Covid-19 – Looking after your Community

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Guidance on the public health management of COVID-19 cases and close contacts. These changes take effect from Monday, 28 February.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19:
  • Anyone with symptoms should immediately self-isolate
  • Those under the age of 55 and are otherwise healthy should self‐isolate until 48 hours after symptoms resolve. No test is required
  • Those aged 55+ years and not yet boosted, those with a high‐risk medical condition, those who are immunocompromised or live with or care for someone who is immunocompromised, or those who are pregnant should self-isolate and seek a PCR test.
If you have a positive test result:
  • All those with a positive PCR or Antigen test should isolate for a minimum of 7 days.
  • Those with symptoms should isolate for 7 days from the date of onset of symptoms
  • Those without symptoms should isolate for 7 days from the date of the first positive test (PCR or antigen)
  • Ending of self-isolation after 7 days is on the basis that symptoms have substantially or fully resolved for the final 2 of those 7 days
  • All those aged 13 years and older with a positive result should use a well-fitted medical grade or FFP2 face mask for 10 days, including when they may be at risk of coming into contact with others in their household
  • Children aged 9-12 years old with a positive result should wear a well fitted mask for 10 days including when they may be at risk of coming into contact with others in their household.

Click here to read more.

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

More than 5.34 million vaccines have been administered in Ireland so far and 66% of adults are fully vaccinated. Over 80% of adults have received at least one dose. We are grateful to all of our colleagues and partners, and to the public, for taking part and making this happen.

For updates and information regarding the vaccination programme, please visit www.hse.ie/rollout

 

Vaccine registration opens for people aged 18-24

Online registration for everyone aged 18-24 is now open. People in this age group can register now and will be offered a vaccine appointment at a HSE vaccination centre within 3 weeks of registering.

Vaccine options for people in this age group:

People aged 18-24 may have a choice between 2 types of vaccine, both types will protect from severe illness from COVID-19.

  • The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. These mRNA vaccines are the recommended and preferred option for people under the age of 50. People aged 18-24 will be offered an appointment for one of these vaccines within 3 weeks of registering online.
  • The Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine or the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine. These viral vector vaccines have been associated with a rare side effect of unusual blood clots, which is more common in people aged under 50.

When registering online, people can indicate that they are happy to opt for a viral vector vaccine. This may mean that they can be vaccinated sooner, all depending on vaccine supplies. The appointment text will let people know which vaccine is being offered.

People aged 18-34 can also choose to get a Janssen vaccine at a participating pharmacy, depending on supplies. If people in this age group are already registered with a pharmacy for a Janssen vaccine, they can now register on HSE.ie for an mRNA vaccine.

Read information to help you decide which vaccine is best for you.
Watch HSE Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Colm Henry speak to people aged 18-34 years old about their COVID-19 vaccine choices here.

 

Registration for people aged 25 to 69

People aged 25-69 who have not already registered for their vaccine can still register online.

Register online to get a COVID-19 vaccine here.
Read the user guide for help with registering online here.
If you cannot register online, you can call the COVID-19 helpline at Freephone: 1800 700 700 to register by phone.

 

Vaccine resources in other languages:

You can find extensive resources about COVID-19 Vaccines and the COVID-19 virus, in up to 36 other languages, here. Languages include Albanian, Arabic, Farsi, Latvian, Romanian, Somali, Tamil and Yoruba.

 

EU Digital COVID Certificate

If you have queries in relation to this certificate or international travel in general, you can:

The emergency helpline for Digital COVID Certificates is: 1800 851 504.

 

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:

 

COVID-19 Testing – Online Booking System

We have a COVID-19 test online booking system for testing centres. To book a test, log on to our system here. You can also show up without an appointment, but you may not have to wait as long if you book online.

Full details of how to get tested are available here.

 

COVID-19 Information

Living with Level 5 restriction, see guidelines here – Updated January 1st 2021
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.

 

COVID Tracker App

Information on the COVID Tracker App and how to download it is here.

For information on COVID-19, please always check and use trusted and official sources. See: https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/ and health.gov.ie

 

Recovering after COVID-19

It’s common to have health symptoms or side effects after having coronavirus (COVID-19).

Some people have physical problems such as extreme tiredness (fatigue) or muscle pain. Others can experience mood changes or nightmares. Some people have no symptoms or side effects at all.

Symptoms or side effects can depend on how mild or severe your illness from coronavirus was. It can also depend on if you were in hospital or not.

Getting back to normal after coronavirus can take some people a few months. But things usually improve over time.

 

Physical problems after coronavirus

Physical problems you might experience while recovering from coronavirus include:

 

Mental and emotional problems after COVID

Mental and emotional problems you might experience while recovering from coronavirus include:

Read advice on minding your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic here.

 

Volunteering

Information on Volunteering Safely,  including resources, guides and templates can be accessed here.

To read the Protocol for Community Groups and Volunteers in Delivering Services, please click here.

 

COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

For full details please check COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment . If you voluntarily left your employment or self-employment or do not meet the above criteria, you cannot claim the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.

 

Support for Elderly and Vulnerable

1. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Community Response Forum. We have set up a new dedicated helpline, focused specifically on ensuring that the cocooning elderly, vulnerable members of the community or those living alone can access deliveries of groceries, medicine and fuels.
This helpline can be reached at 01 271 3199. Opens 9am every day
This number is not for ordinary Council services.

2. ALONE  have launched a COVID-19 support line for older people Working in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE.  Contact ALONE on 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.

