Category Archives: covid-19

Latest Pandemic Updates from the HSE

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Getting tested for COVID-19: From January 3rd people who
have symptoms of COVID-19,and are aged 4 to 39 should use antigen
tests in the first place. You can book free antigen tests online from the HSE. You also need to
self-isolate (stay in your room). There is a high risk you could spread the virus. If you have a positive
antigen test, you should then book a PCR test from the HSE to confirm the result.

This advice does not apply to people who
have higher risk health conditions or healthcare workers. Read more about testing for COVID-19 here https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/testing/get-tested/

COVID-19 vaccination for
children aged 5-11: COVID-19 vaccine
registration is now open for children aged 5-11. A parent or legal guardian will need to give consent for
their child to get a COVID-19 vaccine. To register and give consent, visit our website: https://vaccine.hse.ie/cohort/ 

Read information and advice on the COVID-19
vaccine for 5-11 year olds here. 

Read the information leaflets for parents
and guardians here. 

5 to 11 year olds will be offered a Pfizer
COVID-19 vaccine with a smaller dose. The immunity they get will be similar to the higher dose vaccine
used in older age groups. Children in this age group cannot get vaccinated at a walk-in vaccination clinic
or pharmacy.

COVID-19 vaccine booster:  People aged 16 and older can now get a
COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. 

If you are 30 or older, there are 4 ways to
get your booster dose:

If you are aged 16 to 29, you can:

You may also be able to get your booster
from your GP.     

  • Online self-scheduler for COVID-19
    booster vaccine:     People can now book their own booster
    appointments online at many vaccination centres through the HSE website     here. 

Public Health Measures 

You can find the public health measures here.  

COVID-19 Testing 

Full details of how to get tested are available here.

People aged 4 to 39 with symptoms: If you have symptoms of COVID-19, and are aged 4 to 39 you should use
antigen tests in the first instance. Do not book a PCR test. You can book antigen tests online from the
HSE. Only book 1 kit per person.

People aged 40 and over with symptoms: If you are aged 40 or over and have symptoms of COVID-19, book a PCR test. Do not book antigen tests. 

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include high
temp, dry cough and change in sense of taste or smell. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s very
important to self-isolate and get tested as soon as possible. Please do this even if you are part or fully
vaccinated against COVID-19. You can find more information here.

Close contact of a person that tests
positive for COVID-19

If you are a close contact of a person that
tests positive for COVID-19, please find guidance here. 

If you test positive for COVID-19

If you have a positive (detected) result on
an antigen test or a PCR test you should self-isolate
(stay in your room). There is a high risk you could spread the
virus to others.

Read information on antigen testing and
what to do if you receive a positive result here.

Read information on what to do if you
receive a positive result on a PCR test here.

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme 

You can find the latest information on
vaccines administered here.

Find a pharmacy giving COVID-19 vaccines

Many pharmacies are now offering COVID-19
vaccines to people aged 12 and over. Find a pharmacy to book your vaccine appointment. You can find more information here.

Where to find COVID-19 Vaccination
Information

We encourage everyone to read about the
COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – here are the links to the
pages with information on the vaccine:

 

Free flu vaccine for all at-risk groups

It’s flu season and while anyone can catch
the flu, some people are more at risk of catching the flu, getting seriously ill or needing hospital
treatment. The HSE encourages all at-risk groups to make an appointment with their GP or Pharmacist for
their free flu vaccine. People at risk include those aged 50 or over, children aged 2 to 17, people with
certain long term conditions, pregnant women and healthcare workers. It’s the best way to be protected
from the flu. Find a participating pharmacy.

Keep well this winter

Information is available here including:

  • Your guide to keeping well this winter
  • How to manage common illnesses
  • Advice on when to get emergency help

Minor injuries

Injury units are for the treatment of minor
injuries that are unlikely to need admission to hospital. So of it is a sprain, break or minor burn, head
to your local injury unit. You can find more information here.

