As Ireland enters a crucial phase in the fight against the virus, the three principal response agencies that make up the Midlands Steering Group (An Garda Síochána, the HSE and the Local Authorities) have thanked people for their work on stopping the spread of Covid-19.
Ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend, representatives of, An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Offaly County Council are appealing to everyone in Co. Offaly to continue their impressive efforts.
In an effort to deter people from travelling more than two kilometres, local authorities have closed many amenities and attractions such as playgrounds. Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council has urged people not to allow everyone’s hard work to be undermined and to #Stay Safe and, where possible, #Stay at Home.
Joe Ruane HSE Midland Louth Meath Community Healthcare has acknowledged that the collective actions of communities in the region is clearly making a difference but it is crucial that everyone keeps up those efforts:
“We know it’s hard, especially in terms of being apart from families and friends but it is helping to protect and keep our communities - especially vulnerable people and healthcare workers - safe. I want to particularly appeal to young people - we in the healthcare community need you to keep that effort going for another while.”
John Scanlon, Garda Chief Superintendent for the Laois Offaly Kildare Division, highlights that there will be a very visible Garda presence across Laois, Offaly and Kildare this weekend:
“Our members will operate an extensive network of checkpoints across both counties this weekend, checking public compliance with the travel restrictions in place as part of Covid-19 public health guidelines. There has been very good compliance with the travel restrictions and we want to thank the public for this. However, it is vital that this continues over the coming days and weeks. It will save lives. In particular, we would ask people who are thinking of travelling to parks, tourist locations or holiday homes outside of the two kilometre limit this weekend not to do so. If you are stopped at a checkpoint, you will be turned back.”
The Midlands Regional Steering Group urges everyone to please play their part and #Stay Safe, # Stop the Spread this May Bank Holiday weekend.
