Public Health Measures
Ireland continues at level 5 restrictions. You can find more information here.

Where to find COVID-19 Vaccination Information
We encourage everyone to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – here are the links to the pages with information on the vaccine:

• Check hse.ie/covid19vaccine for information about the vaccine, information on this page is updated regularly
• Find the vaccine information materials at www.hse.ie/covid19vaccinematerials
• Details on getting the COVID-19 vaccine is updated regularly here
• Details on COVID-19 vaccines administered are available here
• Read the full COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy
• Read the National Immunisation Advisory Committee Chapter about COVID-19 vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine information for health professionals 

Public Health Information
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.

You can find the COVID-19 A-Z information here from the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.

You can view the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub is available here.

Longford Community Resources, a member of the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) has welcomed the announcement by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural & Community Development and Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture Food & Marine, of an increased allocation of €70 million nationally in 2021 and 2022 for the LEADER Programme. The ILDN represents the 35 Local Development Companies who deliver the LEADER Programme nationally.

 

Welcoming the announcement, Adrian Greene, CEO of Longford Community Resources said; “Longford Community Resources and the ILDN have been calling recently for the Government to utilise funding available from the EU for Rural Development, for the purposes of LEADER. As the implementers of the LEADER Programme in County Longford we are greatly encouraged by today’s announcement of an increased allocation of €70 million nationally to the end of 2022.”

 

“The LEADER Programme offers the ideal vehicle for the delivery of development funding to rural areas in the most effective manner. The allocation of this increased funding will deliver critical stimulus to rural areas to help drive the post Covid recovery. Furthermore, the funding announced today will ensure that more vital projects in County Longford focused on climate change, digital transformation, remote working and enterprise development can be progressed in our rural communities to meet the expectations of the EU in terms of the requirements of its recovery funding criteria.”

Below is a list of training that will be held during the month of March for small businesses. This training is organised by Longford’s Local Enterprise Office.

• Digital marketing plan for your business. The course takes place online over 3 hours on Thursday, 4^th March, 2021 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. You can register now at the following link – https://bit.ly/3cYjsKN

 

• How to advertise on Facebook and Instagram. The course takes place online over 3 hours on Thursday, 11^th March, 2021 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. You can register now at the following link – https://bit.ly/3tKStIt

 

• A Beginner’s Guide to Using Instagram to Market Your Business.  The course takes place online over 3 hours on Thursday, 18^th March, 2021 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. You can register now at the following link – https://bit.ly/3qhjOQA

 

• How to create marketing videos on a budget to promote your business.  The course takes place online over 3 hours on Thursday, 25^th March, 2021 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. You can register now at the following link – https://bit.ly/2Z5VXXZ

 

The trainer will be Evan Mangan from The Marketing Crowd. There will be limited availability so early booking is advisable.

Public Health Measures
We are experiencing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in Ireland.

Ireland is at level 5 restrictions. You can see the measures in place here.

We ask everyone, for the protection of our friends, family and the frontline, to please stay at home.

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
The vaccination programme continues to be rolled out nationwide, and we have administered a total of 121,900 Covid-19 vaccines (up to 20^th January).

The focus has been on residents and staff of Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) this week, with the aim of completing the first vaccinations by 24^thJanuary, though some locations may be slightly delayed due to outbreaks or other circumstances.

This week we have also begun to administer second doses of Pfizer – BioNtech vaccine for the first time.

The COVID-19 vaccination programme will be further accelerated as vaccines arrive, and it will involve a national partnership with GPs, Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals across Ireland.   

We encourage everyone to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – here are the links to the pages with information on the vaccine:

• Check hse.ie/covid19vaccine for information about the vaccine, information on this page is updated regularly
• Find the vaccine information materials at www.hse.ie/covid19vaccinematerials
• Details on getting the COVID-19 vaccine is updated regularly here
• Read the full COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy
• Read the National Immunisation Advisory Committee Chapter about COVID-19 vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine information for health professionals 

Self-isolation and restricted movements
You can watch the latest self-isolation and restricted movements ad here.

Isolation quick guide: applying to those aged greater than 3 months and up to 13th birthday
You can find the guide here.

Isolation quick guide: adults and children from their 13th birthday
You can find the guide here.

New testing and self-isolation requirements for incoming travelers, including healthcare workers, to Ireland from Great Britain, South Africa and Brazil
Please find further details here.

Cleaning guidance for use in non-healthcare settings: General cleaning principles, and cleaning guidance when a person with COVID-19 has been in a setting
You can find the guidance here.  

