COVID-19 Information for Shedders
Following announcement today by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that schools, colleges and public facilities close, we are advising that all men’s sheds close until 29th March.
This advice is given in the interest of protecting your own health, the health of your shed and wider community.
This is difficult and unchartered territory for the whole country but we will play our part and support the efforts to slow down the spread of this virus in our communities.
We all know the role sheds play in addressing loneliness and isolation, they provide a vital social connection for many men across Ireland. This connectedness can still continue, even during this very difficult time.
More so than ever, it is important that we support each other. It is important to stay in touch with all your members. We hope that you will continue to connect with one another and check in on those who may be particularly isolated during this period.
Here are some practical ways that sheds can continue to operate outside the typical shed setting:
- Set up a WhatsApp group or group text with your members – Please contact our office if you need help with this.
- Check in through phone or email with IMSA – We are here to provide advice and support. We will continue to operate as normal in answering your emails on info@menssheds.ie and by phone on 01 891 6150
- Operate a ‘buddy system’ – We suggest ensuring that everyone in your shed ‘buddies up’ with another member and stay in contact. This will help to ensure that members, particular those that are living alone, are not isolated during this difficult time.
We also ask that shedders seek advice and information from reputable sources, particularly the HSE and Department of Health.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01 891 6150 or via email. We will have constant updates on email, our website www.menssheds.ie and on social media.
Finally, remember to support each other and mind your own and your communities health.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of coronavirus include:
- a cough, this can be any kind of cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
- Fever/high temperature
How can I protect myself and others from getting coronavirus?
There are a number of things we can do to protect ourselves and others, particularly by practising good hygiene.
DO
- Wash your hands properly (follow the link here to find out how to wash your hands properly
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze
- Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
- Follow travel advice issued from the Department of Foreign Affairs (follow the link her to get the latest travel advice)
- Stay at home if you are sick to help stop the spread of whatever infection you may have
DON’T
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
- Do not share objects that touch your mouth – for example, bottles or cups.
For more information, please visit:
HSE
The HSE has a dedicated hub of information regarding COVID-19, particularly how you can protect yourself and others >> HSE info on coronavirus
Department of Health
The Department of Health is providing daily updates regarding the development of COVID-19, which you can find here >> Department Updates.
