Are you winter ready?

The Cork and Kerry Inter-Agency Emergency Management Region South, which includes An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kerry County Council, has launched its ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign.

The various groups involved in the campaign will be issuing guidance on how residents of Cork and Kerry can stay safe over in the winter, especially in the context of surging Covid cases.

Elements of the campaign include:

• An Garda Síochána will promote the importance of being aware of weather conditions when driving this winter.
• The HSE Department of Public Health for the region encouraged the public to protect the health service this winter by taking up both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines when it’s offered. Walk-in clinics are still available for anyone who hasn’t received the full course of Covid-19 vaccines, and certain groups are now being offered third doses and booster vaccines. The flu vaccine is also available at the moment free of charge to certain groups, including healthcare workers; those aged over 65; and children aged between 2 and 17. Again, we’d encourage you to look into getting the flu vaccination as soon as possible.
• Public Health has also reminded everyone that if they have any symptoms of Covid-19, they should not be out and about and should book a Covid-19 test as soon as possible. See hse.ie or ring HSELIVE on 1850 24 1850 for more.
  Cork Kerry Community Healthcare highlighted the importance of minding our health this winter. This is particularly important for anyone with a long-term health condition. See www.hse.ie/selfmanagementsupport for useful advice.
• The South/South West Hospital Group are asking the public to consider using Injury Units when appropriate (including the Mercy University Hospital Injury Unit at the St Mary’s Health campus; the Mallow Injury Unit and the Bantry Injury Unit) instead of presenting to Emergency Departments where possible.
• Local Authorities (Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kerry County Council) are providing information on the salting routes which will be covered in the event of cold weather. Each Local Authority also communicates extensive updates on severe weather through their relevant digital channels. Cork County Council’s Winter Service Plan is available on Severe Weather Information, Warnings & Road Alerts.
• The firefighters of Cork City, Cork County, and Kerry County Fire Services ask that householders check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working, and if they’re not already installed, to get them installed.