COVID-19 web page for staff working in residential care settings
If you deliver care to older people in a residential care setting, please check out the new webpage: www.hse.ie/covidnursinghomeresources

This has been set up as a central point of contact for residential care facilities to access up to date clinical guidance, information and links to inform care and supports in these settings.

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from 18-24 January 2021. Our messages during this week will continue to highlight that HPV cervical screening is the best way to see if someone is at risk of developing cervical cancer in the future.

Due to the large number of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, it may take longer for some people to get a cervical screening appointment. But people should still check the register on www.hse/cervicalcheck and if they are due an appointment, to book one with a provider, even if it’s a few weeks away.

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.

 Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.

 You can view the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here.

 Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub is available here.

Public Health Measures
We are experiencing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in Ireland. New Level 5 restrictions have come into place.  You can see the measures in place here.

 We ask everyone, for the protection of our friends, family and the frontline, to please stay at home.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
The vaccination programme continues to be rolled out nationwide, and over 77,000 people have been given their first dose already.

We encourage everyone in Ireland to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – our website on www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine is a good place to start, and you can find the vaccine information materials at www.hse.ie/covid19vaccinematerials

 

Video version of children’s test centre guide
The guide for children going to a COVID-19 test centre has been updated – updated illustrated guide for children. It has also been turned into an animation so parents have an alternative way to share this with their children to help prepare them for a test. The video is embedded on the ‘testing for children’ page on hse.ie and is also available on YouTube.

 

Face coverings
You can find video resources on face coverings here on the following topics:

–How to wear a face covering     – How to safely put on and remove a face covering

-How to safely put on and remove a facemask when required to wear one in a healthcare setting

–Face covering use while visiting a healthcare setting

 You can watch the HSE’s tv ad on face coverings here.

 

COVID-19 Guidance on visits to Long Term Residential Care Facilities (LTRCFs)
You can find the latest COVID-19 Guidance on visits to Long Term Residential Care Facilities (LTRCFs) here.

  

Keeping well this winter booklet – large print format
You can find the large print format of the Keeping well this winter booklet here.

 

Keeping well this winter booklet – Irish Sign Language (ISL)
You can find the ISL videos of the Keeping well this winter booklet under the videos section of the COVID-19 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communications Resources page.

 

Free Stress Control Programme
HSE Health and Wellbeing are offering a free Stress Control programme to the public. Stress Control is an evidence-based programme that teaches you practical skills to deal with stress.

The programme helps participants recognise the signs of stress. It covers topics including how stress affects our bodies and our thoughts. It teaches skills to overcome panicky feelings and tips to getting a good night’s sleep.

Dr Jim White will live-stream the classes, free-of-charge.  You can watch the sessions either in the afternoon or evening.

This is a free programme and to participate simply visit www.stresscontrol.ie  

 

First Fortnight
First Fortnight is celebrating their 10^th anniversary as Ireland’s only national mental health themed arts festival with an all new virtual festival experience. Given the challenges people face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, never before has it been so important to look after our mental health, and support those we care about. To find out more, check out First Fortnight’s festival programme for the full list of art exhibitions, films, spoken word and stage performances, as well as workshops, music and poetry – all available online running to the 17th of January.

 

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.

Please check here for the most up to date partner resources for COVID-19.

Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.

You can view the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here.

Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub is available here.

Public Health Measures
We are experiencing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in Ireland. Right now, we all need to stay at home and act as if we have COVID-19. Ireland is now in Level 5 restrictions. You can see the measures in place here.

 

Updates to COVID-19 Testing and Tracing
The HSE is making changes to the testing and tracing system, in response to the very high rates of positive tests seen over recent days, and the widespread increase in infections in our communities nationwide.

 Main changes to COVID-19 Testing and Tracing:

-The HSE will not be referring close contacts for a test. This is so that people who are symptomatic can be prioritised and receive a test as quickly as possible.

-People who received notification by SMS that they are a close contact must restrict their movements for 14 days. If they develop symptoms, they should call their GP or GP Out of Hours service and arrange a test.

-The text message that is sent to close contacts will now advise every close contact that they should restrict their movements and if they show symptoms they should immediately contact their GP to arrange a test. Close contacts can also access our advice for them on this link https://hse.ie/cvdcc

 This temporary measure is being implemented in consultation with GPs, to ensure those who have symptoms are tested as quickly as possible and that we can continue to try to reduce the spread of the virus.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
The COVID-19 vaccine is here, and since 29^th December, the HSE has been giving the vaccine to people in the highest priority groups – frontline healthcare workers, and older people living in long-term care facilities.

 The COVID-19 vaccine will offer you protection from COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine should also protect you from the serious complications of COVID-19. Our aim in offering the vaccine to the population is to protect people and reduce the illness and deaths caused by this virus.

