UCC urges the student body to ‘pull together by staying apart’

“IN order to pull together, we must stay apart.”

That was the clear and unequivocal message to UCC students who have been issued with a stark warning that “staying in won’t kill you – but catching Covid-19 might kill someone you love.”

Even though the University remains closed down, senior management and the UCC Students’ Union have urged students to play their role in helping to stem the spread of the virus by heeding calls to engage in ‘social distancing’.

Student Union president Ben Dunlea said this includes hosting or attending house parties or social gatherings of any kind.

“Social distancing is a new concept to many of us, and one which goes against how we are used to living our daily lives. However, in order to pull together, we must stay apart,” said Mr Dunlea.

He said UCC and the Students’ Union would be running a joint social media campaign around the importance of social distancing, which will include tips on studying at home and ways to mind mental health during the Covid-19 crisis.

“In addition, I would urge all students to listen to and carefully heed the advice of the HSE and the Department of Health. We must all do our part to slow the spread of this virus throughout our communities and we can begin by implementing social distancing guidelines and refraining from attending or hosting any parties,” said Mr

Dunlea.

He concluded by urging people to “please take care of yourselves, your families and look out for those in your community over the coming weeks.”

UCC President Professor Patrick O’Shea said each and every student has a role to play in ensuring the spread of the virus is arrested.

“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We are urging each and every member of our community to ensure that they are not the weakness in our defence against the spread of Covid-19. Social distancing will only work as a defence against Covid-19 if we have 100% commitment from everyone,” said Professor O’Shea.

He said it would be “utterly misguided” for any students to think there would not be “serious consequences” were they to catch the Coronavirus.

“While there is every chance a student may recover, they could further the spread of this illness and unwittingly transmit it to someone at risk - including a loved one. So, please think of those in your community who are most vulnerable to this pandemic. Practice social distancing, avoid crowds, maintain good hygiene and look out for each other.”