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HSE Appeals To People In Midlands To Keep Momentum Going

Friday, 30 April 2021 15:35

They're praising the efforts of people in driving case numbers down.

The HSE is appealing to people across the midlands to continue the recent progress in case numbers in the region. 

This weekend will mark the first bank holiday with countywide travel permitted in 2021. 

Director of Public Health in the midlands Dr Una Fallon says it's important to keep the current momentum during the vaccine rollout:

Message from Dr. Fallon in full:

“The May bank holiday weekend is a time when we traditionally meet up with friends or family, usually indoors. This weekend I am asking you to please consider meeting outside instead of inside, while keeping a safe distance. The more people we meet, the greater the risk, so keep the group small”.

I know it is tempting to want to meet up together in cosy indoor settings. But this is a risk. Meeting outside instead, in the fresh air, in small groups, while keeping our distance, will help prevent new cases. The more cases we prevent the sooner we get all back to normal.

“The Midlands has so much to offer in terms of outdoor amenities including parks, wetlands, the canal and greenways - perfect for keeping active over the bank holiday weekend”.

“All of us are looking forward to socialising more. But it is not yet safe to meet in big groups indoors. There are still vulnerable people in our communities who will not be protected until they are fully vaccinated. We also need to protect those who will be doing their Leaving Cert in the coming weeks. Please, in particular, avoid large parties where COVID transmits very easily”.

“So while we wait for more of the population to be vaccinated, let’s continue to work together, and carefully stick to the advice as restrictions are slowly lifted. Hopefully this will mean a brighter summer with family and friends”.

We are still seeing some clusters and outbreaks in different settings but not as often as before. It’s really important not to blame communities or individual for these. Public Health will support those involved. It really helps if everyone follows the advice they are given.

“Close contacts should restrict their movements and avoid participation in sports or outdoor group activities during this time. If anyone in a household develops symptoms they should isolate themselves in their own room at home. All of the householders should restrict their movements until the person with symptoms gets tested”.

“If everyone makes sure they are tested at the first sign of symptoms, and if everyone avoids risky indoor interactions, then we will continue to contain these inevitable outbreaks.”

“It is great to see the return of some outdoor sporting activities and training for children in non-contact pods of 15 children or fewer. If sensible precautions are in place, this is a relatively low-risk activity. People do need to be careful about travelling together to sports and congregating afterwards. It’s really important that we all continue to work together to protect the progress we have made,”

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