 We have begun an information programme about the vaccine, starting with information for the first priority groups being offered the vaccine. Our information covers the topics that people told us were most important to them – when the vaccine will be available, who is in the priority groups, safety and long-term side effects, and how effective the vaccine is.

 We encourage everyone in Ireland to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – our website on www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine is a good place to start, and you can find our vaccine information materials at www.hse.ie/covid19vaccinematerials

 Our COVID-19 Vaccine radio ad started on 30^th December across local and national radio stations. Listen to it here.

 

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.

Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.

 You can view the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here.

 Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub is available here.

Our Board and Staff wish the people, communities and businesses of County Longford an enjoyable festive season. Looking forward to 2021 and to working with and supporting you in many different ways. Our staff will be back on Monday 4th Jan. Please stay safe and adhere to Government Guidelines regarding Covid.

 

You can see the measures in place here

HSE COVID-19 Test and Trace is open this Christmas
When you need a test for COVID-19, our health service works hard to make this as quick and safe as possible for you. If you feel unwell on a public holiday, the weekend or in the evening, the GP out of hours service can refer you for a test too. The GP referral and test are both free of charge. Most people will get a test appointment within 24 hours.

Our new Test and Trace video is available here and sets out step by step how test and trace works.

 Our contact tracers will continue to call people who test positive for COVID-19 and trace their close contacts to give them public health advice throughout the Christmas and New Year. Contact tracers will advise close contacts to restrict their movements for 14 days and arrange a COVID-19 test. People who test positive and/or who have symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate in a room on their own and avoid other people. This will help stop the spread of the virus.

 GP out of hours services are available throughout the country at weekends and evenings this Christmas. You can find contact details for your local GP Out of Hours Service here.

 

COVID 19 Guidance for staff working in residential care facilities for older people
Guidance for healthcare workers and managers delivering care in residential settings for older people is available here. This section of the website has been set up as a central point of contact for residential care facilities to access up-to-date clinical guidance, information and links to inform care and supports in these settings.

Residents of nursing homes have been identified as a particularly vulnerable group. They have a significantly higher risk of contracting COVID-19 than the general population of similar age. Particular attention is needed when caring for Older People to support the prevention of COVID-19, identification of symptoms and clinical management of residents in these settings.

 

Keeping well this winter
The Keeping Well this Winter campaign has some further interviews aimed particularly at older and vulnerable people.

 You can watch Dr Vida Hamilton, HSE’s Clinical Advisor for Acute Hospitals chat to Daíthí and Sinéad on RTE’s Today show here. Vida has lots of advice on accessing routine and emergency healthcare services, the protective measures that staff have taken in healthcare settings along with what to do if you think you have COVID-19.

 Anne Rizzo, Regional Programme Manager Limerick City and County Council talks to journalist Eoghan Corry for a Senior Times podcast on the actions and initiatives of county council staff and volunteers around the country since the COVID-19 pandemic began. You can listen to Anne outline the councils’ Community Call initiatives here.

 Prof Martin Cormican, HSE’s Clinical Lead on Infection Control, talks to journalist Charlie Bird for a Senior Times podcast on keeping well this winter. Martin gives very good advice on when you might need antibiotics and why taking them when you don’t need them may do you more harm than good. He also chats to Charlie about the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccines. Listen the interview here.

 

Community Call supporting vulnerable people 7 days a week 8 am – 8 pm on 0818 222 024
If you are caring for people who would benefit from help with collection and delivery of essential items like food, ‘meals-on-wheels’, fuel or medicine or who are socially isolated you can call the Community Call line. Community Call has been significantly expanded to reach out to anyone who is vulnerable or isolated regardless of age or location. Community Call is supported by the HSE, An Garda Siochana, Local Authorities, An Post, charities and residents’ associations.

Call 0818 222 024 (open 7 days a week 8 am – 8 pm).

 

Thank you from the Frontline
This year has been a tough year for everyone. We’ve had ups and downs professionally and personally, but one of the enduring highs of this year has been how our friends, family, and the public helped us to do our job by staying in, washing their hands, keeping apart and following the advice of our public health teams. 

 For this we are truly grateful. Watch some of our healthcare staff thank those people in a video here as we continue our efforts to #StaySafe this Christmas.

 

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.

 Please check here for the most up to date partner resources for COVID-19.

 Please also check the Healthy Ireland site here with further resources and information on the Keep Well campaign.

 You can view the latest information on how Ireland is responding to cases of COVID-19 here.

 Ireland’s COVID-19 Data Hub is available here.