Here are some dos and don’ts from my Department’s Action Plan for Communities.
VOLUNTEERS
Safety should be your number one priority and make sure you have thesafeguards in place to protect you while you carry out your r ole. Please
follow the guidelines on the HSE website or if in doubt ask at your local
volunteer centre. Some simple steps to sensible volunteering:
• Only volunteer if you are well enough to do so
• Do not volunteer if you have travelled outside Ireland in the last 14
days
• Always follow the HSE guidelines for hand washing, sneezing/coughing
and practice social distancing
• Do not call to a vulnerable person’s door unannounced. Please consider
dropping a note in their letterbox with a name and number for them to
contact.
• If you are asked to help, take these steps to limit contact:
o Do not enter a home unless absolutely necessary
o Dropping off shopping/prescription etc. can be left at the door
and simply call to let them know
o Remember to keep social distancing in mind, always keep a space
of two meters apart between you and the person.
If you are volunteering for a vulnerable person with an underlying condition
please remember their immune systems may be weakened, making it harder
to fight infections.
Please follow the key messages from the HSE:
• Wash hands thoroughly and as often as possible
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Practice social distancing and coordinate with others to limit the
number of visits
• Refill their prescriptions and make sure that they have over the counter
medicines and supplies for example, tissues and thermometer.
ADVICE FOR PEOPLE RECEIVING ASSISTANCE
Safety should be your number one priority and if you are in need of help please contact a trusted source or neighbour. Please remember:
• Do not answer the door to someone you don’t know
• Do not shake hands with anyone
• Do not let anyone into your home unless it is absolutely necessary
• Do not give your bank details to anyone that you do not know or trust
• Always ask for identification if someone calls to your door from an
organisation, if in doubt call the organisation to verify details
• If you are offered help and are not comfortable please contact the
Garda Síochána on 999 or a recognised helpline if you need support.
If you are vulnerable person with an underlying condition and receiving
assistance, please follow the key messages from the HSE:
• Wash hands thoroughly and as often as possible;
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
• Have prescriptions filled and over the counter medicines supplies;
• Do not allow more than two visitors at a time.
For further information please visit https://www.volunteer.ie/ or you can view the Action Plan at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/70be56-government-action-plan-for-community-response-to-covid-19/