Friday 10th April

CFI Update: COVID-19 Restrictions Extended

An Taoiseach has announced that the COVID-19 restrictions will be extended for a further three weeks until Tuesday, May 5th. 

The measures include a mandatory order for everyone to stay at home and the continuation of cocooning for people with cystic fibrosis and other at risk and vulnerable groups. 

An Taoiseach thanked the Irish people for their forbearance and sacrifice in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Speaking today he said; 

“Because the vast majority of people have heeded the advice, the spread of the virus has been disrupted, but it has not been stopped.” 

Philip Watt CEO CFI stated

 ‘While this remains a challenging time, we would like to reassure our members that we continue to work as normal, even though our offices are closed. We are here to support you. We will continue to provide information, advice and support to the CF Community. Outreach calls are being made to members and we have additional services in place to help our members during this difficult time, including online counselling and online exercise resources’ 

Contact information for all CFI staff is available here.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland will continue to update members regularly. 

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Cocooning Explained

The full measures of Cocooning include: 

  • Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough 
  • Do not leave your house 
  • Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces for example family homes, weddings and religious services 
  • Do not go out for shopping and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact 
  • Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media 
  • Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services 
  • Ensure you keep phones/devices charged, and have credit on your phone so that you can stay connected 
What to do if you develop symptoms

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) are recent onset of: 

  • fever (high temperature)  
  • cough 
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 

If you develop the symptoms of COVID-19, seek clinical advice by phoning your GP and CF Centre or using the HSE Live phone line 1850 24 1850. 

Do this as soon as you get symptoms. 

In an emergency, call 112 or 999 if you are seriously ill. 

Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital unless you are told to do so. 

Local Assistance for Shopping

There are supports available for the delivery of food and medicines during cocooning. 

 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. 

Supervalu, Centra and the GAA have also put together a community initiative to support members in the community with shopping, picking up prescriptions etc.

Details of the Together, We’re There for You initiative can be found here. 

Mental Wellbeing

Social isolation, reduction in physical activity, unpredictability and changes in routine can all contribute to increasing stress. Many people including those without existing mental health needs may feel anxious about this impact, including support with daily living, ongoing care arrangements with health providers, support with medication and changes in their daily routines. 

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland have online counselling available to members who require additional support. To avail of this service, please contact Samantha Byrne: sbyrne@cfireland.ie 

There are simple things you can do that may help to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as: 

  • Keep active - although you have been asked to stay at home it is important you keep yourself mobile by getting up and moving around as much as possible. 
    • For those who are interested in online exercise classes, Beam (www.beamfeelgood.com) is an online exercise platform that provides classes specifically designed for people living with cystic fibrosis. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, BEAM are offering a free two-month membership to any person with cystic fibrosis to help you remain active at home. Use the promo code BEAM-STAY-WELLwhen registering to receive this offer.  Further information on Beam can be found by clicking here.
  • Fresh air - If you have a garden or backyard, go out and get some fresh air, but please keep away from other people including neighbours. Alternatively try spending time with the windows open to let in the fresh air, arranging space to sit and see a nice view (if possible) and get some natural sunlight 
  • Spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to favourite radio programmes or watching TV 
  • Ty to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs