‘We cannot be complacent’
Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice is the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. We asked our first citizen a few quick-fire questions on how we’re coping with Covid-19
How do you think the people of Roscommon are doing in terms of being disciplined about the restrictions?
We’re fortunate I suppose in that we’re a fairly rural county. So it’s probably easier to successfully implement social distancing. But from what I can see, people are being very responsible. Go into any town or village in the county during the day or at night and it’s very, very quiet in terms of traffic and footfall.
Shops and other businesses have been admirably proactive in terms of putting measures in place…would you agree?
Yes, I made that point at a Covid-19 meeting, speaking both as a shopkeeper and a councillor. I mean, if a number of shopkeepers were to become ill, it would affect supply of food. But businesses have been very good in terms of putting in measures to do with protecting staff and customers.
How has the 24-hour community response helpline been going?
Well you have different groups in the community taking up the mantle from early on in this crisis, which is great. That helpline (being managed by the Council and Gardai) is a big help, and it means the response can be co-ordinated. So people are ringing in and then being directed to community groups and so on. Not everyone is Internet-friendly, a lot of people still want to phone for assistance.
Have you noticed a big change arising from the fact that we are all spending more time at home/not moving from place to place?
People’s lives have changed over this period. For people who were particularly busy, this is a new experience…spending extra time at home. They are experiencing more family time. For all of us, there is the realisation that time with loved ones is what’s important.
Are you confident that we will get over this in the coming weeks?
Well, we can’t be sure how long this will go on for. I’m very encouraged by the low number of cases in Roscommon, but we cannot be remotely complacent. Even if the numbers are small, you could become one of those numbers. Some people who have contracted Covid-19 have been very lucky, and some have been very unlucky.
I am very hopeful that sooner rather than later we might see restrictions lifted in some counties that have low numbers. In that scenario a number of businesses might be able to reopen, with ongoing restrictions on them in terms of social distancing, etc. But we cannot lift restrictions too soon and above all we have to adhere to the guidelines. Hopefully we will see light at the end of the tunnel soon.
Frances puts finishing touches to knicker elastic!
Frances Heaney, proprietor of Frances’ Finishing Touches in Roscommon, has never been one to shy away from a challenge; and in these unprecedented times, the innovative entrepreneur, although having to temporarily close her business due to the restrictions, is coping with curtailment by keeping busy providing a public service to our frontline heroes.
What’s that public service, Frances?
Well I’m sitting here in the shop measuring knicker elastic! I have twenty-eight bags of knicker elastic with twenty metres in each bag that I’m posting to a woman in Dublin who makes face masks for healthcare workers.
How has Covid-19 affected your business?
I have no business, it’s that simple. However, Roscommon LEADER has been very good in delivering wool and household sheets, etc., to people who are looking for them. It’s a great way for boosting the spirits too during this alien situation. There’s a lot of goodwill locally and I’m grateful for that. I’m in here for a few hours a day on my own and if anyone wants to get in touch they can call me on the mobile on 087-6500931. And sure the paper (Roscommon People), is great too, there’s something nice about (getting) the paper because you can always look back on it and read it again, so well done for keeping it going.
How are the kids coping with your home-schooling skills?
Oh the homework is being done but unfortunately, my kids now realise how thick I am! (Laughs). Although we are doing a lot of baking and they enjoy that. We’re making the most of it all and sometimes, when you’re caught up in this whole thing, you need to realise and remind yourself that we don’t have the virus and we’re safe and well and lucky to be living in the countryside with this lovely weather.
What do you miss most during these restrictions?
I miss the family’s comings and goings; I miss going swimming with the kids.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when the restrictions are lifted?
Go swimming! The kids want to go to the cinema.
The view from frontline at Roscommon Hospital
Elisa Bridgeman is Clinical Nurse Manager 2, Urgent Care Centre, Roscommon University Hospital.
Can you describe what you do?
I am a Clinical Nurse Manager in the Urgent Care Centre in Roscommon University Hospital where we deal with a wide range of injuries for adults and children over five in the Injury Unit. I also work in the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) where patients who are referred in from their GP are seen and treated by the Consultant/Registrar on call and in the Medical Day Service where patients who need regular infusions/transfusions or bloods for their medical conditions are treated.
How is Covid-19 impacting on you at work?
All guidelines and recommendations are being followed from a national level and all policies are in place. We have daily meetings and updates to ensure all staff are up to date with this evolving Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing is being maintained between staff. We use the appropriate PPE when dealing with patients with Covid-19 or suspected cases. We ensure that high hand hygiene standards are maintained. A reduced number of patients are currently allowed into the Injury Unit at one time to adhere to social and physical distancing. We are asking all patients to telephone the Injury Unit before presenting so that we can check for any symptoms of Covid-19, recent travel history and contact history with suspected cases. That way, when the patient arrives, we are prepared in advance and can take the necessary infection control precautions, if required.
This is an unprecedented situation. How is your morale and that of your colleagues?
