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Taoiseach Calls for Extra Focus Over Next Fortnight

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD today said that the next two weeks are going to be critically important as the country works to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.  He called on everyone, especially younger people, to bring added focus to the task over the course of the next fortnight.He made the comments while speaking at the launch of a national leaflet drop of the National Framework for Living with COVID-19.  The leaflet will be delivered to every home in the country.

 

Speaking in Dublin, he commented,

The launch of this leaflet, a copy of which will be sent to every home in the country, is an important moment.  It is an opportunity to remind the country of the choice we face for the coming winter.  Each one of us has the power to slow and suppress the spread of this virus – it is up to each one of us to choose what we are going to do in the face of the threat.

By sticking to the advice on hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing, and by respecting the restrictions that are in place where we live, we can bring it back under control.  The next two weeks are critical and I am calling on everyone to bring extra focus to the task for the next fortnight.

This is a dangerous and deadly virus that kills.  Many of those that it doesn’t kill, it leaves seriously ill, regardless of age.

Every citizen in the country has the power to change the trajectory of this illness.  I believe it is very important to ensure that they are as fully informed as possible.  That’s one of the reasons why I am pleased to be launching this leaflet.  With An Post’s help, every home the country will have full visibility of the plan for how we are going to come through this together.

I would encourage every household to treat this document as they would treat any other important piece of literature that comes into their home.  Keep it safe and keep it close to hand.  This document will keep you fully informed on what any change to your county or city’s risk status will mean for you.

 

The Framework is built on three pillars:

  • Healthy People – Each of us has a role to play in managing the virus by ensuring that we follow public health advices.  A range of measures are in place to support the health of our people, including sustainable testing and tracing and the resumption of non-Covid health care services.
  • Strong Businesses – A range of supports continue to be made available to sustain business through this difficult time.  These include the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme and Enhanced Restart Grants. 
  • Resilient Communities – There will be a strong focus on the wellbeing and resilience of our communities, including initiatives based on healthy living, physical activities, managing chronic disease, positive ageing and the needs of young people

 

An Taoiseach concluded,

We have done very well as a country, and the effort invested by so many people in our health services and across all our front line has been extraordinary.  As difficult as it is, and as frustrating as it is, we must keep going. The effort that we make now will have a huge baring on what our winter looks like.