Thank you, #StaySafe and keep up the efforts to #StopTheSpread

A joint message from the HSE, An Garda Síochána, and Longford County Council

 

As Ireland enters a crucial phase in the fight against the virus, the three principal response agencies that make up the Midlands Regional Steering Group (An Garda Síochána, the HSE and the Local Authorities) thanked people for their work on stopping the spread of Covid-19.

 

Ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend, representatives of, An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Longford County Council are appealing to everyone in County Longford to continue their impressive efforts.

 

In an effort to deter people from travelling more than two kilometres, local authorities have closed car parks at many amenities and attractions.  Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council has urged people not to allow everyone’s hard work to be undermined and to #StaySafe and, where possible, #StayatHome.  

 

“We are encouraging people of all ages to stay at home.  Check out #InThisTogether, which draws together a huge range of activities that you can pursue in your home or your locality, by yourself or with family members or with friends online. There are ideas and activities for people of all ages with lots of advice and tips on how you can look after your mental wellbeing, stay active and stay connected.”

 

Joe Ruane from HSE Midland Louth Meath Community Healthcare has acknowledged that the collective actions of communities in the region is clearly making a difference but it is crucial that everyone keeps up those efforts: 

 

“We know it’s hard, especially in terms of being apart from families and friends but it is helping to protect and keep our communities - especially vulnerable people and healthcare workers - safe.  I want to particularly appeal to young people - we in the healthcare community need you to keep that effort going for another while.”

 

Tony Healy, Garda Chief Superintendent for Roscommon / Longford Division, highlights that there will be a very visible Garda presence across the counties of Longford and Roscommon this weekend: 

 

“Our members will operate an extensive network of checkpoints across both counties this weekend, checking public compliance with the travel restrictions in place as part of Covid-19 public health guidelines.  There has been very good compliance with the travel restrictions and we want to thank the public for this.  However, it is vital that this continues over the coming days and weeks.  It will save lives.  In particular, we would ask people who are thinking of travelling to parks, tourist locations or holiday homes outside of the two kilometre limit this weekend not to do so.  If you are stopped at a checkpoint, you will be turned back.”

 

The Midlands Regional Steering Group urges everyone to please play their part and #StaySafe, #StoptheSpread this May Bank Holiday weekend.

 

Notes:

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen very positive examples of strong collaboration between the HSE, local government, An Garda Síochána, Education sector, Education and Training Boards, Athlone Institute of Technology and the Defence Forces.  In each county, a COVID-19 Community Response Forum has been established to ensure that there is a co-ordinated community response and to enable all voluntary statutory agencies to collaborate in support of our communities and particularly of our most vulnerable members.  A dedicated community call helpdesk has been established in each local authority.  In addition, the #InThisTogether campaign aims to help everyone in Ireland to Stay Connected, Stay Active and look after their Mental Health throughout the COVID-19 Emergency.  Each local authority is providing information on their websites and social media to support individuals during these challenging times.  Information is also available on www.gov.ie/together.

 

The Community Call Helplines continue to be available to people over the weekend.  These helplines involve many community organisations and volunteers and can assist people who need additional support to adhere to the cocooning guidelines.  The helpline in the county can be contacted at:

Phone 043 3344255 or 1800 300 122

Email covidsupport@longfordcoco.ie

 

The HSE’s Crisis Management Team (CMT) includes participation from National Ambulance Services and Emergency Management, Environmental Health officers and the HSE’s estates (technical services, property and maintenance) and procurement (equipment and supplies) services are also involved – in addition to HSE Community Healthcare (which delivers community/primary care, health and wellbeing, elderly and disability care and mental health services in County Longford

#StaySafe, #StoptheSpread

 

As outlined at www.hse.ie/coronavirus, there are simple but very effective steps we all must take each and every day.  They include:

  • Staying at home as much as possible.
  • Washing your hands properly and often. 
  • Reducing the number of people you meet and interact with each day.
  • Avoiding large groups or crowded areas and do not travel more than two kilometres from home.
  • Maintaining a distance of two metres with other people.
  • Working at home.

 

 

The symptoms of this virus are a cough (this can be any kind of cough), shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, fever, high temperature or chills.  If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and contact your GP.  The people in your household will need to restrict their movements.  Go to www.hse.ie/coronavirus for information about self-isolation and restricting movement.  If you develop symptoms of coronavirus phone your GP.  Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.  The GP will assess you over the phone and give you the right advice.