Since the GAA announced a suspension of all game-related activities until March 31st inclusive, the response by our club and county volunteers has helped lift our collective community spirit.
Across the island we have witnessed selfless acts of kindness and generosity, many coordinated by GAA clubs and volunteers. These are to be celebrated and cherished. As per the Taoiseach’s address on St. Patrick’s night, things are going to get worse before they get better, and the GAA will continue to play a role in enhancing community spirit and assisting those most in need.
To ensure our volunteers achieve maximum impact, the Community & Health Department in Croke Park is liaising with the Department of Health/HSE and the Department of Rural and Community Development to identify priority actions likely to best assist the most vulnerable within our community. These will all adhere to the most up-to-date COVID-19 public health advice, including social distancing, social and personal hygiene, etc.
This will be issued to all clubs and County Health & Wellbeing Committees as soon as they are available. We will also be issuing next week through the official GAA communication channels two articles highlighting the GAA’s role in supporting communities, and another identifying how we can best maintain our mental, physical, and social, wellbeing during these challenging times.
In the meantime, the HSE has asked that we communicate to as many people as possible a change in the way the public is being asked to make contact. If someone suspects they have symptoms, they are requested to visit [hse.ie]hse.ie or phone HSE Live 1850 24 1850.
All GAA units are encouraged only to follow advice from trusted points of information, such as the following, which will be updated regularly:
@HSELive
@CMOireland@publichealthni
The following websites are the primary sources in Ireland for public health information regarding Covid 19:
See here for HSE: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.htmlSee here for PHA: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus#situation-in-northern-ireland
The most up-to-date info pack from the HSE is available here, and includes useful videos.
The role played by County Health & Wellbeing Committees and Healthy Clubs to date has been significant. Please continue displaying such leadership while always minding yourselves and others by adhering to the public health advice regarding COVID-19.