The HSE phone number for all queries in
relation to medical cards, GP visit cards, Drugs Payment Scheme and Long Term Illness scheme has changed

The HSE phone number for all queries in
relation to medical cards, GP visit cards, Drugs Payment Scheme and Long Term Illness scheme has changed.
Please call 0818 22 44 78 to make enquiries.

Minimum unit pricing on alcohol

Minimum unit pricing on alcohol has been
introduced. This sets a minimum price for a gram of alcohol, meaning it cannot be sold for less than that
price. You can find out more about minimum unit pricing here here.

Needing support for grief?

If you, or a loved one, are grieving or
bereaved and need some extra help at the moment, the HSE and Irish Hospice Foundation have information and
support available, which are outlined in our article in thejournal.ie

Public Health Information

For updated information
and advice on Coronavirus, please go to: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ and https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/. Clinical and
professional guidance relating to COVID-19 is available on https://www.hpsc.ie/ where you’ll find up to
date guidance for healthcare settings and non-clinical settings.

 

Please check here for the most up to date partner resources
for COVID-19.

You can find translated resources here.

You can find the COVID-19 A-Z information
here from the
HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on
the Keep Well campaign.

You can view the latest information on how
Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub is available here.

 

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Our highlight communications updates for you from this week are:

-Over 91% of people aged 16+ are fully vaccinated, and over 90% of people aged 12+ have received at least 1 dose. Registrations and vaccinations are ongoing.

-An additional COVID-19 vaccination dose for those who are immunocompromised is beginning to be offered. This is for people whose immune system is weak due to a health condition or a specific treatment. Please find further information below.

-A booster dose of the COVID-10 vaccine for people aged 80 and over who are living in the family home, and people aged 65 and over who are living in long-term residential care will begin from October 4th onward. Please find further information below.

-Pregnancy and getting a COVID-19 vaccine: it is safe to get your COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of your pregnancy. Guidance has changed on doses during pregnancy because there is more evidence available. You can find more information here.

-Flu Vaccines: The HSE is encouraging people aged 65 and over, and all healthcare workers to come forward for their annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can be safely given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, and it’s free of charge from the GP, Pharmacist, or your workplace if you work in healthcare. See https://www.hse.ie/flu for more, and further information below.

Public Health Measures

You can find information here about the public health measures in place.

You can find the public health measures here.

Additional COVID-19 vaccination dose for those who are immunocompromised

Having a weak immune system puts you at higher risk of serious illness if you get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated will give you some protection against this.

If you have a weak immune system, you may be offered another COVID-19 vaccine dose to give you better protection.

You can find information on who may need an additional COVID-10 vaccine dose here.

Hospitals will identify the people who need an additional dose. You do not need to register of contact anyone. People who need an additional dose will receive a text message with an appointment for their vaccine.

These additional doses will be given through HSE vaccination centre near you, or your hospital if you’re an inpatient. GPs may also vaccinate some people.

COVID-19 vaccine booster dose

If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine course, you will be offered a booster dose if you are:

-80 or older, or

-65 or older and living in a nursing home or long-term residential care facility

 If you are aged 65 or over, and live in residential care, you will be vaccinated by the care team where you live.

If you are aged 80 or over and not living in residential care, you’ll be invited for your vaccine by your GP during the next few weeks. Some GPs will refer patients to a vaccination centre.

If you are aged 65 to 79 and do not live in long-term residential care, you do not need a booster dose at this time.

You can find more information about the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose here.

Pregnancy and getting a COVID-19 vaccine

You should get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself from the virus if you’re:

· pregnant

· trying for a baby or might get pregnant in the future

· breastfeeding

You will need 2 doses of your COVID-19 vaccine.

It is safe to get your COVID-19 vaccine at any stage of your pregnancy.

Guidance has changed on doses during pregnancy because there is more evidence available.

You should get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered, following a discussion with your midwife, GP or obstetrician.

You can find more information here.