Since the arrival of Covid-19 staff have been understanding and supportive of the measures as a lot of staff have changed their roles (short-term) and have been deployed to other areas in order to prepare for the worst in the hope that it will never occur. Naturally as with every person in the nation we are all worried about the ‘fear of the unknown’. Presently there is PPE in the country which is very reassuring as this means that all precautions are taken when dealing with suspected or positive Covid-19 patients. This also helps reduce staff levels of anxiety, and the worry of carrying infection into our homes. Prior to leaving work we have the opportunity to shower and change clothes.
Has the public been cooperative?
Yes the people of Roscommon and surrounding counties have adhered to government regulations regarding Covid-19. They have been extremely supportive to health care workers in a time where we all share the same fears. I would like to commend everyone for their support. We have received many calls from the public to see if they are suitable to be seen in the Unit prior to just arriving. This makes our job much easier in ensuring patient safety. I cannot stress enough the importance of washing hands – it is of the upmost importance for everyone to help contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
From a personal perspective, what impact are Covid-19 restrictions having on you?
Personally both my husband and I are both at work, therefore life is much busier with four children at home. Home schooling is an extra challenge and on my days off it consists of making sure homework is done and ensuring adequate food supplies are in and preparing dinners where possible.
Extra preparations are also required going and coming home from work with regard to uniforms and showering prior to leaving the hospital grounds. My own parents live in Limerick and I haven’t seen them so it’s important I communicate with them via phone and other means of communication, e.g. video calls.
Has spending more time at home given you an opportunity to indulge in more hobbies, etc?
Life has never been busier for those who are working parents. However, with sport and other activities cancelled it can cause increased boredom for children but it is less stressful not to be on the road every evening as a parent.
What do you miss most about life before the current Covid-19 pandemic?
Home life is a routine that I miss and there is the extra responsibility of home schooling. Covid-19 is putting so much pressure on families who are not in the position to see some of their family members and especially if they are over the age of 70 and cocooning. Due to home circumstances changing due to Covid-19 our age profile has changed for the injury unit, the majority of our service users before were injuries from children. Since Covid-19 we are treating more adults sustaining injuries from the garden and house repairs (jobs that were put on the long finger prior to Covid-19).
‘We seem to be doing exceptionally well’
Brendan Egan is Manager of Castlerea Mart and a well-known GAA/community activist. When I rang Brendan on Wednesday, he was just in from cutting the grass…and we asked him these quick-fire questions!
Brendan, I know Castlerea Mart is closed, but is there some limited activity for essential services?
We are taking a few enquiries from farmers and trying to arrange some sales. But we are closed. On Easter Thursday every year we would normally have a very big Easter Sale, this is the first Easter that won’t happen.
Do you feel that people in this area are observing all the HSE/Government guidelines?
Absolutely. As far as I can see people throughout Castlerea, Ballymoe and countywide are being very disciplined. You’d really notice it. There are very few people out and about.
How do you think, as a nation, we are managing this crisis?
We’re managing a very difficult situation well, I think. In particular, we seem to be doing exceptionally well in County Roscommon.
Since the mart closed, you’ll have been spending your days at home. Many people are adjusting to spending their days cocooned in their homes. What are your thoughts?
Oh the whole landscape (of life) has changed completely. We have two children who are due to sit important exams this year (Junior and Leaving Certificates). They’re at home all day every day, so it’s a huge change for everybody everywhere. And there’s no football, no sport…but I find that people are being very neighbourly and are really looking out or others. There’s great volunteerism in evidence. It’s great to see it.
Are you hopeful that the restrictions will end soon?
We just have to await direction from the Government. I think it would be optimistic to suggest that the lockdown will be over in two or three weeks. We have to do what we have to do. As they say, ‘no pain, no gain’. What’s important is that people stay healthy. I advise everybody to follow the guidelines and I wish everybody well.
Missing cuddles, but Claire is busy helping cocooning constituents
Newly-elected Galway/Roscommon TD Claire Kerrane (SF) who’s busier than ever, tells us her self-isolating strategies at her home Tibohine are working out quite well.
How are you all coping?
I’m at home with mam and dad and my brothers. My sister had a baby five months ago and we miss him. He’s called Tadgh Earley and it’s difficult not being able to hold and cuddle him, but this is a life and death situation, and I count myself lucky because we are all safe and well.
How are you occupying your time during ‘lockdown’?
I’ve been going out doing a bit of shopping for the family and for my neighbours who are cocooning. It’s hard for them not being able to get about and I’m happy to help them out. I’m not on the frontline, and all we are being asked to do is stay at home (in an effort) to help our frontline healthcare workers to do their jobs. I’m also dealing with queries from constituents who need help filling in Covid-19 payment applications and it’s great that people are able to reach out and ask for help; nobody should be stuck. I’m dealing with queries from people who’ve had their Covid-19 tests, but who haven’t yet received their results; so I’m keeping busy because I’m working on my own without any support staff; and I’m delighted to be able to help.
How are you relaxing?
Oh I’m watching Money Heist on Netflix, and I’m going for my walks twice a day…keeping within the 2km restrictions. I’m reading Graham Norton’s book, it’s called ‘A Keeper’ – and as we have a farm with cows calving and ewes lambing, we’re kept busy. My dad has never had so much help; and he’s delighted, especially as he’s been given the ok to cut turf, so he appreciates the extra assistance!
