Jacques Brennan is the author of the blog – Le Journal, find it at www.hungrusoulplantpower.com and is a frequent collaborator with the West Cork arts and health organisation MusicAlive. He is also a guest food contributor to the West Cork People newspaper.

Tofu for beginners

I have a friend who turns his nose up at the sound of the word ‘tofu’, “It has no taste,” he says, “how can you eat that?”

I eat tofu all the time but I understand where he’s coming from; something we are unfamiliar with eaten in the ‘raw’ form does not taste good. When I think of tofu, I remember my days in Toronto, eating in Chinatown. Restaurants in which my Chinese friends would order by scribbling undecipherable characters on to slips of paper. They knew I was vegetarian, but what came to the table always surprised me. Plate after plate of textures. Sweet, sour, many new tastes, all wonderful with crunchy sautéed vegetables and of course, mountains of rice. I had to double check that it was actually vegetarian. I was informed that it was tofu skin and tofu chunks. It did not resemble any tofu I had eaten before but it was very good.

What is tofu?

Tofu is a soya bean curd made from coagulated or curdled soya milk. It is then pressed and formed into blocks ready to be transformed into filling and tasty dishes.

In Ireland, we can find it in most supermarkets and health food stores. Originally from the East, it just happens to be the staple food of most of Southeast and East Asia. We are talking billions of people…soya and tofu is an important food.

Tofu needs sauces and marinades to give it flavour. But it does have texture, from very silky and smooth to firm and chewy, especially when fried. Once marinated and fried, it is perfect to add to a stirfry, Thai or an Indian vegetable curry. I really like it cubed and marinated with tamari, soya sauce, fresh ginger and minced garlic, then fried.  Make a nice volume of sautéed vegetables; broccoli florets, carrot sticks, red pepper strips, onions, well just about any non-starchy vegetable in your fridge. If you like a hot red chilli or two, add to the mix. All this served on a bed of steaming brown rice.

Did you know?

Soya is also full of protein, in fact 43 per cent of tofu’s calories are from protein, as well as carbohydrates, minerals and many important vitamins. It is full of phytoestrogens or antioxidants that prevent many chronic modern diseases … so eat lots of Tofu!

Sautéed Tofu and Broccoli  – Served on a bed of brown rice 

Ingredients

One block of firm tofu, 300-400g

A small head of broccoli

Fresh coriander/cilantro if you have it 

A clove or two of garlic, sliced

1 or 3 red chillis or a pinch of chilli flakes.

1 cup of brown basmati

Marinade:

3 to 4 tbsps. of tamari soya sauce

2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced

One good thumbs size piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped 

Method 

1. Make the marinade.

2. Cut the tofu into 2 x 1 cm cubes and allow them to soak in the marinade for an hour or so if you have time. Turn once or twice to make sure everything is well coated.

3. Cook your rice; two cups of water and 20 to 25min. should do it.

3. Fry the tofu until crisp on a few sides, then set aside.

4. Cut the broccoli into bite size flowerets and sauté until bright green and a little cooked then add the sliced garlic and chilli. Sauté another minute or two.  

5. Add the tofu to the pan and heat all together.

6. Either serve on a bed of rice or add the rice to the pan and warm everything together (my preference). You can add some of the leftover marinade to the rice if you want more flavour.

7. Sprinkle with a little chopped fresh coriander as you serve it.

The last couple of months have been a very stressful and uncertain time for many, but in particular for Leaving Certificate Students. Since the Minister for Education’s announcement that the Leaving Certificate Examinations were being put back to the end of July, students have had to adapt to the new arrangement. This is understandably daunting for many students as it is unchartered territory. Many have been upset by this change but Tony Bellew, a former Secondary School Principal, who has been running his One2One Mentoring company for over 10 years, wants to get the message across to students that they can turn this situation into a positive.

He says “I believe that once students can accept the new situation, they will see the positives in it. This is now an opportunity to prepare even better for the Leaving Cert Exams.They can look at it in a positive light in that it is presenting an additional two months preparation time.” 

