It’s a worrying time for vulnerable and elderly people.

With Cork’s Covid-19 cases on the rise once again, Cork City Council has launched a new initiative that aims to promote social distancing.

Anyone who has been cocooning or suffers from an underlying health condition can now collect one of 1,000 social distancing blue vests, which will be distributed across Cork City through various community centres and community groups.

“The blue vests will allow people with an underlying condition or who had been cocooning to get out and about, while reminding others to respect social distancing guidelines.” said the council in a statement.

“The idea came about through the Covid-19 Community Response Forum in Mahon, just one of the 16 community response groups set up by Cork City Council with the HSE and partners in response to the Covid-19 restrictions.

3. Assume you or those you meet may be infectious and act accordingly
4. Wear a face covering
5. Avoid crowds
6. Download the Covidtracker app
7. Do not go to work if you have any concerning symptoms – isolate and phone your GP
8. Encourage one another

— Dr Ronan Glynn (@ronan_glynn) September 20, 2020

“Feedback received from people cocooning as they came back out into communities when restrictions eased indicated that they were very nervous and felt that people weren’t giving them enough space. The purpose of the vests is to indicate clearly that the person is asking others to keep their two-metre distance.”

Following a pilot of the initiative in Knocknaheeny and Mahon, the blue vests are now available through local community centres (listed below) and a further 250 blue vests will also be distributed through the Friendly Call programme.

Here’s where you can find one:

• Gurranabraher and City North West: Youthwork Ireland, The Hut Community Centre – 021 – 439 9862
• Mayfield and City North East: Newbury House Family Centre – 021 – 450 7999
• Mahon and City South East: Mahon Community Development Project – 021 4359070
• Ballyphehane/Togher and City South East: Ballyphehane Togher Community Development Project – 021 4319085
• Ballincollig and surrounds in City West: Westgate Foundation, Ballincollig – 021 487 3648
• Glanmire and surrounds in City East: Glanmire Area Community Association – 021 482 1333
• Alternatively, contact Cork City Council on community@corkcity.ie.

“The Blue Vests initiative for Cork City came about as a creative response to people’s fears and anxieties about Covid-19 when out and about,” said Sandra O’Meara of Cork City Council’s Community Section.

“The distinctive Blue Vests simply act as a reminder to passers-by to respect social distance. This makes all the difference for people with underlying illnesses or after a period of cocooning, who need their exercise but want to remain safe.”