 

Mixed vaccines doses

People who received a first dose of AstraZeneca can now receive an mRNA (Pfizer/Moderna) vaccine as their second dose. NIAC recommends that receiving two doses of the same vaccine are preferred for all age groups, where possible. You can read more about this here. Dose 2 walk-in vaccination clinics for people who wish to get an mRNA vaccine after their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine are listed here.

COVID-19 Testing – Online Booking System

Full details of how to get tested are available here.

COVID-19 Contact Tracing – Online System

If you test positive for COVID-19 you will get a text message. This will include a link to a website where you can upload contact details for your close contacts. If you do not use the website, a contact tracer will phone you to collect the details. You can find out more about close contacts here.

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

You can find the latest information on vaccines administered here.

 Face covering exemption cards

The HSE National Disability Services team have developed a limited number of “face covering exemption cards” for individuals who have a condition that makes them unable to wear a face covering as per the Government guidelines (in retail and health centres and on public transport). An application to receive a card can be made by an individual or Provider Organisation by emailing . In the event of an application for an individual, validation will be sought regarding the condition that the applicant is using to apply for the card.

12 to 15 year olds

12 to 15 year olds can attend walk in vaccination clinics. You can find more information here. Children aged 12 to 15 must attend with their parent or guardian.

We’re inviting parents of children aged 12 to 15 to register their children now. All children in this age group are being offered a vaccine but we particularly recommend that they get vaccinated if they:

· have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19

· live with someone who is at higher risk of COVID-19

Parents can read more about the benefits and risk of vaccination for their children here.

Register online to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Read the user guide for help with registering online.

Find information here on who can give consent for vaccination of a young person aged under 16 years

If you cannot register online, you can call the COVID-19 helpline at Freephone: 1800 700 700 to register by phone.

 

Find a pharmacy giving COVID-19 vaccines

Many pharmacies are now offering COVID-19 vaccines to people aged 12 and over. Find a pharmacy to book your vaccine appointment. You can find more information here.

 

Where to find COVID-19 Vaccination Information

We encourage everyone to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – here are the links to the pages with information on the vaccine:

· Checkhttps://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/ for information about the vaccine, information on this page is updated regularly

· Find the vaccine information materials at https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/covid-19-resources-and-translations/covid-19-vaccine-materials/

· Details on COVID-19 vaccines administered are available here

· Read the full COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy

· Read the National Immunisation Advisory Committee Chapter about COVID-19 vaccine

· COVID-19 vaccine information for health professionals

· Information in Irish Sign Language: information resources on the COVID-19 vaccines in Irish Sign Language are available here.

· COVID-19 vaccines easy read and accessible information formats are availablehere.

 

Information for Parents about the changes to contact tracing and testing for children aged between 3 months and 13 years in Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC), education (primary school), sports and social settings

This guidance is available here.

FAQs for School Principals, Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) Managers or those hosting sports/social activities for children ages 3 months to less than 13 years, or in primary school 

This guidance is available here.

Isolation quick guide: adults and children from their 13th birthday

This guidance is available here.

Flu vaccine

It’s flu season so if you’re 65 or over, it’s time to get your annual flu vaccine.

While anyone can catch the flu, people aged 65 or older are more at risk of getting seriously ill or needing hospital treatment. So make an appointment with your GP or pharmacist today. Learn more: https://www.hse.ie/flu and please see the attached campaign pack with information and images to share with your networks.

‘Let’s Get Back’ Campaign

‘Let’s Get Back’, is a national awareness campaign encouraging the Irish public to get back involved in the sport and exercise that they love. ‘Let’s Get Back’ has been created by Sport Ireland in partnership with Healthy Ireland to encourage members of the Irish public who are anxious or unsure about returning to sport and physical activity following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. 

The campaign intends to reassure people that it is possible to do so in a safe and secure manner. The campaign will be supported by the National Governing Bodies of Sport in Ireland and the network of Local Sport Partnerships. 

