With COVID-19 becoming a persistent public health crisis both within the county, nationally and globally, Town Mayor, Cllr. Frankie Keena, has urged the local community to continue to adhere to HSE and Government guidelines in such surreal and unprecedented times.
“As a nation we are right in the middle of a major world public health pandemic. This unprecedented health crisis is difficult to comprehend. The source of COVID-19, an invisible virus was identified in Wuhan, China last December and now it has spread to every country in the world with over 300,000 people infected and unfortunately thousands of people have died.
“The HSE public health advice is of the highest order and the public are very mindful of such guidelines, but more work needs to be done in relation to improving social distancing. This message needs to be engrained into the minds of everyone in this country. Perhaps the sight on television of numerous Italian army trucks transporting the coffins of those who died to the morgue is definitely one way of highlighting the seriousness of this virus.
“I would like to commend our health care staff who are working directly in the front line trying to help those infected. It is very sad to read that twenty percent of them have contacted the virus themselves so far and there is no doubt that this is down mainly to the fact that there are not enough protective clothing, masks and goggles available in this country. This is a deplorable situation because if we don’t protect our doctors and nurses then there will be nobody to look after the patients. In fact, there is a worldwide shortage of this clothing which does not give out much hope of Ireland getting ample supplies,” Cllr. Keena remarked.
The Town Mayor expressed his immense concern pertaining to the shortage of essential medical necessities with his hope that the health system will be somehow able to cope when the surge arrives.
“The shortage of ICU beds and ventilators is another major problem that we have and we can only hope and pray that the predicted surge will not materialise as our health system will not be able to cope. I was reading where doctors in Italy had to decide as to which patient to afford a ventilator. I do hope that these life or death decisions will not come to the doorsteps of our front-line doctors as this crisis escalates,” Cllr. Keena continued.
Cllr. Keena also called upon the Government to provide assurances to those businesses and their employees which are and will be affected by the implications of COVID-19 upon the community.
“Over the last week or so numerous businesses had to close their doors with the result that thousands of people have lost their jobs. Various welcomed actions have been rolled out by Government to give assistance to employees. But our business community needs reassurance by providing a moratorium on commercial rates for a long period and those people who have lost their jobs urgently need the Government to provide them with a large proportion of their wages similar to the UK model. Again, thank you to all those who work in shops that provide us with food and indeed those in the production and delivery of essential materials for us. Also, thanks to our pharmacists who provide us with our required medications,” Cllr. Keena added.
The Town Mayor noted the large volume of calls which he had received by local volunteers willing to assist vulnerable members of the community in this time of great need.
“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.
“This volunteerism needs to be coordinated in a productive structured manner. To date I have submitted the HSE with a database of names plus people’s capabilities and skills, the HSE will contact these people directly as needed. Westmeath volunteers are taking names of people who would like to give support, Garda vetting will be fast tracked. I am aware of a number of GAA clubs who have organised groups of members to help out.
“The Department of Rural and Community Development announced a COVID-19 Community Response Action plan which gives guidelines for volunteers and the vulnerable. I would encourage volunteers to read this in advance of carrying out visits.
“Nobody knows as to when this is going to resolved but there is one thing for sure and that is we are talking about months rather than weeks. We all need to be strong, resilient and calm and abide by the national public help guidelines. Ring neighbours that you feel may need support and carry out the appropriate actions to help them if requested. Stay safe and take care,” Cllr. Keena concluded.
