Mayor calls on public to fly a flag to show solidarity with city's frontline workers

Mon, Mar 30, 2020

In a show of solidarity with, and recognition of the dedication and courage of frontline workers during the coronavirus crisis, the current mayor, and a predecessor, are flying the tricolour from their houses.

Income supports being processed as fast as possible says Cannon

Mon, Mar 30, 2020

An East Galway TD has assured people in the county waiting for income supports that payments are being processed as fast as possible.

Cúirt will not to go ahead ‘in its physical form’

Mon, Mar 30, 2020

The Cúirt International Festival of Literature, which was to run from April 20 to 25, will not take place “in its physical form this year” owing to the coronavirus lockdown and restrictions.

Medtronic to publicly share design specs for ventilator

Mon, Mar 30, 2020

Medtronic the global leader in medical technology, today announced it is publicly sharing the design specifications for the Puritan Bennett™ 560 (PB 560) to enable participants across industries to evaluate options for rapid ventilator manufacturing to help doctors and patients dealing with COVID-19. This decision is consistent with the recent FDA Guidance and in accordance with the public health and medical response of governmental agencies globally.

Introduced in 2010, the PB 560 is sold in 35 countries around the world. This ventilator’s ability to be used in a range of care settings, as well as its technology and design, make it a solid ventilation solution for manufacturers, inventors, start-ups, and academic institutions seeking to quickly ramp up ventilator design and production. PB 560 product and service manuals, design requirement documents, manufacturing documents, and schematics are now available at Medtronic.com/openventilator. The PB 560 design specifications are available today, software code and other information will follow shortly.

Let us stay the course, advises President Higgins

Mon, Mar 30, 2020

“In this crucial week, when we are being asked to take yet more stringent measures to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, may I to take the opportunity to congratulate you and thank you for your solidarity and vigilance.

Galway City Council takes the lead in joining together local organisations to assist citizens during Covid-19

Sun, Mar 29, 2020

At the instigation of Minister Murphy, a Covid-19 Community Response Forum has been put in place for Galway City, co-ordinated by Galway City Council as required. The purpose and role of the Forum which includes over a dozen agencies, organisations and community and voluntary groups is to lead the co-ordination of COVID-19 community supports and resilience and to ensure that there is a co-ordinated community response, enabling all the voluntary and statutory agencies to collaborate in support of our communities and particularly our most vulnerable members.

A dedicated community support helpline and service will be established by Galway City Council to assist at-risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency. A confidential phoneline service is being established by the new COVID-19 Galway City Community Response Forum. The helpline is focused primarily on ensuring that vulnerable members of the community or those living alone can access deliveries of groceries, medicine and fuels.

NUI Galway refocuses its research to fight Covid-19

Fri, Mar 27, 2020

NUI Galway has announced it is reviewing its existing healthcare research to repurpose it to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

Airport testing centre to test 1,000 people a day

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

The chief executive of the Saolta University Health Care Group has reassured people that its public hospitals are working tirelessly to care for and protect patients and staff during this unprecedented public health emergency.

Lockdown abroad - Paddy Breslin

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

Paddy Breslin - Sydney, Australia
"As I am writing this evening we are listening to the latest address from the Australian PM, Scott Morrison. He has just announced stricter social distancing measures and a lockdown similar to Ireland. The messaging from the government has been less than clear, with the state government and the federal government giving different advice. As of last week schools in Victoria were closed while those in New South Wales are to remain open. Some of the states have even closed their borders.

Mayor demands Government enact 'complete lockdown' to stop spread of Covid-19

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"A complete lockdown of the country" is urgently required by the Government and health officials, to ensure complete success in combating "the most serious and challenging public health crisis" in the history of the State.

Galway lockdown views: Cynthia Bagnis

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"I am from France but have been living in Galway for almost 10 years. I am also the owner of Petite Beauté in Galway which had to close temporarily because of Covid-19 so working out keeps me away from stressing out over the outcome of the salon.

Galway lockdown views: Stephanie Klapp

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"I am a German teacher and self isolating by myself in my home since Thursday last week as a precaution. Every day I email my students homework then spend the afternoon correcting it individually and emailing it back. That takes a lot of time but keeps me occupied and helps me not to feel useless. We even had one Skype class which was good fun seeing them again and speaking German. I really miss my children in the school.

"I also miss my family in Germany so we have a WhatsApp call with camera every day to stay connected. They were due to visit for Easter but the holiday was postponed to September, something to look forward to.

Galway lockdown views: Gráinne Mullins

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"The lockdown has impacted me negatively as I am out of work like so many across the industry but I am looking at the positives and keeping active and getting fresh air. I have also acknowledged that I am lucky to be still in full health and I have been trying to encourage others to keep busy at home by trying new activities like baking. It is a tough time for all but we should all try to make the best of a bad situation.

Galway lockdown views: Michele Connolly

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"I am at home crocheting away with Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and Benjamin Bunny getting fresh air in the garden. There has definitely been positive and negative impacts to the lockdown. The positive impact is we are all in this together and we have to do what is necessary to stamp out this virus. The negative impact is not being able to see family members and close friends but it is for the greater good."

Galway lockdown views: Ross Cannon

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"The lockdown has provided us with a great opportunity. Never has there been a better time for self-improvement and up-skilling. I can give my full attention to the projects that have been sitting on the sidelines. Unfortunately as a sports fan, the postponement of sport is certainly one of the disadvantages.

Galway lockdown views: Sarah Perry

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"I work in admin for a local company in the city. However, because of the social distancing restrictions I cannot go into work. The lockdown has affected me negatively because I visit my family members on a weekly basis normally and cannot do that now for their safety and my own. I am also unable to mind my grandparents who are recovering from surgery which has been tough for me.

Lockdown abroad - Fergus Moore

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"I am living in Heidelberg Germany. We are in lockdown here but are still allowed out for a walk and to get some fresh air. The children are finding it hard, in particular, my daughter who loves gymnastics. Thank God we have a garden and that is where we spend most of the time or playing Ninjago lego with my son. I am working from my home office.

Lockdown abroad - Sinead Ryan

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"Here in Dallas county, I am working from home. They have ordered a shelter in place for all residents so I won’t be back in my office before April 5. We are allowed to go to the supermarket, walk dogs, and exercise outside but even then people are walking five people wide on paths. All I do is work at home and then go for a jog in the evening to clear my head.

Lockdown abroad - Joanna Nolan

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"We spend our mornings doing work and worksheets with my daughter and playing with my baby. We do lots of crafts and listen to story telling everyday. We do baking, colouring, dancing, singing, writing songs, and board games.

Lockdown abroad - Emer Colleran

Thu, Mar 26, 2020

"I get to work during this strange time we are in. I am a nurse in North Carolina, USA. So far we have only had a few cases where I am but places are closed or only doing takeout or delivery which is good.

"I am spending my downtime running and helping my brother build a flowerbed so he can grow his veggies. Sending all my love to all my friends and family back home. Stay safe."

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