No bank holiday from Covid-19
FRONTLINE WORKERS COMBINE FORCES FOR WEEKEND DRIVE TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM ON SEEING OFF THE VIRUS
WHILE we may be looking to the May bank-holiday break, albeit under circumstances no one could have predicted a few short weeks ago, there will be no let up for front-line workers in their efforts to stem spread of COVID-19.
Staff from the HSE, gardaí and Cork’s local authorities came together to deliver the message that they are standing together – but still apart – in the county’s battle to keep the Coronavirus at arms length.
Doctors, nurses, health care support assistants, gardaí, firefighters and staff from both Cork Councils’ joined forces to deliver a simple but unequivocal message to the public: stay focussed, stay safe and keep up the trojan efforts to beat COVID-19.
Some had their own personal messages, including home helper Nora Mary O’Riordan, who urged people to support their efforts by adhering to guidelines and, above all, staying at home.
“Sadly, the more we move around, the more risk we create,” she said.
Staff nurse Marie Therese Buckley warned that complacency could so easily undo all the hard work done to dampen the Coronavirus curve.
“We know that at this stage it’s getting very hard to stay apart. With a bank-holiday weekend coming up, it will be very tempting to think that it’s okay to bend the rules. Unfortunately, the risk of catching Covid-19 is still high, and we still need everyone’s support,” she said.
A message echoed by clinical manager Nuala Coughlan, whose simple message was “the power is in your hands to control COVID-19”.
Liam McAllister of Cork County Council said that, should people need support and assistance over the coming days, help is always at hand through their Community Care Helpline on 1800 805 819.
“We are working alongside so many local community and voluntary groups to deliver essential everyday services for those who need it most. We are here for you, so help us by continuing to stay home – and if you need help, call us,” said Liam.
No doubt people will have noticed a marked increase in garda checkpoints over recent days, something that Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn said would continue with Operation
Fanacht swinging back into full gear until Monday night.
“The operation will see large-scale checkpoints on both main and secondary routes and in towns and villages, supporting travel restrictions in place to help flatten the curve and save lives,” said Mr Finn.
“There has been great compliance with the travel restrictions, and we want to thank the public for this. The appreciation that has been shown to us front-line workers is outstanding and, again, I would like to thank you all. However, it remains vital that you continue to play your part and stay at home if possible – this will continue to save lives.”
Meanwhile, gardaí and the Road Safety Authority have urged motorists to ‘slow down’ after it emerged 16 pedestrians have been killed on our roads so far this year – double the figure for the same period last year.
A spokesperson said some drivers have been detected driving through 50kph zone at what could only be described as ‘motorway speeds’.
“All drivers need to slow down and watch out for vulnerable road users,” the spokesperson said. Gardaí remain concerned at an increase in detections of drivers under the influence and are appealing to people not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“With the increased amount of Garda checkpoints, there is a greater possibility of detection and prosecution,” warned the spokesperson.