COVID-19 Testing

Measures have been introduced to reduce the numbers of people seeking to be tested for COVID-19. If effective, these measures could mean that those with CF who are concerned they might have COVID-19 will be tested more quickly.

CFI will publish more information on this once we are clearer about how this will work in practice.

Details on the testing guidelines are available on the HSE website, click here to view.

Latest Government Measures

A wide range of general measures aimed at reducing social interaction, temporary wage subsidies and monitoring have been introduced by Government.

A media summary is available to view here.  

COVID-19 Related Payments Update

The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is paid at a flat rate of €350 per week for the duration of the pandemic emergency. It was originally set at a rate of €203 but it was increased by government on March 24.

Payment is made by electronic transfer only (into your bank account) and only into accounts held in Irish financial institutions.

It will be paid in to your bank account every Tuesday once your application is processed.

If you were working and were also in receipt of any social welfare payment such as a Carers Payment, Working Family Payment (WFP) or One-Parent Family Payment, you can, provided you have lost your job due to COVID-19, also claim the COVID-19 emergency payment, in addition to retaining your existing welfare payment.

The COVID-19 Payment Unemployment Payment will replace your employment income and will be regarded by the Department as equivalent to employment income.

If you have one adult and at least one child dependant you should claim a Jobseeker's Payment instead of the COVID-19 Pandemic Payment.

This is because you can claim an additional allowance for your adult dependant and child dependants, which will bring your weekly payment to in excess of the €350 weekly payment due under the emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.