Call to Dubliners to redouble effort to slow spread of COVID-19

Cllr David Healy, Mayor of Fingal, said: “As we head into Winter we need to be aware that taking responsibility for our actions in relation to COVID-19 will also help vulnerable members of our community. They are already trying to minimise their risk and we can reduce that risk further by following the public health guidelines and slowing the rate of infection. It is also important to ensure good ventilation of all spaces shared by people from different households and to wear masks when requested to do so.”

Cllr Ed O’Brien, Mayor of South Dublin County, said: “Everyone in Dublin will always be grateful to every frontline worker and volunteer who has worked tirelessly to keep us safe during this pandemic. But the best way we can all show that gratitude now is by going the extra mile to follow the guidelines and slow the spread of the virus. We are asking you all to be volunteers and to give up those social interactions, visits to our favourite places and impromptu social events so that we can again flatten the curve.”

Dr Deirdre Mulholland, Director of Public Health, HSE East, said: “If a person has symptoms of COVID-19 it is important that they contact their GP and follow advice. If our GP or Public Health advise us to isolate, or restrict our movements, it is important in order to break the chain of transmission that we follow that advice. For information on protecting yourself and others, please visit https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/.”

Paula Hilman, Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána stated: “Gardaí countrywide  continue to work with our partners in the Local Authorities and the Health Service Executive to address the needs of vulnerable and hard to reach communities. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic our resources have focused on ‘Engaging, Explaining and Encouraging’ people we meet to adhere to the Covid Health Regulations. In situations where individuals or groups have been identified as vulnerable, Gardaí throughout the country have worked closely with colleagues in the Local Authorities, HSE and voluntary services to ensure that those identified have been contacted and provided with the support they need. As the circumstances change, Gardaí across the country are tasked with supporting local individuals and communities. We continue to liaise with our colleagues in the HSE and Local Authorities in order to provide an appropriate response to the community. Anyone who requires Garda assistance should contact their local  Community Garda / Garda station directly or, in an emergency, dial 999 or 112.”

To protect yourself and protect others the HSE advice is to wash your hands properly and often. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze and put used tissues into a bin. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Avoid close contact with others by keeping a distance of two metres between you and others.

For further information contact our communications office at 01 204 7090 or email commsoffice@dlrcoco.ie