3. SENIOR LINE: As the CoronaVirus seems to be a particular threat to older people, we would like to remind our members that SeniorLine has put in place a number of protocols to support many older callers from all over Ireland in terms of information. SeniorLine is a FREEPHONE service and older callers can call free between 10am and 10pm every day of the year on 1800804591. More information here.

4. Making Connections: Since 2009 Making Connections Befriending & Supports is providing volunteer support for older people experiencing loneliness or isolation in Dublin South. In the light of COVID-19, Making Connections is now offering additional support for all vulnerable older people who may need practical help. The age cohort of people they are prioritising is 80 years and older – and depending on our resources they will respond to anyone who needs help. They have identified a team of volunteers tasked to run errands, deliver groceries, pick up prescriptions, fuel, etc.  Contact 01 2951053 or 085 1111976 to request practical help from Making Connections Volunteer team. The  phoneline is now open from 8am – 8pm. Please see website here.

5. Rosemount Family Resource Centre is running a Befriending Telephone Service for the vulnerable and elderly with the assistance of an Garda Siochana. If anyone needs any assistance or shopping, please do not hesitate to call to make arrangements with them. To contact, please call 087 692 7361 or email [email protected].

6. COPD: Call the COPD Adviceline if you have queries about coronavirus and your COPD – 1800 832146.

 

Mental Health supports and services during COVID-19

Online Counselling and supports

Turn2Me: Free online counselling and online support groups for people over 18, Visit www.turn2me.org

MyMind: Online counselling service, Visit www.mymind.org or email [email protected]

Jigsaw: Mental health information and a Q&A service for young people, their parents and guardians, and those who work with young people.  Jigsaw also offer an online group chat service.Visit www.jigsawonline.ie

Shine: Shine are currently providing remote support and an outreach service to people experiencing mental health problems and their families and supporters by phone and email. Visit www.shine.ie/covid-19 or email [email protected]

Bodywhys Online Support: Support for people who are affected by eating disorders including for friends and families. Online support groups are continuing as normal. Visit www.bodywhys.ie or email [email protected]

Suicide or Survive (SOS): A series of free online wellness workshops and programmes are available from SOS, Visit Suicide or Survive for more information.

Phone, E-mail and text supports

Samaritans: Emotional support to anyone in distress or struggling to cope, Freephone 116 123 (any time, day or night), Email [email protected]

Pieta House: Pieta House provides telephone and text-based support counselling for people who are suicidal or engaging in self-harm. Freephone 1800 247 247 (any time, day or night). Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply). Telephone appointments will be provided to replace face to face appointments – contact your local Pieta House for details.

BeLonG To Text Support: BeLonG To provide support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland
Text LGBTI+ to 086 1800 280 to can chat in confidence with a trained crisis volunteer (anytime day or night, standard SMS rates may apply)
While face to face services are closed, information, referral and advice will be provided digitally, by email, SMS, phone call or video conference
Visit www.belongto.org

Aware Support Line: Information and support to anyone over 18 about issues relating to their own mood or the mood of a friend or family member, or who experiences depression or bipolar. Freephone Support Line 1800 80 48 48 (from 10am to 10pm every day). Support and self-care groups nationwide, are cancelled until further notice. .Life Skills Online Programme continuing as normal. Email [email protected] for services information and support.

Crisis Text Line Ireland: A confidential messaging support service, Text TALK to 086 1800 280 (any time day or night, standard SMS rates may apply)

LGBT Ireland: Online support and through the helpline for LGBT+ people across Ireland. LGBT Helpline 1890 929 539 (every day)
Gender Identity Family Support Line 01 907 3707. Email [email protected] for support or information while face to face services are closed. An instant messaging service is available 7 days a week, from 6:30pm to 10pm Mon – Thur, from 4pm to 10pm Fridays, and from 4pm to 6pm on Sat & Sun

Mental Health Ireland: Information and support for people who experience mental health difficulties. Information line (01) 284 1166 (from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) Visit www.mentalhealthireland.ie or email [email protected] for more information.

GROW Mental Health Recovery: Information line 1890 474 474. Visit www.grow.ie or email [email protected] for more information, or while peer support groups are postponed.

Exchange House Ireland National Traveller Mental Health Service: Telephone and online services and supports are available while face to face and group services have stopped. Call 01 8721094 (then press 1) for support, help or advice (from 9am to 5pm every day). Visit www.exchangehouse.ie for more information

For more details on all services available from the HSE including Phone, Email and Text Supports click here.

 

Children and Young People under 18 Years old

Childline (ISPCC): Ireland’s 24-hour national listening service for young people up to the age of 18. Freephone 1800 666 666 (any time, day or night). Text 50101 (from 10am to 4pm every day). Chat online at www.childline.ie (from 10am to 4pm every day).

 

Domestic Violence

Women

Women’s Aid can help you if you are experiencing domestic violence. They give advice on how you can help yourself and others. You can also contact them 24 hours-a-day on 1800 341 900.

Men

Amen is a service for men who are experiencing domestic violence. You can call them on 046 902 3718. Their helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Elder Abuse

Older people who are experiencing abuse in the home can call the HSE information line on 1850 24 1850. The call line is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 8pm.

Children and Young People

Childline is a confidential support service for children and young people. They take calls about a wide range of difficulties, including abuse. You can contact them 24 hours-a-day on 1800 66 66 66. You can also text ‘Talk’ to 50101.

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