RONAN FAGAN
As yet another annual celebratory occasion on the calendar, Mother’s Day, elapses without the due family recognition it is deservedly afforded, the most recent figures released by the National Health Public Emergency team note that there is now twenty confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus ) within the county.
This escalating figure is the highest recorded pertaining to the Midlands region and places Westmeath in sixth position on the COVID-19 affected counties table released daily by the National Health Public Emergency team, showing an infection rate of just over two cases for every 10,000 persons (based on Census 2016 figures ).
A COVID-19 testing centre was established within the grounds of St. Vincent’s Hospital, Athlone, on Thursday of last week. Members of the local community are to note that the facility is not a drop in or self-referral clinic with a HSE representative confirming that a GP referral is necessary before an appointment can be obtained at the location.
“Patients and referrers are advised that a waiting time will apply for community testing appointments. The HSE is increasing the capacity of community testing to meet the demand for this service. Waiting times are anticipated to improve as new locations for community testing open, more staff are trained to provide these tests, and critically, the supplies to support increased testing levels are sourced and distributed,” the HSE representative stated.
As the health service frontline and the numerous agencies continue to perform heroics in such an adverse situation, a suite of new measures were announced by the Government to stem the spread and impact of COVID-19 within the community. These stringent proposals will remain in situ until April 19 upon when they shall be reviewed and further action implemented if necessary.
Chief among such measures is the introduction of the new COVID-19 pandemic unemployment payment of €350, while those businesses whose income has been reduced by 25 percent but still wish to retain their employees can avail of a State contribution of 70 percent towards staff salaries up to €410 per week with the relevant company requested to pay the remaining 30 percent.
This particular measure will be of some financial relief to all those employees working within local industry who are now without employment due to the detrimental and drastic impact of COVID-19.
As a sense of unease and eeriness pervades Athlone and its environs, it is incumbent upon the community to strictly adhere to the pertinent HSE guidelines reiterated on a daily basis.
Paying particular reference to social distancing will certainly control the spread of this infectious illness. ALWAYS ensure that you are a distance of two metres as you interact. To compare, two metres is the equivalent of the average armspan of an adult.
Social gatherings of no more than four persons are permissible, with persons advised only to leave their residences for essential purposes, such as going to work (where attendance is a must ) or to the local stores for necessary supplies.
All non-essential visits to non-family related residences is prohibited while public spaces will have extra vigilance courtesy of the members of An Garda Siochana.
In spite of the ongoing public health crisis, the local community has united in a spirit of volunteerism with Town Mayor, Cllr. Frankie Keena, lauding the supportive ethos of the community.
“In the midst of these health and financial worries the Irish people as always need to be commended for their willingness to help other people. I have received numerous calls from the public offering their support to help people who are self-isolation and people in need,” Cllr. Keena remarked.
The message is vividly clear - heed advise and observe - working in unison, the community can assist in the flattening of the COVID-19 curve.
All up to date information pertaining to COVID-19 can be obtained courtesy of www.hse.ie and www.gov.ie
