Cystic Fibrosis Ireland have made contact with the Department of Health and the HSE for updated advice and clarification on “cocooning” as referenced by the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar in his Ministerial Address on St. Patrick’s Day.
We are working closely with the CF Units and the National Clinical Programme for specific advice for the CF Community. At the moment, the guidelines remain the same as that of the HSE.
The CFI office is still operational and staff are on hand to help with any queries members have. While we do our best to answer social media queries, there is a large demand on our services at the moment and to avoid any queries being missed we recommend phoning or emailing the office directly.
As we are receiving a lot of queries, we have put together some frequently asked questions for your information. CFI reminds our members of the need to regularly review the advice from the HSE and other relevant websites on the COVID-19/Coronavirus and nothing in this update constitutes health advice, which can only be provided by the competent health authorities and which changes regularly.
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Should all PWCF self-isolate?
Social distancing has been recommended and we would recommend people with CF avoid places where there is likely to be an increased risk of exposure such as crowds, especially in poorly ventilated areas. It may be that the concept of ‘cocooning’ once explained may provide greater detail.
If you are employed, we recommend contacting your employer to consider what reasonable adjustments can be made to your working conditions to help protect you.
Are PWCF more susceptible to contract COVID-19?
Having cystic fibrosis does not make you more likely than anyone else to catch coronavirus (also referred to as COVID-19). At the moment we don’t know how infection with COVID-19 will affect people with cystic fibrosis. In those who are well it may be a mild illness, but those with significant chest problems are likely to be at risk of more severe illness. Everybody with CF is a unique individual and their circumstances will vary.
What to do if I suspect I have Covid-19?
Contact your CF centre immediately. They can advise if they can facilitate your testing or if you need to contact your GP directly. As a person with CF, your test will be prioritised for faster results.
Is home testing available for PWCF?
Home testing is available to the public, but is dependent on your location and the facilities available. Again, our advice is to contact your CF Centre if you are concerned or if you are displaying symptoms?
Can I be tested if I do not feel unwell or if I am not displaying symptoms?
The advice from the HSE at the moment is that testing is for people who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19 or that are displaying symptoms.
Is there a charge for testing?
There is no charge for testing referral, regardless if you go through your GP or the CF Centre or if the referral is made online or over the phone. If you attend your GP for a standard appointment, a standard appointment fee may apply.
Do CFI have any information on the availability of hand sanitiser?
We have ordered hand sanitisers, but to date have not received notification of when stock will be available. These items are in high demand and the priority at the moment is to ensure the front line services have sufficient supplies to enable them to deal with the pandemic.
We will inform the branches when these stocks are available to try and distribute to the CF Community where possible.
There have been a number of enquiries for masks. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide, but are trying to source suppliers that the CF Community can obtain masks from directly. It is worth noting, that wearing a surgical or cloth mask will not protect you from infection. It will only help protect others from being infected if you already have COVID-19 infection and are coughing and sneezing.
Are CF Rooms being used for COVID-19 patients?
CFI have written to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD, the HSE and individual hospitals to raise concerns about the use of dedicated facilities for CF patients being used for the treatment of patients with Covid-19. Such measures could delay treatment for people with CF or could increase the chance of infection. Ultimately these decisions will be made by the HSE and the hospitals concerned. CFI have urged full consultation with CF consultants and infection control on any changes to present arrangements. If you have any concern on this or other issues, phone ahead to your CF hospital unit.
Are there supports in the community for PWCF?
An Garda Síochána is in the process of hiring additional vehicles to provide additional mobility to members nationwide to provide increased community support and community engagement across the country.
An Garda Síochána continue to urge families, neighbours and community groups to engage with people in line with ‘social distancing’ guidelines.
As an organisation, Gardaí across the country are being asked to actively identify those persons most at need, particularly those with limited local family or social support. In these cases An Garda Síochána will assist.
These ‘contingency’ vehicles will be used to maintain personal interactions and where needed to assist and support people, which may include collecting medical prescriptions, attending hospital appointments and other supports they may need. They are not ‘primary response vehicles’.
An Garda Síochána will also use these opportunities to link identified people into local, national and state services where appropriate.
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CFI recommends that if you have CF or if you are concerned that employment redeployment may put you in higher risk of catching COVID-19 and transmitting it to someone in your family with CF, you should contact your employer/HR unit as soon as possible.
The following information has been taken from Citizens Information and covers a lot of the key areas:
Note: CFI recommends the Website of Citizen’s Information, which is accurate, accessible and regularly updated