Welcome to issue 2 of ‘Getting Through COVID-19 Together’.
In this issue, we’ve put together some information that hopefully will be a contribution to you as
we journey together towards the easing of the restrictions that have helped to reduce the levels
of transmission of the COVID-19 virus in Cork and Kerry. These restrictions, while necessary
were very challenging on various levels for all of us. Now we’re entering into a transition to
slowly and carefully resume our lives, while still being mindful of the presence of the COVID-19
virus in our communities.
The reality that COVID-19 is still here (albeit in a reduced capacity) can result in some of us
being fearful and anxious about being out and about and meeting people again. Such
concerns are totally normal and understandable – but what can give us power and control over
these anxieties is our awareness of it’s presence and choosing the practical and protective
measures that our government is still asking us to choose to protect our health and wellbeing
and in turn our very valuable mental health.
From June 8th we can now travel anywhere in within our own county or 20 kilometres (12.4
miles) from our home to another county. We can meet in groups of six. Many businesses have
re-opened. The message now is to stay local and to limit the number of contacts we have. As
before, hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene (coughing/sneezing into our elbow or a tissue), and
the wearing of face coverings in shops and on public transport where the all-important 2 metre
distance cannot be adhered to is vital. We are in this together and by adhering to the
recommendations from the HSE, Public Health, and the Government, we can further reduce
the rate of transmission of this virus.
Download the full issues below as a PDF

The Connect Call Service is an initiative of Cork City of Sanctuary Movement Covid-19 Task Force. It offers a free confidential phone call up to 5 days per week to those living in direct provision accommodation, or who have been moved from DP into self-isolation facilities, and to migrants living in the community under lockdown.
Connect Call Service offers support in many languages to facilitate wide access by the migrant community. 
25 volunteers have been trained to provide the service, which is being managed by the Cork Migrant Centre, in collaboration with Cork City Partnership and the Welcome English Language Centre. Connect Call Service offers support in 20 languages to facilitate wide access across the migrant community.
To access the Connect Call service contact Cork Migrant Centre on 086 824 6087
Click here to download Posters in your Language

More details on Phase 1 of Reopening Ireland are given on this website here

There is now guidance on wearing FACE MASKS (Face Coverings) during Phase 1 of reopening Ireland from 18th May.

Masks, made by ladies in Ashbourne & Kinsale Road Centres were given to residents in all Cork City Centres. Face masks are mostly about you preventing the spread of the virus from you yourself to others when you may have it but have not yet started to feel the symptoms. You are therefore caring for others by wearing a mask.

Face Coverings are NOT MANDATORY but you are advised to wear them in areas outside the Centres where social distancing is not possible or is difficult to ensure - i.e. in shops, shopping centres etc. From a hygiene point of view and to prevent infecting yourself when wearing a mask, the Irish Government Guidance on Wearing a Face Covering here should be carefully adhered to. Please read it carefully and watch the video below.

This service is in addition to the Cairde counselling service also operated by SHEP as described here

Coiscéim, in addition to its usual counselling service is offering a coordinated ‘Support-line’ for anyone who is experiencing anxiety, have underlying health issues and in self-isolation and for families whose loved ones are hospitalised or who have had a family member die from COVID 19
Phone Coiscéim: 087-7998602 or SHEP 087-1719724
After your initial call the Counsellor will ring you so there is a minimal cost to you.

SHEP/Coiscéim Cairde counselling is providing a helpline to people living in Direct Provision Centres.
Phone: 087-3370542

9am to 9pm – 7 days a week
Click on the Image below To Read More

The Cocooning Exercise booklet in the images below is developed by HSE Physios. It is Age Friendly and CLSP & Healthy Cities have complimented it with a great video (link with image below)

RTE 18th April 2020
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has produced a new graph that shows a different story about the number of daily deaths in Ireland from Covid-19 to date.
He explained that what the National Public Health Emergency Team reports on a daily basis is the number of deaths notified to them on any particular day rather than the numbers who actually died on that day.
He said that it can take a few days or even longer before any particular death is actually notified to them.
The new graph depicts the number of daily deaths that occurred in any 24-hour period.
This new analysis paints a very different picture to that suggested by the figures published to date.
It suggests that daily deaths actually peaked ten days ago on 7 April at 39 deaths, although the reported total that day was 36.
Read More -/>

We humans routinely behave in ways that are motivated by altruism, by the drive
to help others. Last year, in Worcester (UK) almost 5,000 people queued for hours in the
rain to see if their stem cells matched those of a five year old boy battling a rare
cancer. The images of fire services personnel in New York on 9/11 rushing towards
the burning buildings to save others have become iconic, as have those of the White
Helmets rushing into bombed buildings in Syria to save lives. Currently, the courage
and kindness of our own health professionals, many returning from overseas, in
putting their own health and possibly their own lives on the line is something for
which we are all exceedingly grateful.
Click On the Images below to read more

If you suspect that you have COVID19 Corona Virus symptoms, don't delay, advise centre management immediately so that they can contact a doctor. If you have to contact a doctor yourself, any doctor will support you if you think you have the  Virus.  If you need specific advice, if you call 1850 24 1850  When you get a reply, say "COVID 19" & your language e.g "Arabic".  and then someone who can speak your language will call you back to answer any health questions you may have.
You can also contact us at Brij at any time by email Brijcork@gmail.com
Please watch this video

One way the virus transmits is touching a surface with the virus on it, then touching your face. The virus enters your body by eyes, nose or mouth, leading to infection. One way to combat this is to clean surfaces with household disinfectant. (Provided by Centre Management)
In rooms clean flat surfaces, drawer, wardrobe & door handles and any other surfaces frequently touched by yoyrself or others. Do the same before & after using bathroom facilities.

This is a webinar by Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk which took place on the 24th March last and was recorded for free public access during the Corina Virus crisis - click on the video below to watch
Tip 1 – Laugh
Tip 2 – Breathe slowly 
Tip 3 – Move back into the present 
Tip 4 – Name what you are feeling 
Tip 5 – Talk to your brain 
Tip 6 – Clothe yourself in love 
Tip 7 – Remember to make up 
Tip 8 – Seek out gratitude 

This will continue at least until Easter Sunday 12th April,