Members of the public can get information on how to return to sport and activities in a safe way by visiting https://www.sportireland.ie/letsgetback. The campaign message is tailored to ensure that it reaches those most in need of support and encouragement and it is hoped that this campaign can touch the hearts and minds of every age, ethnicity, demographic, ability and more. 

 

BreastCheck information campaign

The new BreastCheck campaign commenced in September and continues through October, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign is aimed at women aged 50-69, who are eligible for breast screening, and explains that there are delays to BreastCheck appointments due to COVID-19. The campaign encourages women to be breast aware and to know the symptoms of breast cancer. It’s important to remind women that if they have symptoms, they should contact a GP without delay. Please see the partner pack attached for further information. We would be grateful for your help in sharing this information to your networks, colleagues and members.

Quit

The HSE is inviting people who smoke to take the 28-day no smoking challenge this October

and join thousands of others who have already used the HSE QUIT service to quit smoking in 2021. Please find attached a campaign partner pack. We would be grateful if you would help share the campaign messages.

Public Health Information

As always, for the most up to date information and advice on Coronavirus, please go to: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/ and https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/. Clinical and professional guidance relating to COVID-19 is available on https://www.hpsc.ie/ where you’ll find up to date guidance for healthcare settings and non-clinical settings.

Please check here for the most up to date partner resources for COVID-19.

You can find the COVID-19 A-Z information here from the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.

You can view the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme 25th August Update

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Public Health Measures

-Everyone aged 12 and over can now receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

-More than 3 million people have been fully vaccinated in Ireland. As of August 18th, 90% of eligible adults are partially vaccinated and 83% of adults are fully vaccinated. Over 75% of our population aged 12 and over are now vaccinated.

You can find information here about the public health measures in place.

COVID-19 Testing – Online Booking System

Full details of how to get tested are available here.

To book a test, log on to our system here. You can show up without an appointment, but you may not have to wait as long if you book online.

We have introduced a new contact tracing online system this week. If you get a positive test, you can use this to help list where you’ve been and help us to get in touch with your close contacts. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/contact-tracing/contact-tracing/

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

The vaccination programme continues to be rolled out nationwide. More than 3 million people have been fully vaccinated in Ireland. By this weekend, 90% of adults will be partially vaccinated and 80% of adults will be fully vaccinated. We are grateful to all of our colleagues and partners, and to the public, for taking part and making this happen.

You can find the latest information on vaccines administered here.

Registration for 12 to 15 year olds

We’re inviting parents of children aged 12 to 15 to register their children now. All children in this age group are being offered a vaccine but we particularly recommend that they get vaccinated if they:

· have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19

· live with someone who is at higher risk of COVID-19

Parents can read more about the benefits and risk of vaccination for their children here.

Please note that 12 to 15 year olds are not eligible at present to attend walk in vaccination clinics.

Register online to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Read the user guide for help with registering online.

If you cannot register online, you can call the COVID-19 helpline at Freephone: 1800 700 700 to register by phone.

Who can give consent for vaccination of a young person aged under 16 years

Information is available here.

Isolation quick guide – applying to those aged greater than 3 months and up to 13th birthday

The updated factsheet is available here.

Isolation quick guide – adults and children from their 13th birthday

The updated factsheet is available here.

Where to find COVID-19 Vaccination Information

We encourage everyone to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – here are the links to the pages with information on the vaccine:

  • Find information on how to receive/amend your EU COVID Digital Certificate here

 HSE COVID-19 webinar – Guidance on Resumption of Day Care Services for Older People

Friday, 3rd September (from 12-1pm)
You can register for the webinar here.

For telephone access to listen to the webinar, please use the following:

Irish dial in number: 01 5260058
Access code: 175 385 4519

Medical cards online

The online portal for medical card, GP visit card and DPS applications and renewals is now restored.

Public Health Information

As always, for the most up to date information and advice on Coronavirus, please go to: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/ and https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/. Clinical and professional guidance relating to COVID-19 is available on https://www.hpsc.ie/ where you’ll find up to date guidance for healthcare settings and non-clinical settings.