Tony believes that sitting the exams is the fairest option for the students. He is absolutely sure that the key for the 2020 Leaving Certificate Students is to be more determined than ever to focus on the end result and realise their potential. Everyone has to adapt in these difficult and strange times. The Leaving Certificate students are no different. They should embrace what is being offered remotely by schools up to the end of May and commit to what they have to do right up to the end of the exams. It is in their own best interest to accept what has happened and adopt a positive attitude moving forward.He strongly believes the class of 2020 will be much stronger as a result of coming through their Leaving Certificate exams in unprecedented and strange times.

He is providing a special One to One Mentoring Workshop carried out remotely to help them at this time and there is no charge for this service. To avail of this offer please contact tony@one2onementor.ie for details.

Pedalectric bicycles, usually referred to as e-bikes, are the fastest growing segment of the bicycle market. In 2019, reported sales were up 23 per cent, fuelled by mature adults looking to recapture lost freedom and the wind in their hair. There is no doubt about it, e-biking is plain fun. The electric assist takes the work out of hills, extends your comfortable cycling range, and costs almost nothing. In the EU, e-bikes must be pedalectric (they will not operate unless you’re pedalling too) and have limited speed and power. Compliant e-bikes are exempt from licensing, inspection, and insurance regulation; they’re ‘bikes’ in the eyes of the law. With an e-bike, you will cycle more and, of course, there are considerable health benefits to regular, outdoor exercise.

If you are thinking about joining the e-bike revolution you should spend some time getting to know the breed before paying out your money. Here are some things to look for:

Brakes, battery, and motor:  E-bikes go faster and drive harder than comparable analogue bikes. Stopping power is particularly important. Disc brakes are unquestionably superior here. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common and, although expensive, the best in today’s market.  A 500-amp battery is enough for daily use and will propel you roughly 50 kilometres per charge at maximum power and twice that at lower levels of assist.  Brand name motors already have good service records. Look for Bosch or Shimano. 

Quality Components: Look for stainless steel spokes and alloy crank sets. You will find that e-biking involves more gear shifting than you are used to on an analogue bike. This is because it is important not to overwork an electric motor. They can burn out from too much load. As is true for you, ‘spinning’ is better than ‘mashing’ your way up a hill. A high-end rear derailleur system (Shimano or Sachs) is the minimum requirement. Better still is internal hub gearing. It is maintenance free and simple to use. However, it adds significantly to the cost.

Buy Local: Finally, if you are buying new, buy from a retailer you trust, one who will be here tomorrow and is willing to spend some time explaining your new bike to you. Avoid cheap offers from the Internet. In bikes you get what you pay for and one of those things is after-sale service and help. There is a teething process, particularly if it has been a few years since you were last on two wheels. You need a responsible local merchant.

If you are interested in building your own e-bike or learning how to care for one, you can do that with the enthusiastic help of one of the mechanics at the Clonakilty Bike Circus, your community tool-sharing bike central. We love e-bikes.

Part of me is so looking forward to meeting family and friends again and the other part is enjoying the home time, the time to think, to chill out with my kids and husband with no pressure to be anywhere, going for walks and cycles and spending some much-needed time in the garden.  

This is a stressful time for many who have lost their jobs or fear becoming ill with the corona virus. Our spiritual practices are very important at this time to keep us centred. As a sound healer, sound is always my go-to when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Sound can be a great way to keep us grounded and help us to feel calm in the midst of the fear and uncertainty.

I have many sound healing videos on my YouTube channel, as well as some of my songs and poems. I invite you to check them out. I have created a short playlist of my videos, which may be particularly helpful at this time to help bring you some calm and stillness if you need it. It’s called Sound Healing Self-care During Lockdown

The videos range from a simple one-minute exercise to ground yourself; a seven-minute sound meditation you can listen to anytime during the day if you find you have been overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, with some heart blessings and a longer sound bath of 30 minutes.

Next Saturday April 25, I will be hosting an online sound bath on YouTube. The theme is finding your inner balance at a time of huge uncertainty. 

You simply need to find yourself a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed for 90 minutes. Sitting comfortably or lying down, as you prefer, you are invited to journey inward while listening to the soothing sounds of gong, voice and other instruments. There’s nothing for you to do, you can simply be. The gong slows down our brain waves helping us to experience deep relaxation and easily enter a meditative state.  

You can book your place here. Please get in touch if you can have questions or would like to hear more, I’d love to hear from you claire@clairemariebarton.com or 087 2323 623.

