August 2020

New COVID-19 TV ad
We are launching a new TV ad on Friday 28^th August, reminding everyone of the steps we can all take to protect ourselves and the people around us from COVID-19. The ad is part of the new look and feel we launched at the beginning of the month, with animations by illustrator Fatti Burke. You can watch the TV ad on our YouTube channel. Everyone has been working hard to reduce the spread of the virus but it’s important we continue to follow the public health advice. Because COVID-19 is still a problem… and we’re all the answer.

New Symptoms & Testing radio ad
Our new Symptoms and Testing radio ad went live yesterday. The ad is a reminder of the symptoms of COVID-19 and the importance of taking action if you have symptoms – to self-isolate and phone your GP. The coronavirus consultation with your GP is free, as is the COVID-19 test. Getting tested quickly for coronavirus and self-isolating when you have symptoms reduces the risk of spread in the community. Listen to our radio ad on our Soundcloud channel.

Public Health Information:
As always, for the most up to date information and advice on Coronavirus, please go to: https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/ and https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/. Clinical and professional guidance relating to COVID-19 is available on www.hpsc.ie where you’ll find up to date guidance for healthcare settings and non-clinical settings.

Public Health Measures

As you know, we are seeing some increases in rate of COVID around the country, and as a result, some additional advice and restrictions have been recommended by NPHET and the Government. These measures aim to protect our priorities – caring for vulnerable people, keeping health services open, and getting children back to education.

You can view the special advice for those living in Kildare here.

You can view the national public health measures here.

COVID-19 Schools and Parenting Resources

The HSE has been supporting the Department of Education with back-to-school advice and guidance for families and schools. This includes a guide to how to approach any symptoms of cold, flu or COVID in children, and what to do next. Parents can read this information on HSE.ie here.

We have also developed a printed version of this advice which is being shared with schools this week and is on our website resources page. On this page, schools can also download and print posters to raise awareness about preventing the spread of coronavirus in schools and other settings.

For more information and resources for schools and parents, please see: www.gov.ie/backtoschool

For more information on protecting your child from COVID-19, please see: www.gov.ie/adviceforparents

For multi-lingual resources and materials for parents/guardians and for students on returning to school, please see:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0cf46-resources-and-materials-for-parentsguardians-and-for-students-on-returning-to-school-multi-lingual/

COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel: Final Report
The report contains a range of recommendations in line with lessons learned to date and international best practice, aimed to safeguard the residents in nursing homes over the next 12-18 months and into the longer term. The report can be downloaded here.

Bringing Back the Sleep Routine during COVID-19
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many families have lost a sense of routine and parents have said that getting this routine right is the key to making a start on improving other unhealthy behaviours. Sleep is the cornerstone to health and wellbeing and its impact on a healthy lifestyle cannot be underestimated. The START campaign has radio and digital advertising live since 20/8/2020. You can find more information on www.makeastart.ie/ or on Twitter @safefood_net #makeastart and Facebook safefood.net

The START campaign is a public health awareness campaign from safefood, the HSE and Healthy Ireland. The campaign promotes these healthy behaviours: minimise intake of foods high in fat, salt and sugar, establish water and milk as routine drinks, give child-sized portions to children, include more fruit and vegetables in their diets, increase physical activity levels, limit screen time and establish good sleep routines.

HSE Approved Guidance for Disability Services

New guidance has been issued by the HSE Disability Services:

Interim Guidance on Conducting Assessments in Disability Services

Guidance to Support the Resumption of Centre-Based Respite Services for people with disabilities

A list of all COVID-19 guidance documents developed to date can be found here.