Please check here for the most up to date partner resources for COVID-19.

You can find the COVID-19 A-Z information here from the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.

You can view the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub is available here.

Many thanks and best wishes,

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Budget 2021 measures a welcome and bold step to help stabilise Ireland’s SME sector

SME Recovery Ireland has today (13.10.20) broadly welcomed Budget 2021 as a big step in to help recover and sustain Ireland’s decimated SME sector. Reacting to the €17.75 billion Budget package, the group is particularly encouraged to see SME focused supports which it had called for in the budget including:

A €3.4 billion Recovery Fund to stimulate increased domestic demand and employment.
A new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) which will pay up to €5,000 a week to businesses forced to close temporarily because of Level 3 Covid19 restrictions or higher from today – SMERI had advocated for this in its national Small Business Recovery Plan.
An extension of the tax warehousing scheme to include repayments of Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme funds.
The reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector to 9 per cent.
The extension of the Emergency Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) to March 2021 and a commitment to introduce a similar type of scheme to run from March 2021.
The extension of the Credit Guarantee Scheme.

Commenting, Chair of SME Recovery Ireland, John Moran said: “Today’s Budget is a welcome step in providing greater clarity and certainty to Ireland’s small business community. It is assuring to see Government commit to such a high level of expenditure to ensure economic stability during what looks to be a difficult year ahead and make use of the low interest rates available to Ireland for borrowing. Although much of the detail is yet to be announced we welcome the steps taken today.

“We are confident that Government is listening to the concerns and asks of Ireland’s small business owners. SME Recovery Ireland called for the introduction of a recovery fund and a compensation scheme in our National Small Business Recovery Plan launched back in May and it is assuring to see elements of these proposals echoed in today’s Budget. The introduction of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme is a particularly welcome measure and replicates the Danish style fixed cost compensations scheme we have been highlighting to Government. We also recommended that this should be administered via Revenue and the government has taken this on.”

Mr Moran added: “Through our involvement with the SME Growth Taskforce, we are committed to working with Government to establish the appropriate measures required to stimulate the SME sector as part of the forth coming National Economic Plan. While the details of the €3.6 billion Recovery Plan are yet to be set out, we will be pushing for a significant proportion of this to be directed towards the SME sector, the country’s largest employer.

“We also recognise that there a significant emphasises on education, training and upskilling in today’s announcement and we see this as an excellent opportunity to introduce new business literacy support programmes to help build financial resilience in the SME sector. This is something that we have been putting forward to Government for consideration.”

For further information on SME Recovery Ireland proposals, visit: www.smerecovery.ie.

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15th September: Ireland’s Alert-level Roadmap.

Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19

Ireland is moving from a short-term emergency response approach to a medium-term approach to managing risk and repairing the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted on society.

The Framework for Restrictive Measures will help us to go about our daily lives as much as possible, while managing the behaviour of the virus. The Framework consists of 5 Levels.

The lower Levels will be activated when there is low incidence of the disease, with isolated outbreaks, low community transmission. The higher Levels will be used to deal with higher incidences of the disease.

It will be possible for different regions and counties to be at a different Level to the National Level, depending on the incidence of the virus in that particular region or county.

At all times the priority guiding the plan will be to keep our schools open, while keeping people safe and protecting the resilience of our economy and communities…More>>

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HSE Mid West Community Healthcare is pleased to announce additional capacity for Covid 19 testing in the Mid West. As part of the HSE’s drive to improve accessibility for coronavirus testing for local communities the new centre when fully operational can cater for up to 600-700 tests per day if demand requires.
The centre is based at St Joseph’s Health Campus on Mulgrave Street in Limerick City and will offer free testing for anyone who is referred by a GP.
Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face-covering throughout (including travelling to and from the testing centre).
HSE Mid West Community Healthcare Chief Officer Maria Bridgeman, said: “We are very pleased to make this announcement, the additional pop up test centre becomes operational from today and will increase in capacity from three to seven testing bays in the coming days. This centre will help us meet the increased demand for testing at a location which is very accessible to the community. It is important the public continue to adhere to all public health guidelines as the HSE continues it’s response to Covid 19”
Appointments will be offered from 2pm to 8pm on Wednesday 9th September and the centre will be operational 7 days a week from Thursday 10th September from 8am to 8pm. The HSE would strongly urge those offered an appointment for testing to please attend.