ICOS Skillnet – the learning and development division of ICOS (Irish Co-operative Organisation Society) has introduced a series of online and blended learning initiatives to support the co-operative sector, its members and their families, during the current COVID-19 public health emergency and onwards into the future.  Over 30 online programmes have been launched by ICOS Skillnet.

ICOS Skillnet is funded by Skillnet Ireland and member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

Billy Goodburn, Head of Learning and Development, ICOS Skillnet said, “We realise this is an extremely difficult time for so many people and their families. Manyco-operative staff are effectively working on the frontline, and many businesses in our communities have been forced to close, hopefully only temporarily. The coronavirus restrictions have left many feeling anxious and stressed with unexpected extra time on their hands.  However, we must also make the best of things. The co-operative sector is renowned for its strength and resilience and it has coped with very many challenges in the past. The processes of training, education and development must continue, and that is why we are delighted to launch a series of initiatives in support of this aim.”

Online Courses

ICOS Skillnet is offering 22 online programmes FREE of charge not only to co-operative members and their staff, but also to their families, their farmer members and their respective families too. Details of the courses is available at www.icosskillnet.ie.

The learning and development division of ICOS has also added 9 free online programmes (including courses relating to Business Management, Corporate Governance, Financial Reporting, Bullying and Harassment Prevention, Good Manufacturing Practice; An Introduction to Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing, Lean and Waste Reduction, Quality Improvement and also Maintaining Improvements. These are also now available on the ICOS Skillnet online learning platform.

Additionally, Billy Goodburn outlined that ICOS Skillnet has worked with some of its training providers and are now offering a series of virtual classroom training sessions for industry. Some of these include, COVID-19 Mitigation Strategy for the Food Industry (1 Day); Setting Remote Working up for Success (2 Days); Successfully Managing Remote Working (2 Days); Emotional Wellbeing & Resilience during COVID-19 (2 Hours). “We are also working with UCC to make some of their more technicalprogrammes, that we already deliver, available through virtual classrooms”.

“We have also developed a top tips list for remote workers for employers and for employees. Additionally, we have received funding to support industry with their training needs (from April inclusive to June 30) at a rate of 100 per cent, with no matching funding requirements, in areas such as business continuity, management development, eCommerce including online retail, and future requirements post COVID 19 in terms of skills development for long term sustainability. This is a new fund made available by Skillnet Ireland who are providing very meaningful and practical supports at this difficult time for industry.”

Concluding, Billy Goodburn revealed that ICOS Skillnet, in conjunction with UCC’s Institute of Co-operative Studies, will be launching a new online Masters (MSc) in Co-operative and Social Enterprise for ICOS co-operative members. This will be a two year onlineprogramme with first enrolments starting in May 2020 and the programme starting in September 2020. “This is a new initiative which we have been working on since before the COVID-19 crisis began. It couldn’t be more timely now at this stage and we are delighted to work with UCC in bringing this important new programme to the co-operative sector.”

ICOS Skillnet is the learning and development division of ICOS (Irish Co-operative Organisation Society). It is funded by Skillnet Ireland and member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

ICOS represents over 130 co-operatives in Ireland – including the Irish dairy processing co-operatives and livestock marts – whose associated businesses have a combined turnover in the region of €14 billion, with some 150,000 individual members, employing 12,000 people in Ireland, and a further 24,000 people overseas.

COVID-19 pandemic poses significant challenges for the child protection system

“We are telling people to stay at home to save lives, but for some, home is the most dangerous place to be”

An information hub of local and national resources to support families in crisis during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been developed by the School of Law at University College Cork (UCC) together with Irish charities, civil society organisations and other service providers.

The UN Secretary General recently highlighted the risk that the pandemic poses to people living in violent homes worldwide, while An Garda Siochana launched Operation Faoisimh to protect victims of domestic abuse. The COVID-19 situation also poses significant challenges for both the enforcement of access arrangements and for the child protection system. Whilst most cases before the courts will be adjourned for the duration of the current restrictions, the courts will still hear urgent applications in family law and childcare matters, including applications for care order extensions for vulnerable children during the pandemic.

