After the announcement by the Government on 27 March 2020, Macra na Feirme is strongly advising its members to act in accordance with the newly enacted emergency health restrictions and is advising clubs to cease any activity that may be in contravention to those restrictions.

Macra na Feirme recently launched a Don’t Forget Your Neighbour campaign, encouraging members to help out in their communities while maintaining social distancing.

As of 28 March 2020, that campaign is on hold until further notice. First and foremost, we want our members to comply with the emergency health restrictions.

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We do, however, understand that there are vulnerable community members who may need extra support during this time.

In this light, we encourage clubs to generate lists of helping organisations and their contact information in their communities that they can share widely among members who, in turn, can share with anyone they know to be vulnerable in their communities or families.

We also recognise that this is an extremely stressful and volatile time for many and we encourage members experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health stresses to reach out and seek support through this stressful time.

The HSE website offers advice on minding your mental health during this time: https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/minding-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html

The HSE website also offers a tool to search for mental health services available: https://www2.hse.ie/services/mental-health/services-search/

The safety and wellbeing of our members, staff and partners is the priority for our organisation and, as such, we have undertaken precautions and measures related to minimising the threat posed by COVID-19.

We are acting in accordance with advice from the HSE and the chief medical officer and are monitoring the situation daily. The board has established a management group to oversee our crisis management plan, which has delegated authority to implement public health advice from the HSE and Government in responding to COVID-19.

In support of the new measures, all Macra na Feirme staff will continue to work from home until further notice.

In keeping with current arrangements, email will be the primary method to contact staff. Where possible, national office phone lines have been diverted to individual mobile numbers.

Macra na Feirme staff are committed to maintaining service during this time. However, patience and understanding would be appreciated.

General Covid-19 advice

We are recommending that members continue to monitor the HSE website for the most up-to-date advice and guidance, which can be accessed at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html

For information on restricted movements and self-isolation, please visit https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/self-isolation-and-limited-social-interaction.html

For advice on-at risk groups, visit the HSE site here https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/at-risk-groups.html

The COVID-19 public information booklet is available on the HSE website.

Handwashing and cough hygiene

For further information on protecting yourself and others including information on proper handwashing technique and proper cough hygiene, please see: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/protect-yourself.html

We appreciate that this is a significant disruption to Macra activities and normal life.

These measures are taken with the best interests of Macra members and their families in mind. We appreciate your co-operation and understanding at this time, and we will continue to implement the public health advice as it evolves.

– Sincerely,