New communications plan needed to encourage physical distancing
Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called for the Government, social media companies and mobile phone companies to roll out a coordinated communications strategy to encourage people to stay at home.
Deputy Kelly said:
“It is clear from reports from over the weekend, that some people are not grasping the importance of social distancing.
“It is no good shouting into a void on social media that people should be maintaining physical distancing, it means nothing to people, as seen by photos online over the weekend. We need to communicate with people where they are getting their information.
“We need a targeted campaign from Government, social media companies and mobile phone companies to ensure people are getting the message about physical distancing.
“Mobile phone companies like Vodafone, Eir and 3 should play their part and send out a text to all of their customers later today when the new guidelines are announced to encourage people to stay home where they can.
“Mobile phone network providers in the UK have already done something similar this morning, the Government must implement a similar strategy here.
“Social media companies, many of which are based not far from Government Buildings, should have a push notification for all of their users based in Ireland, directing them to the new physical distancing guidelines when announced.”