Statement by Alan Kelly TD on latest Covid-19 measures
Labour Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has urged the public to heed the measures announced by government today regarding the curtailment of public engagement from 6p.m. this evening and said that that proper adherence to them will save lives that would otherwise be lost.
He urged the public to follow public health advice, regarding the measures carefully and to follow them and other public health guidelines meticulously over the coming weeks.
Deputy Kelly said:
“These are unprecedented times. Never in the history of our state have we had a public health intervention at this level by government and it is absolutely necessary and timely.
“I would ask at this stage that we all adhere to the steps announced. It is a significant but short-term imposition on all of us, but it is in the interest of everybody to tackle this issue head on because it will save lives.
“It is about saving the lives of elderly; of parents, grandparents and other relatives and friends. It is about saving the lives of those with underlying conditions, with serious illness, young and old.
“I think also now of our health workers and how we protect and support them through this. They are the frontline heroes who are meeting this challenge on all our behalves. We are indebted to them and we must never forget that, not least when this battle is won.”
“This is going to impact on business, on jobs but we will turn that corner. We have faced down and overcome a lot worse economically. The time will come in the not too distant future when our economy will roar again but, for the moment, our absolute priority is on public health, on protecting those who are vulnerable to this virus.
“It is worth noting that those who are not vulnerable will have only mild symptoms in some cases. But it’s to stop the spread of the disease to those who are vulnerable, those we cherish dearly in our lives, that we take these interventions.
“Please also during this period continue to check in with the HSE’s website for guidelines for ourselves and how we look after the vulnerable.
“Only by working together, which is a wonderful and innate characteristic of the Irish psyche and one which will invoke again, that will we save lives and limit the loss that some will so sadly and tragically experience from this to the minimum.
“I wish everyone well over the coming days, weeks and beyond as we rise together to meet this challenge.”