Publication
You, Your Community and COVID-19: Information on Community Support
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is leading our public health response to COVID-19. As part of the government's co-ordinated response, a National Action Plan was published on 16 March. This Plan sets out a whole-of-society response and the mobilisation of resources across Government and society to fight the spread of this virus.
The COVID-19 outbreak is a challenge for individuals and communities across Ireland. In these exceptional circumstances, all community members have a role to play in helping those who need extra support.
Standard supports offered by the government and volunteer groups may become temporarily unavailable during the COVID-19 outbreak. Communities need to come together and use their people power to fill any gaps in the services vulnerable people rely on.
Are some of your neighbours particularly vulnerable? This may include older people and people with disabilities, underlying illnesses or mobility problems.
Do you have your neighbours’ contact details? How can you help each other? For example, can you go shopping on behalf of neighbours who are unable to go themselves?
Consider your neighbours and relatives who are older, who have underlying illnesses, disabilities or impaired mobility, or who may be vulnerable in other ways during this period.
- do you have their phone number(s)?
- phone them or call around if it is safe to do so — please keep in mind the HSE’s physical distancing advice
- make sure they have enough fuel, food supplies and necessary medications
- if in doubt, call the Gardaí and ask them to check. They have extra resources to help those who are most in need, particularly those with limited local family or social support. Contact details for all Garda stations can be found on the Garda website address – www.garda.ie – or in any phonebook
If you can help those who need support in your community, please contact your local Volunteer Centre or Volunteer Information Service. Contact details are available on www.volunteer.ie. You do not need any healthcare experience to be a volunteer — there are many non-health roles to fill, such as shopping or collecting prescriptions for people with limited mobility. Please note that volunteers may require Garda vetting before taking up their roles.
DO follow the latest HSE guidance on hand washing, sneezing/coughing and physical distancing.
DO make sure that any organisations you are volunteering with have proper procedures and safeguards in place to protect you, including a named supervisor.
DO bear in mind that a vulnerable person might not want/need your offer of help at this time, and don’t be disheartened.
DO clean any objects that you may be delivering to people’s homes.
DO wash your hands when you arrive at and leave buildings, including people’s homes.
DON'T volunteer if you are at risk from COVID-19 or if you have any of the symptoms.
DON'T phone a vulnerable person or call to their door unannounced. This could cause undue stress and worry. Consider dropping a note through the letterbox with your name and phone number, or make contact through someone the person already knows and trusts.
DON'T enter someone’s home unless absolutely necessary. If you are dropping off shopping or a prescription for someone, simply call and let them know that you are at the door. Please follow the physical distancing guidelines.
DON'T hug or shake hands with vulnerable members of your community.
DON'T share objects that touch the mouth, such as bottles or cups.
DON'T spread rumours from sources such as social media, as they may not be correct.
DO follow the latest HSE guidance on hand washing, sneezing/coughing and physical distancing.
DO clean any object that volunteers or others deliver to your home, if possible.
DON'T hug or shake hands with people who are visiting you.
DON'T share objects that touch the mouth, such as bottles or cups.
DON'T answer the door to someone you don’t know unless you feel comfortable doing so. If someone calls to the door from an organisation, ask to see identification. Call the organisation to check their details if you need to.
DON'T let someone into your house unless you know them or it is absolutely necessary.
DON'T give cash, your bank details or your credit/debit card to anyone you don’t trust.
Do not seek information on social media.
If you need help or have concerns or questions, please turn to reliable sources of information:
The HSE website is the key source for health advice: www.hse.ie/coronavirus. It also includes posters and other resources that can be used in your community.
Reliable, up-to-date information on COVID-19 is also available from the following sources on Twitter:
- HSE Ireland - @HSELive
- HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) - @hpscireland
- Department of Health - @roinnslainte
- Dr Tony Holohan (Chief Medical Officer) - @CMOIreland
- Alone Helpline - 0818 222 024
- Seniorline - 1800 804 591
- seriously ill
- injured
- at risk of dying
The HSE is constantly updating its advice as the situation changes. Please keep up to date with the latest official information.
COVID-19 is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. To infect you, it has to get from an infected person's nose or mouth into your eyes, nose or mouth. This can be direct or indirect (on hands, objects, surfaces). This means there are three key ways to prevent the spread of the virus: physical distancing, good cough etiquette and washing your hands correctly.
Maintain a distance of 2 metres (6.5 feet) between you and others. Avoid crowded places and reduce the number of people you meet every day.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Use soap and water or alcohol hand rub to clean your hands regularly. Make sure to rub the top of your hands, between your fingers and under your fingernails, and to dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.
You never know when you may need them:
- your local GP
- your nearest hospital
- your local Garda station
- pharmacies in your area
- your local Volunteer Centre or Volunteer Information Service
- your local community centre
- your residents' association or community alert group
- your neighbours