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The community support helpline service is now available on:
1890 252943 or Freephone 1800 203 600 alternatively email: the lines are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Setup by Clare County Council in association with community groups to assist at risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical support and advice and to help vulnerable members of the community or those living alone access deliveries of groceries, medicine , fuels and give advice during the current public health emergency.



  • Clare County Council Covid-19 Help

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    The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out how the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted.

    From Department of the Taoiseach; Department of Health

    These measures are now in place for Phase 3. They are part of the roadmap for reopening society and business.

    The crisis is not over: COVID-19 is still having a major impact on our country. While great progress has been made to date, the experience of countries that have seen a resurgence of the virus makes it clear that there is still a risk of further spread.
    By working together we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease.
    Continued adherence to public health advice will determine whether we continue to move forward.


    The roadmap sets out Ireland’s plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions on:

  • 18 May – phase 1

  • 8 June – phase 2

  • 19 June – phase 2 Revision

  • 29 June – phase 3

    • Guidance on safe use of face coverings

    1. Introduction
    2. Public health measures
    3. Education and childcare
    4. Economic activity and work
    5. Social
    6. Cultural and religious
    7. Sport
    8. Transport and travel
    9. Advice for those over 70 years or medically vulnerable.

    Easing of stay local restriction:
    Travel anywhere in Ireland.

  • 31st August – Phase 4

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    COVID Tracker App.
    Available for iOS and Android.

    The HSE has created a free smartphone app to help improve contact tracing for COVID-19.
    The app will make contact tracing faster and more accurate, reducing the spread of coronavirus.
    Over 1,180,000 have already downloaded the app as of today.

    If you use the app, you can:

  • Get an alert if you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19
  • Alert others if you test positive for coronavirus – this will help keep other people safe
  • Track your symptoms and get advice on what to do if you’re sick
  • Get regular updates, and protect yourself and others as we learn to live with COVID-19

    • How it Works:
    The COVID Tracker phone app uses Bluetooth to make a secure, anonymous record any time you are close to other app users. The record is stored locally on your phone in an encrypted form and can’t be read by you or the other person.

    Helping with Contact Tracing
    If an app user tests positive for coronavirus, the HSE can ask them for their app records. You’re in control of sharing your records but the information will help to alert other people who might be affected. This can reduce the spread of coronavirus.

    COVID Check-In

    The app will ask you how you’re feeling and if you’re not well, you will be brought through the coronavirus symptom checker. You will be provided with expert HSE advice where needed.

    Privacy and data

    Any personal data provided will be processed in line with GDPR and data protection law. The data will only be used in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can choose to leave and uninstall the app at any time.

    Find out more at covidtracker.ie

    The app:
    Collects data anonymously and stores it on your phone
    Does not publicly identify anyone with coronavirus or identify you to other app users
    Will not make personal data available to the HSE without your direct consent
    COVID Tracker is a free app for your mobile phone. It will help us to protect each other and slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ireland.

    Using the COVID Tracker app along with the existing public health measures will help us all stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel.




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    Important Travel Advice Update

    General COVID-19 Travel Advisory in Operation:
    Avoid non-essential travel until further notice:

    The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against all non-essential travel overseas until further notice. This includes Great Britain but does not apply to Northern Ireland. It also includes all travel by cruise ship.

    For queries and information on foreign travel contact the dedicated advice centre for COVID-19 related travel , details available here along with country specific travel advice.
    Both Telephone number and Web-chat service available     here
     
    Travelwise App for iOS and Android: TravelWise App has been developed by the Department (See link above) to provide travel advice and consular information to these citizens to keep them informed and aware.

