As the country begins to open back up again, many are looking forward to life resuming and adjusting to the “new normal”. We are in a period of transition and COVID-19 is still with us of course. Vaccinations will offer increased confidence, but we all need to remain cautious and observe government guidance.

While this is a more optimistic time, for some people the thoughts of socialising, reconnecting and leaving the house bring about a level of anxiety. This is to be expected after a year of living with restrictions in a pandemic, we have come to associate staying home with staying safe, limited our social interactions and kept our close contacts small to prevent transmission.

It is natural to feel anxious as restrictions ease.  Here are some of our tips to make the transition period easier as level 5 restrictions begin to be ease; 

• Take it slow
  While dates for easing of restrictions have been set, that doesn’t mean you must do anything. Take your time in making plans so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

• Plan
  Go shopping at off peak times if possible, choose a restaurant/venue familiar to you that you are comfortable in, choose an early appointment or the last sitting of the day to avoid crowds. Whatever makes you feel most relaxed. Focus on going out and coming back for now as you ease back into public settings.

• Set Boundaries
  Don’t feel under pressure to make plans or to attend every social gathering you are invited to. Keep up with PPE guidance. Don’t feel you have to hug or shake hands. Check with those you are meeting up with that they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19. Control the controllable.

• Communicate concerns when needed
  Tell people how you feel - if you find somewhere too crowded and feel overwhelmed, if you want to wait a week or two before meeting up or don’t want to schedule too much in advance. They will understand and respect your feelings and concerns. They are looking forward to reconnecting, but will want you to be happy and comfortable to do so

• Understand it may take time
  A period of transition readjustment is to be expected. Don’t put yourself under any pressure to be the “old you” straight away.

• Returning to education, training and employment
  Talk to your college or your employer if you have any concerns about the return to education, training and employment. Continue to work from home where possible. Employers have been issued with advice, acquaint yourself with this advice to help you negotiate. 

If you are struggling with adjusting to the easing of restrictions or feel you are suffering with anxiety and need support you can contact the Member Services Team below:

Additional supports and resources are available from the HSE, visit www.hse.ie

Present Public Health Guidance 1 June 2021

As restrictions ease and with the vaccine programme progressing, CFI would like to remind members of the importance of following the public health guidance. This guidance should be followed even if you have received your vaccine.

• Do not meet anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been told they are a close contact of someone with COVID-19
• Wear a face covering in public indoor spaces and busy outdoor spaces
• Meet outdoors where possible. The virus spreads easiest in indoor places with poor ventilation.
• Avoid crowded places where you cannot keep 2 metres apart from other people
• Wash your hands properly and often with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer
• Continue to practice social distancing where possible
• Do not share objects that touch your mouth, for example, bottles or cups
• Do not shake hands or make close contact with other people, if possible
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• If having people into your home, let fresh air in by opening windows, doors and air vents as much as possible.

Below is an outline of the planned public health measures for the coming months

For the latest guidance visit www.hse.ie