HSE Covid19 Partner Pack Update: Friday 8th January 2021
We hope this message finds you well.
We are grateful for your continuing support in helping to share information about COVID-19. Below are a few communications updates for you.
Public Health Measures
New Level 5 restrictions have come into place.
You can see the measures in place here.
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.
Supporting the Consent Process for the Vaccination Programme against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Webinar
Friday, 8th January 2021 (1pm – 2pm)
You can register for the webinar here.
For telephone access, please use the following:
Telephone: 01 526 0058
Access code: 174 246 0906
Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Residential Care Facilities Webinar
Friday, 15th January (12-1pm)
You can register for the webinar here.
For telephone access, please use the following:
Telephone: 01 526 0058
Access code: 175 879 7250
Updates to COVID-19 Testing and Tracing
As noted in the last update, the HSE has made 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, effective from the 31st December:
-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
Since 29th December, the HSE has been giving the vaccine to people in the highest priority groups – frontline healthcare workers, and people living in long-term care facilities who are aged 65 or over.
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 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/
Our COVID-19 Vaccine radio ad started on 30th 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/
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.
If your organisation has any requests in relation to COVID-19 public health information materials, please email us at Partner.Pack@hse.ie to let us know.
We wish you good health and wellness.
Many thanks,
COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement
HSE Communications