The Family Law hub, hosted on the UCC website at https://www.ucc.ie/en/covid19familylaw/ is a comprehensive public resource of up-to-date information and guidance for people seeking advice and support on family law issues, including access to justice, custody arrangements, income and maintenance, children in care, disability and carers support, and broader supports for those experiencing domestic violence. The online hub was developed by students at the UCC Family Law Clinic under the supervision of Dr Louise Crowley, Clinic Director and Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, UCC

“The most vulnerable in our society will find it hard to navigate the courts or social welfare system during the pandemic” commented Dr Crowley “The Family Law Hub at UCC brings all available resources together to assist those who urgently need information and support in a time of crisis. We are telling people to stay at home to save lives, but for some, home is the most dangerous place to be”.

In particular, the Family Law Hub contains:

A section dedicated to supports for women and men experiencing domestic violence.

Guidance and information to assist with care order extensions, family visit arrangements and home visits during the pandemic.

Useful guidance and resources from the Courts Service, Legal Aid Board, Free Legal Aid Centre and Tusla, amongst other bodies.

Dr Crowley and her students in the UCC Family Law Clinic developed the resources in collaboration with a range of organisations including Barnardos, One Family, Safe Ireland, the Legal Aid Board, the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland, the Irish Family Lawyer’s Association, the Men’s Development Network and the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI).

Commenting on the hub, Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI, said:

“Clear, comprehensive and accessible information is crucial in these challenging times to ensure people’s rights are supported and protected. The UCC School of Law information hub is an excellent resource and the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) is very happy to endorse and support it.”

Also commenting on the hub, Mr John McDaid, Chief Executive of the Legal Aid Board said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many challenges for Irish society, including the legal environment. At the Legal Aid Board we recognise that access to information is playing a pivotal role for people during these difficult times. This initiative by the UCC Family Law Clinic brings a wealth of information together for those having a family law problem at this time. The Family Law Hub is a comprehensive resource for those seeking to understand the sorts of issues arising during the pandemic and where they can access help, such as information, legal aid or family mediation, for those issues.”

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Simon Communities are once again joining forces to launch the annual RIAI Simon Open Door campaign. This year, however, they’re taking the initiative online due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. 

Now in its 16th year, the campaign sees registered architects all around Ireland offer their expertise to members of the public in exchange for a donation of €95 to Simon Communities. Previously, this was conducted via an hour-long face-to-face consultation about building, rebuilding or renovating homes. In order to continue supporting Simon Communities while maintaining social distancing requirements, the consultations will this year be held virtually via video calls.

One of Ireland’s best-known architects, Dermot Bannon MRIAI, helped launch this year’s virtual campaign with a short video, in which he explains how people can get involved for a vital cause. It can be downloaded at this link

Commenting on this year’s virtual campaign, Ciaran O’Connor, RIAI President said: “Our members are proud to partner with Simon Communities across Ireland every year to support its fantastic work. Now more than ever, registered architects in every county are keen to support both the charity and people in their own local communities and this is a very positive way to do that. I would like to sincerely thank those who have already signed up to give their time and expertise. I would also appeal to members of the public who are looking for a way to contribute something positive at this difficult time to consider booking a slot, either for personal use or even as a gift for a loved one, and help Simon Communities to provide vital services during this time.”

Karen Golden, Chair of the Simon Communities of Ireland said: “COVID-19 poses very serious challenges to people who are homeless and we sincerely appreciate this kind of support, which means we can continue to provide the strongest possible service during this crisis. We are doing all we can to keep our vital services open and it is crucial that a spotlight is kept on protecting people who are currently experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness. They are among the most vulnerable people in our society at what is a very challenging time for us all.”

RIAI Simon Open Door runs from Tuesday, May 5 until Friday, May 15 and all funds raised go directly to Simon Communities across Ireland to support their work in tackling homelessness through the current crisis and beyond. Registration for the event is now open and people are encouraged to book a slot with an RIAI-registered architect in their local area by visiting www.simonopendoor.ie.  

Having returned from Melbourne via Malaysia on March 24, paediatric doctor Sarah Kyne is happy to be back home and working on the frontline supporting the HSE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twenty-seven-year old Sarah from Newbridge in Co. Kildare is now able to commute easily from her home to her new job in a Dublin Hospital having applied for the CovidCarCover initiative with Renault Ireland and Axa Insurance. Sarah, as well as other returning medics, are able to apply for a car and insurance to help them get to and from work for the next two months.

