.

None of that helps.

4. Government and Opposition are Irish people on one team.

They sometimes might not act like adults and you don't have to start loving parties you hate but none of them want people to die.

The Us vs Them is Irish people vs Virus, not Irish people vs Irish people, remember that.

5. Ignore bad science and whataboutery merchants.

-Masks work. They mitigate risk, they do not eliminate risk.
-Hand washing + Masks + 2 meters mitigates risk farther.
-There is no zero risk environment.

The fewer people you interact with, the lower your risk level.

6. I know there are some issues on this front but get the Flu vaccine.

The likelihood is Influenza activity will be low to non-existent in the Northern Hemisphere winter but that is not a certainty.

You reduce your overall risk by getting it.

7. There is no stigma or blame.

If you did slip up and threw the mother of all house parties, come forward for a test if you are a close contact.

Nobody who matters will judge you for it.

If you have symptoms don't knowingly go near people, it's about them, not you.

8. Countries who will cope best with this Winter Wave will be the ones who succeed in sticking together and create safe environments for people to come forward.

Blame creates stigma, stigma creates fear and shame.

People ducking contact tracers does not make any of us safer.

Now isn't the time for Mé Féiner's, it's the time for community spirit.

Uplift people, be there for them; regularly check in on your neighbours, families, friends even if it's from 3 meters away or at the end of a phone.

We can get through this winter best together.