APPEAL NOT TO FLOUT COVID GUIDELINES OVER EASTER

The statutory agencies in Cork involved in the ongoing response to Covid-19 have urged people to Stay home and Stay Safe this Easter.

With the bank holiday weekend upon us and as households plan how they can mark Easter, representatives of the HSE, an Garda Síochána, Cork City Council and Cork County Council have come together to remind everyone that although it’s difficult, there can be no gatherings or celebrations indoors.

All the agencies worked together to co-ordinate the community response to the Covid-19 crisis for more than a year. They now ask the people to Hold Firm for a little longer on the tough but necessary measures to make sure progress made in recent months will not be thrown away.

The acting Director of Public Health for the region Dr Anne Sheahan said: “I understand that this weekend in particular, it will tempting to visit friends and family. Unfortunately, I also know from our experience after Christmas that visits between households greatly sped up the spread of Covid-19.

“We are now close to a major ramping up of the vaccination roll-out, and we need to hold on just a little longer,” Dr Sheahan said.

Dr Sheahan also reminded people that when it comes to Covid-19, it’s always safer to be outdoors.

“This weekend, think about making the most of what’s within your 5k with walks and picnics – but remember that if you happen to meet a friend or family member while you’re out, you still need to keep a two-metre distance,” she said.

All indoor interactions carry risks, the more people involved the greater the risk, Dr Sheahan warned.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, asked people not to visit other households this long weekend.

“Easter is traditionally a time of celebration, for gathering together to enjoy the company of family and loved ones, but we must refrain from doing so this year to preserve the progress we have made over the past number of months.

This is such a difficult thing to do, we have all become weary of the impact of restrictions on our lives, but we must continue to protect our vulnerable, our front-line workers and one another.

“This bank holiday weekend, remember public health advice, together our actions will curb the spread of Covid 19.”