COVID-19 CRISIS IN WEXFORD:
WHILE they are bound by the same guidelines as the rest of us, elected representatives and officials of Wexford County Council are doing their best to adapt to the situation and ensure all necessary precautions are being taken across the county to stem the flow of Covid-19.
As the situation evolves and further measures are put in place, special formed committees are meeting by video-conference each day to discuss how best to brace Wexford for the inevitable surge in confirmed cases that will be felt across the county. A ‘Community Resilience Plan’ has also been put in place to support people at risk of isolation or in need of support in the event of widespread closures.
While Chairman of Wexford County Council Michael Sheehan says that council staff and representatives are doing all they can to tackle the pandemic head on, there’s also an individual responsibility. ‘While we are doing all that we can, we need you to play your part,’ he said. ‘We are urging everyone to play their own part in the effort to beat Covid-19.’
Cllr Sheehan stressed the importance of adhering for the latest measures imposed by the government, only leaving our homes for essential work, medical appointments, food shopping or for brief exercise within a 2km radius of our homes.
‘These are extraordinary times and we are asking you to play your part in beating the virus by listening and following the official guidance from the official sources to ensure you, your family and your community are safe in the face of this pandemic,’ Cllr Sheehan said. ‘We want to thank all of you for your spirited defence in helping support our community and each other at this time. We would also like to acknowledge the frontline staff, the medical personnel, the retail staff and all of the essential services for raising to this challenge.’
Speaking of the work council staff have been doing behind the scenes, he said: ‘We would like to thank all of the Council Staff, Public and Civil Servants who are helping to mitigate this crisis and provide the essential back up that our County needs; your dedication to the people of Wexford is showing true spirit in trying conditions. We are endeavouring to make sure that every effort and resource of the County Council is deployed for whatever comes our way. Our offices are all open and operating in line with current guidelines and our staff are on the phones or email for your service if you require.’
Although the situation seems dire currently, Cllr Sheehan remains optimistic for the future. ‘We will win this and when we do, Wexford County Council will once again support our local retailers and businesses, we will work with struggling homeowners and tenants, rebuild our communities and get back to being a bustling County again,’ he concluded.