    With TravelWise, you get our user-friendly, trusted and comprehensive travel advice and consular information for 200 different countries – straight to your phone.

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    President Higgins records message of hope and thanks for students in primary schools

    President Michael D. Higgins has today issued special video messages for students in 6th class of primary school.

    Schools across Ireland have been closed since the evening of Thursday 12 March, disrupting the lives of thousands of students all around the country.

    In his message to the 6th class students, the President acknowledges the disruptions to students’ lives, and the disappointment associated with the cancellation of so many planned events. The President also sends his best wishes to the students, as they say good-bye to their primary school years.

    As Gaeilge:

    Físeán: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAN8atljYUc

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    SHANNON FERRIES

    FERRY SAILING AS NORMAL
    Until further notice the last sailing from Killimer is at 7pm and last sailing from Tarbert is at 7.30pm.
    Sailings will resume as normal from Monday, 30th March 2020 commencing at 7.00am from Killimer and 7.30am from Tarbert.

    Covid-19 Provision of Essential Services
    In line with Government & HSE guidelines on the Covid-19 Prevision of Essential Services our service is considered essential. Please remain in your vehicle at all times and observe social distancing guidelines. Foot passengers are requested to strictly adhere to the social distancing guidelines and the instructions of crew.
    The management and staff wish everyone all the best at this very challenging time and appreciate your co-operation

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    “We must welcome the praise, private and public, for those selfless and much appreciated workers. Yet praise alone, will not adequately protect the lives of vulnerable workers.”

    President Higgins marked International Workers Memorial Day with a ceremony remembering all workers who died through exposure to the Covid-19 virus.

    At a ceremony highlighting the importance of keeping all workers safe and healthy, the President laid a wreath for all those who died in the Covid-19 pandemic.

    The ceremony was attended by representatives of workers who are at the forefront of efforts to contain the pandemic and care for those most affected.

    Watch President Higgins’ message for International Workers Memorial Day:

    Helping Older People who are Most In-Need

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    Helping Older People who are Most In-Need



    What: Age Action has launched a COVID-19 Hardship Fund in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross to respond to the immediate needs of older people in vulnerable situations across Ireland experiencing additional hardship as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.

    Why: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross know that some older people in vulnerable situations and at the highest risk of the corona virus will need additional supports over the coming weeks, particularly as they are now required to cocoon to protect themselves and others. This scheme is designed to provide immediate practical relief to assist in alleviating the hardships they experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    How: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross has raised funds to provide additional assistance to older and vulnerable people around Ireland who are experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by making once-off grants, up to a maximum of €500, per person/household affected.

    Who Can Apply: Older people in need of assistance, family members supporting an older person and carers of older people, social workers and local voluntary organisations or community groups providing direct assistance to individuals within this target group.

    What Can I Apply For: Any practical needs that are adding to your hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased social distancing restrictions of cocooning for over 70s. This can include costs of the following examples and other needs as they arise within the scope of this fund;

    Small household maintenance, repairs and safety improvements
    Food and basic provisions and associated delivery costs
    Upgraded or New Small Appliances (fridge, freezer, washing machine, TV, cooker, etc.)
    Providing Digital Technology Equipment, for example smart phones or tablets
    Contribution towards increased energy costs or telephone bills
    Contribution towards additional home or personal security costs
    Contribution towards additional travel costs for essential reasons (medical appointments, etc.)

    How Do I Apply: The COVID-19 Hardship Fund Application Form is available HERE or you can contact our offices to request a form by contacting us at;

    Email:

    Phone: Irish Red Cross at 01 6424600 or Age Action at 01 475 6989

    Please ensure that you clearly outline the need for which you are applying, how the grant will alleviate hardship and what it will be used for and details of the costs (up to a maximum of €500).

    What Happens Next: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross will assess applications and oversee distribution of funds on a weekly basis and successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible.

    A member of staff from Age Action or the Irish Red Cross will contact you if they need further information.