Frontline Workers ask Everyone to Show Support

Frontline workers across the region have extended a message of thanks to the people of Cork and Kerry for their continued support during the COVID 19 pandemic and ask that everyone Show Love by Staying Apart this Valentine’s Day.

The HSE, An Garda Síochána, Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kerry County Council have worked together since the start of the Covid-19 crisis to co-ordinate the community response, and this weekend are appealing to everyone to continue their efforts to stop the spread of COVID 19.

Acting Director of Public Health for the region Dr Anne Sheahan said that the best way to show support for frontline staff this Valentine’s weekend is to Stay Home and Stay Apart.

“The rise in Covid-19 cases since December has put intolerable pressure on healthcare workers across Cork and Kerry. We know how much respect the people of Cork and Kerry have for our amazing frontline healthcare workers. This Valentine’s weekend we’re asking you to show your support for them by following all the guidance when it comes to self-isolation and restricting your movements when necessary. If you are waiting for the results of a Covid-19 test, or if you have symptoms, or if you have a positive test result, then you must self-isolate by staying in your room. We know that it is difficult, but it is the best way for you to support our healthcare heroes. And if there is a case of Covid-19 in your household, then everyone in the house must follow advice and stay at home for 14 days.”

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Joe Kavanagh said it’s important to remember we still need avoid crowded places and maintain social distancing.

“We usually associate Valentine’s Day with hugs, kisses and physical closeness, but this Valentine’s weekend is different – we need to show our love for each other by staying apart – steer clear of crowded places and try to ensure that you maintain a distance of 2 metres from others if you are out for your daily exercise or to get essential supplies.”

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley reminds everyone that staying at home, where possible, is the best way to show your love;

"On Valentine’s day we celebrate love with cards, flowers, gifts and big romantic gestures. We reach out to those we love to let them know just how dear they are to our hearts. 

But Valentine’s Day is not confined to romance and cards. We can celebrate it in a meaningful way at home with our families or friends. Our grand gestures this year can be staying apart to keep our loved ones safe, checking in on elderly neighbours with a phone call or thanking a frontline worker. There are many ways to express our affection this valentine’s day, but the greatest, most important demonstration of love is to stay home, stay safe and protect each other."

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen emphasised the importance of wearing face coverings in the correct way.

“Face coverings have become something we are all used to wearing when required. But wearing them in the correct way – covering the nose and mouth – was never more important. I would encourage everyone to continue to wear face coverings as one of the most important ways in which we can continue to limit the spread of the coronavirus.”

A video collage of frontline workers sharing the message #ShowLoveStayApartCork and #ShowLoveStayApartKerry can be seen on youtube

The frontline workers also ask the public to share their photos and messages of support on social media this weekend, again using the hashtags #ShowLoveStayApartCork and #ShowLoveStayApartKerry.

Representatives from each agency said that they appreciate the support of the people of Cork and Kerry, and the best way for everyone to demonstrate that support is by staying apart and following all public health advice.