"Hold Firm, Stay Safe and Protect Each Other’ advice from Health Services in the West

As Ireland enters a crucial phase in the fight to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control, the Health Services in the West would like to thank people for their help to date and ask everyone in the West to continue to support our frontline staff by following the public health advice to prevent the spread of the virus.

Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, representatives from the HSE West Department of Public Health, Community Healthcare West, the National Ambulance Service and the Saolta Hospital Group are appealing to everyone in Counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to continue their impressive effort which has seen a significant slowdown in the rate of increase of cases of COVID-19.

Dr Aine McNamara is the Interim Director of Public Health, HSE West responsible for managing the epidemiological response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, “Phase one of the reopening of society and business has been in place for 10 days now. This is a critical time for us to determine if we can continue on the reopening roadmap. The stay at home advice is still in place, as are the other public health measures which have been so successful to date. People may leave home for exercise with up to 4 other people, where social distance can be maintained. There are a limited range of sporting activities possible but only within 5 kilometres of the households of those involved. Social distancing should be maintained at all times.

“If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 such as a fever, a cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, you should behave as if you have the virus and self-isolate for 14 days. In addition, people in your household will need to restrict their movements. Phone your GP to discuss your symptoms and whether you need a test for coronavirus.”

Breda Crehan-Roche, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare West 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. She said, “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 this effort going for another while.”

Gabriel Glynn, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, HSE West commented, “We want everyone to stay safe and to continue to follow the public health advice that has got us to this stage. And remember that the emergency services are available 24/7 throughout this pandemic. If you need emergency help, remember to call 112 or 999.”

Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta University Health Care Group added, “The willingness of the public to comply with the public health measures to date has slowed down the spread of this virus. These actions have reduced the impact of COVID-19 on our hospitals and our ICUs. However, the disease has not gone away, we need everyone to continue to follow the advice in relation to washing hands, cough etiquette, keeping safe distance and staying at home as much as possible. This is the best way we can protect patients and families, staff who are working on the frontline and our community. There is no room for complacency, please stay safe, protect each other and Hold Firm.”