This joint initiative between Axa and Renault is to acknowledge the exceptional contribution being made by returning medics to support the national response to the pandemic. Sarah is photographed at a social- distance with Richard Murphy of Renault Belgard collecting her Renault Mégane.

www.covidcarcover.com

Lions Clubs have pledged to raise up to €100,000 to fund 200,000 ‘Hero Shield’ face visors, which will be distributed free of charge to front line health workers throughout Ireland.

The project, led by James O’Sullivan of Macroom Lions Club, was initially supported by nine other clubs in the Zone and has since gained the support of Lions Clubs District 133, which covers the island of Ireland. District Governor Bernard Black has asked the 106 Lions Clubs in the District to support the project with donations. 

To date €20,000 has been raised, including €10,000 from the Cork clubs and a further €10,000 in match funding from the District Humanitarian Fund. 

Says Lions Zone Chairman Orla Flavin from Cobh Lions Club: 

“We are already getting a very positive response from Lions Clubs all over the country and we are confident that we will reach our target of €100,000. Not all heroes wear capes but as Lions Clubs, we can help make sure our heroes wear shields.”

James O’Sullivan of Macroom Lions Club, who initiated the project adds:

‘Twenty companies across the country are giving their time, talents and tools free of charge to produce these visors which are manufactured here in Ireland, are certified and meet EU Standards. Covid 19 teams North and South have already approved the Lions Hero Shields. An Garda Síochána, Hospitals and, Care Homes North and South across the country have been contacted and are anxious to take delivery of our PPE’s as soon as possible. The need is clear as statistics show front line staff account for almost a quarter of the Covid-19 cases in Ireland’.  

Says Lions Clubs District Governor Bernard Black: “The 1.4m members of 46,000 Lions Clubs throughout the world are dedicated to serving their communities and this project enables Lions Clubs to make a meaningful contribution to the battle against Covid 19 in Ireland. It also complements the wide range of voluntary community support which Lions Clubs have been offering to their local communities since the virus first emerged in Ireland.”

The Hero Shield is a full-face visor designed to be used by front line workers in the battle against the COVID19 virus.  It is a vital piece of Personal Protective Equipment in the armoury of kit helping to protect those who put themselves at risk to help others.  

The visors are manufactured in Ireland by Hero Shield, a new not-for-profit collective of companies, and are certified as meeting all relevant EU standards. The HSE has already noted that, as the visor has no moving parts, it is easier to sterilise and reuse than many existing solutions. 

The Hero Shield will be available free to HSE and An Garda Síochána personnel in the Republic of Ireland and NHS and PSNI personnel in Northern Ireland.

The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) and RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) are asking the public not to take part in any water-based activity on or in the sea, while the current national emergency restrictions are in place. Both organisations are highlighting the importance of minimising the risk to Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer crews, Helicopter crew and other front line emergency services, through being unintentionally exposed to COVID-19. 

RNLI and Coast Guard are confirming that their Search and Rescue services are fully operational.

Under normal circumstances, many people would be heading to the coast this weekend to enjoy the Easter bank holiday. Given the current COVID-19 outbreak, both organisations are urging everyone to follow Government instructions, which are clear: stay home, protect frontline services and save lives.

While you are allowed out for daily exercise, we do not recommend that this exercise is on or in the sea and all travel restrictions must be observed. SAR services including RNLI lifeboat service, Coast Guard Helicopter services and Coast Guard units are still available, but every callout has the potential to put additional pressure on SAR services and other front-line emergency services as well as potentially exposing them to COVID-19.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI, said: ‘We know people who live near the coast still want to exercise by the sea, but when you do this, please think of the potential impact of your actions on RNLI lifeboat volunteers and other emergency services.’

Gerard O’Flynn from the Coast Guard said, “Please; Stay Home and Stay Back to Stay SAFE. Observe the 2×2 Rule. 2M physical distance and 2KM travel distance. Arrangements are in place for Coast Guard services including Helicopters and Volunteer Coast Guard units to assist HSE, Gardai and Local Authorities in provision of community support and other logistical support. We need our people to stay healthy during this emergency to enable us support the national action plan.’

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) has announced the addition of a €40,000 seed fund its 2020 Ideas Academy programme. The Ideas Academy is aimed at people with early-stage innovative ideas to solve social problems and provides training and support to move from idea to action. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch for a portion of the funding at the end of the programme to invest in their idea.

