|
|
|
Last Updated: 2 Apr 2020 - 6:34:41 PM |
COVID-19 - UPDATED GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES
By Cycling Ireland
1 Apr 2020,
|
Email this article
|
Cycling Ireland urges members of the cycling community to strictly adhere to the guidelines which are in place within their locality. Check government sources regularly for the latest information.
Republic of Ireland - www.gov.ie and www.hse.ie
Northern Ireland - www.northernireland.gov.uk and www.health-ni.gov.uk
Covid-19 - Updated Government Guidelines as of 27.03.2020
Cycling Ireland wishes to highlight the updated guidelines announced by the government on Friday, 27th March 2020.
These state that until the 12th April, everyone within the Republic of Ireland are urged to stay in their home wherever possible. Staying at home is the best way to minimise the risk of COVID-19 to your friends, families and communities.
Stay at home in all circumstances, except in the following situations:
- to travel to and from work where the work is considered an essential service. You can see the full list of essential workers here.
- to attend medical appointments and collect medicines and other health products for yourself, your family or someone who is vulnerable or cocooning.
- for vital family reasons including caring for children, elderly or vulnerable people but excluding social family visits.
- to take brief individual physical exercise within your locality, which may include children from your household within 2 kilometres of your home and adhering to strict 2 metre social distancing measures.
Cycling Ireland requests that members of the cycling community comply with and support the measures taken by government to address the Covid19 crisis. Travelling by bike remains a healthy, environmentally friendly and efficient means of transport in the situations set out above.
As an alternative to training outdoors, Cycling Ireland has launched a series of races and workouts on the popular online training platform, Zwift. In addition, a series of bike skill videos will be available across our social media channels which can be mastered while adhering to government restrictions.
Northern Ireland Public Health Agency Advice as of 28.03.2020
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. The best way to do this is to stay at home. No-one may leave their home without reasonable excuse.
A reasonable excuse includes the need:
· to obtain basic necessities, including food and medical supplies;
· to take exercise either alone or with other members of their household;
· to seek medical assistance;
· to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, or to provide emergency assistance;
· to donate blood;
· to travel for the purposes of work or to provide voluntary or charitable services, where it is not reasonably possible for that person to work, or to provide those services, from the place where they are living;
· to attend a funeral of a family member.
· There are also restrictions on gatherings, where no more than two people can be together outside unless the persons are from the same household, where the gathering is essential for work purposes, or if people are attending a funeral
· Penalties ranging from fixed penalty notices to fines of up to £5,000 are being introduced to enforce the new powers.
----
Cycling Ireland extends the postponement of events and encourages responsible cycling
25 March 2020
Following the latest Government announcement in relation to Coronavirus (Covid-19), Cycling Ireland wishes to advise members of the cycling community that the postponement of all Cycling Ireland approved events and activities is to be extended up to and including April 19th.
Cycling Ireland fully supports the public health advice and stresses the importance of following HSE guidelines in order to safeguard public health. The current situation has placed considerable financial strain on sports governing bodies, and we want to thank members for their ongoing support through membership. We share in your disappointment at the cancellation of many cycling activities however we will do everything within our power to ensure the smooth return of events and activities as soon as it is safe to do so.
Cycling is encouraged in the following instances while adhering to social distancing guidelines:
- Exercising outdoors once per day (solo or with members of your household)
- Shopping for basic necessities
- Providing care or helping somebody vulnerable
- Travelling to/from essential work
- Indoor training
Cycling is proven to be beneficial for your physical and mental health, provided that physical distance guidelines are followed. With increased strain placed on our health system, Cycling Ireland would encourage you to ride with extra caution and stick to familiar roads. It is vital that as members of the cycling community we continue to act responsibly so that cycling can be used for transportation and managing our health during this time of crisis.
Follow Cycling Ireland on social media for virtual cycling meet ups, training tips and the latest news.
-----
Latest Guidance on Public Health Measures
Published: 24 March 2020 From: Department of the Taoiseach
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has recommended that all non-essential retail outlets close to members of the public. All other retail outlets are to implement social distancing.
Cafés and restaurants are limited to takeaways and deliveries only. All sporting events are cancelled - including those behind closed doors.
All theatres, clubs, gyms, leisure centres and hair salons are to be shut.
Places of worship are to restrict numbers visiting and no unnecessary travel should take place in the country or overseas, now or during the Easter break.
The Taoiseach said people need to stay at home and only leave to:
- go to work
- go to the shops for essential supplies
- care for others
- exercise
The Taoiseach also stated "you should only leave home to go to work if you can’t work from home and your attendance is essential. You should only go to the shops for essential supplies, out for medical or dental appointments, to care for others or to take physical exercise.
Non-essential indoor visits to other people’s homes should be avoided. Social gatherings of individuals outdoors should be of no more than 4, unless you are all from same household"
|
|
|
|
