Wednesday, 18 March 2020

DUBLIN- STAFF AND RESIDENTS OF HOMELESS NIGHT SHELTERS AT HIGH RISK Of CORONAVIRUS INFECTION

Serious concerns are reported to have arisen amongst staff of some homeless hostels/shelters, unconfirmed reports suggest that staff in at  least one such hostel have walked-out, allegedly because of a lack of proper controls in regard to their personal health and safety, regarding the high risk of coronavirus infection – keeping in mind the high risk involved in dealing with so many and homeless and addicted people.
Many homeless hostels/shelters should be subjected to a DEEP CLEAN as a precaution against widespread infection of both staff and residents. At the present time the risk of infection is very high and is expected to become even more critical within a matter of days.

 https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/calls-for-sunset-clause-as-concerns-raised-about-emergency-coronavirus-legislation-988626.html 


The annual spring count of people sleeping rough in the Dublin area has been postponed because of the Covid-19 outbreak. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) organises a spring count in March and a winter count in November each year carried out by 100 volunteers.
HQ of  the DRHE PARKGATE HALL Dublin
In a statement a spokesperson for the DRHE said this year's count has been deferred but added; "we are consistently monitoring the number of people sleeping rough in Dublin Region via our Outreach teams who report numbers on a weekly basis." The statement added that the focus is at the moment is to ensure people sleeping rough are aware of the risk of Covid-19, know the precautions that they can take and to support them accessing services and emergency accommodation. The DRHE is using a system of "continuous bookings" to ensure that each person is using the same bed while movements are being restricted as much as possible.
Charities like Dublin Simon has been distributing person protection equipment such as disposable masks and gloves as well as advice on health precautions. 

Homeless charities are also providing outdoor hand-washing facilities. The last rough sleeper count for winter 2019 found 90 people bedded down on the streets which was the lowest winter figure since 2012.


 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the coronavirus emergency is likely to go on well beyond 29 March and could go on for months into the summer.
In a special Ministerial Briefing broadcast, he said that "this is the calm before the storm and the surge will come".
A further ten cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing the total there to 62. Overall there are 354 cases on the island of Ireland.
Mr Varadkar said it is believed that there could be 15,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in this country by the end of the month.

 He said all resources of the State, both financial and human, are being deployed to stop the spread of the virus.
He called for the public's help in making social distancing workable and he paid tribute to healthcare workers who he said "need us to do the right things in the weeks ahead".

"Not all superheroes wear capes… some wear scrubs and gowns."

He said this is the calm before the storm and the surge will come. In his address he said "let it be said that when things were at their worst we were at our best. "We cannot stop the virus but we can stop it in its tracks and push it back," he said. On how long this crisis will continue, he said "the truth is we just don't" know adding it may go on into the summer.

"In short we are asking people to come together as a nation by staying apart".

He said the Government will work with businesses to help them to adapt.In his address, he said at a certain point the elderly and people with some illnesses will be asked to stay at home for several weeks, adding "this will be described as cocooning". He said they will be checked on to see they have everything they need.

Talking to young people, Mr Varadkar said he is sure they are fed up and may even be wishing they were going back to school tomorrow. He said this is hard for their parents as well, and asked them to ask their parents at least once every day if there is anything they can do to help. He said when the surge comes "never will so much be asked of so few". Mr Varadkar paid tribute to those keeping the supply chain going such as hauliers, saying they are heroes too. He said journalists and broadcasters who are helping to educate and inform the public are worthy of respect too, and he asked people to take their information from trusted sources only.


https://www.dublininquirer.com/2019/10/02/concerns-about-standards-of-care-in-homeless-hostels-run-by-private-providers

He said on our national holiday he wanted to say everyone affected by this pandemic, "We are with you." It comes following a video-conference with European Heads of government this afternoon, and a tele-conference with the Cabinet to agree emergency Covid-19 legislation. This evening's broadcast was made under Section 122 of the Broadcast Act, which allows the Government broadcasting time for announcements in the event of a major emergency.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/traffic-piles-up-at-european-borders-as-worldwide-coronavirus-count-tops-200000/ar-BB11mbnc?ocid=spartandhp

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If you or someone you know has been affected by mental health issues you can contact:

·                  Samaritans - 116 123, text 087 2609090 or email jo@samaritans.ie

·                  Pieta House (Suicide & Self-harm) - 1800 247 247 or 01 623 5606

·                  Aware (Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder & Anxiety) - 1800 80 48 48

·                  Grow (Mental Health support & Recovery) - 1890 474 474

·                  Bodywhys (Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland) - 1890 200 444

·                  Childline (for under 18s) - 1800 66 66 66.
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