Initially due to run in locations around Dublin, Cork and Galway, SEI has re-designed the Ideas Academy in recent weeks to run it online and transition to in-person delivery, if and when possible during the lifespan of the programme.

Commenting, Darren Ryan, CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland said “We believe that there are social entrepreneurs in every village and town in Ireland and we want to find them. Now more than ever we need those who have the courage, insight and ambition to put forward a solution to a social problem, and act on it.

“The uncertainty we find ourselves in with the current pandemic requires those who will stand up for the vulnerable and find innovative ways to solve social problems. We know that not everyone will recognize themselves as a social entrepreneur right away, so we want to let everyone know that you don’t need a perfectly polished idea or business plan to apply. Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is here to support on every step of the journey, and we hope the addition of the €40,000 seed fund for the Ideas Academy will help this year’s participants deliver even greater impact as they bring their ideas to life.”

Applications for the Ideas Academy are open until 12noon on Tuesday, April 14. Interested candidates can apply or find out more at socialentrepreneurs.ie/theideasacademy/.

Launched by three friends from Dublin, The Netherlands and Italy, The Quarantine Quiz is an online pub quiz, which aims to bring some fun into quarantine during the Covid-19 pandemic. What started out as a way to enjoy a Saturday night with some friends who can’t visit their favourite pubs has now developed into a live stream with over a thousand people watching and playing. The next Quiz takes place this Saturday, April 11.

The Quarantine Quiz is free to take part in but participants are encouraged to donate to the World Health Organisation and to the Hospital of Bergamo, in the most affected city in Europe.

“People are loving it!” says Alex, one of the organisers. “We were meant to be six or seven people drinking some beers during a video call… In three days, our Facebook event got bigger and bigger. During our first event, there were so many participants that our servers got overloaded!”

Alessandro Mazzoleni (Alex) is a 27-year-old media producer, who studied in Limerick. Born in Bergamo, Italy, he now lives in Dublin.

Giordano Moro, 28, also from Bergamo, is a mechanical engineer, who studied in Cork. Giordano currently lives and works in Tilburg, The Netherlands, with Ennie, his girlfriend and third member of the Quarantine Quiz team. 

Ennie Wolters, 23, is Dutch. She studied Public Administration in The Netherlands and works at the Dutch Ministry for Public Works.

Giordano and Alex have been friends for over ten years. “We’ve been living in different countries for quite some time but still talk to each other on a daily basis,” says Alex. “We usually visit each other on a monthly basis, but due to the current situation we’re afraid that this won’t be possible in the near future…”

As natives of Bergamo, one of the most affected cities in the world by the coronavirus pandemic, Giordano and Alex find it very difficult to be so far from family and friends.

“At the moment, we live far from home, but we’re still attached to it,” says Alex. In Bergamo, hundreds of people are dying every day and we’re worried for our families. We’d love to be with them right now, even if it’d be dangerous. Experiencing the situation in Italy from a physical distance is frustrating. We only can try to give comfort and attention to our families and friends that still live over there.”

Ennie is living in her home country, but due to the current government measures in the Netherlands, she cannot visit her friends or families either. The Dutch government decided not to go into ‘full lockdown’ but schools, bars and shops are still closed and many people (including Giordano and Ennie) are working from home. “Currently, the biggest discussion in the Netherlands revolves around the possibility of increasing the number of beds on the intensive care. The usually very down-to-earth Dutch people are seriously starting to worry about whether the hospitals can still provide the best care for the increasing number of patients,” explains Alex.

Now Irish, Italian and Dutch people are socialising together on a Saturday night through the Quarantine Quiz, the popularity of which has spread throughout Europe and to the US. “Germans and English people are always there! The last time we also got a message from an American couple, sending their compliments from New Jersey!” says Alex.

Participants are chatting with each other on the YouTube livestream during the event! “We had people cracking jokes, supporting each other, and at some point it even looked like there was a romance developing in the live chat!”

For those interested in joining the Quarantine Quiz and having some fun, visit https://jobwherever.com/quarantine-quiz/.

On the official page of the event, you’ll find information about the quiz, a quick explanation on how to play and a link to the Facebook event.