What is Coronavirus Covid-19?:
Coronavirus – Covid -19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called Coronavirus. The first symptoms can feel like a cold or flu, such as runny nose, tiredness, and this will often progress to a dry cough and other symptoms
It can take up to 14 days for someone to start to feel sick if they have coronavirus. So it is important for everyone to keep their distance and stay at home.
To find out more about Coronavirus Covid-19 Please visit the HSE website – Coronavirus Info
You can help to stop the spread of the Covid 19 Virus by:
- Staying at Home
- Keeping a 2 meter distance between you and other people
- Washing your hands
- Avoiding touching your face when you are out
- Sneezing into your elbow or using a tissue and putting it in the bin
Watch a Video About Protecting yourself from Covid 19 here
Why are we being asked to stay at home?
The government is worried that Covid-19 will spread and a lot of people will get sick all at once. To stop this they have made a rule to stay at home, it prevents people from gathering or meeting each other and spreading the virus. The governement want to make sure that when people in Ireland get sick with Covid-19 that there are enough hospital supports for them, enough beds and enough equipment. We all must help the governement and do our part to make sure that this virus does not spread to too many people or our hospitals will not be able to cope, and alot of people will be very ill. That is why we are only allowed out of the house to get food, medicine or go for a short walk in our local area (less than 2km from your home). We can all help the governement by staying at home.
What is social Distancing?
Social Distancing Image
Social Distancing is a rule you have to follow to protect yourself and others from spreading the virus. You must keep at least 2 meters away from everyone when you are shopping or going for a walk or run (thats at least 3 lengths of your arm). If you see someone coming towards you, you should move aside, cross the road (if its safe to) and make sure you keep your distance.
Why should you decide to Cocoon and what is Cocooning?
Older people and people with underlying health conditions will get sicker from the Covid -19 Virus and are at greater risk and have been asked to Cocoon themselves at home. If you need to coccon because you are at greater risk of gettimg sicker from Covid 19 this means not going to the shop or going for exercise and staying at home full time.
To see if you should be cocooning follow the link to the Citizens Information site to find out more: Cocooning Information & Advice
Street Signs Help
Community Support for people who are Cocooning.
There are a lot of supports available for you if you are Cocooning and need to get shopping or medicine. Tesco are opening up more online shopping and delivery options for people cocooning (contact your local branch to let them know). Supervalu have partnered with the GAA to offer shopping buddies to help to collect your shopping and medicine (contact your local SuperValu store, or message them on their Facebook Page. There are also Local Authority community support groups who have lists of volunteers to help. You can find your Local Community contacts HERE
Looking After Your Mental Health during Covid 19.
The HSE have recently created a web page to help you look after your mental health during Covid-19. This includes resources, info, links to services and phone numbers for the the following:
- Coping with difficult situations
- Info and advice for family and friends
- Looking after your mental health
- Getting Urgent Help/Talk to Someone Now
You can also gain access to a number of other services for mental health related issues if you scroll down the HSE page
All of this information can be found on the HSE Website Link for Mental Health
Other Resources & Supports
Health Passports: If you need to go to hospital or if you think you might have coronavirus the HSE have created a “Health Passport” this is a document you bring with you that shows the healthcare staff what your needs are as a person with an intellectual disability. It will make sure you get the best care possible. You should fill this out with the help of a carer or guardian Health Passport
Inclusion Ireland’s Cornavirus Info Page
AsIAm – Autism Support – Blog & News Updates on Coronavirus
Autism Ireland – Covid 19 Info Page
Supporting children with autism during coronavirus
Resources for Keeping Busy:
Down Syndrom Ireland – Adult Activity Resources
Ideas for Kids Activities with Konfident Kids Cork
Lakers Support Team Contact Details:
Anne King: 086 1747967
Sandra Fagan: 086 1729476
Helen Furlong: 086 3568462
Email: info@lakers.ie