Transport will start getting back to normal this week as the NCT testing centres reopen.
The crucial service that makes our cars safe on the road are opening their services in a gradual, staged way as more and more people get back on the roads.
It was announced at the Government’s daily coronavirus updates briefing today.
Reporters at the briefing also heard advice from Government officials about the rationed use of water in the emergency due to the new hosepipe ban.
And there were details of a new support service for bereaved families being launched tomorrow by the HSE and the Irish Hospice Foundation.
Assistant Secretary General at the Department of the Taoiseach, Liz Canavan, gave an update on the NCT reopenings.
“The re-opening of these services will be subject to measures designed to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19 and is being done in line with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol , therefore there will be a number of measures involved: you must make an appointment in advance to avail of any service, no walk-in appointments will be accommodated, this will be kept under review; all services must be paid for with credit/debit cards - no cash will be taken; social distancing should always be maintained.
The hosepipe ban should not mean people scrimp on hygiene at this stage.
Ms Canavan said: “The Water Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users and commercial premises for non-commercial activities (for example, watering gardens attached to a business premises).
“However, it is important that people continue to adhere to public health advice in relation to hygiene to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Ms Canavan said about the new hospice service: “I also wanted to mention an initiative of The Irish Hospice Foundation, in conjunction with the HSE, who have set up a National Bereavement Support Line to provide connection, comfort and support to those grieving in these exceptional times. It will go live from tomorrow, Tuesday June 9th 2020.
It is a national freephone service – the number is - 1800 80 70 77 which will be available from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.”
Sharon Foley, CEO of the Irish Hospice Foundation said: ”While we may be seeing reductions in the number of deaths connected to COVID-19, we know that people’s pain and grief does not diminish as quickly.
“These truly are exceptional times and the Irish Hospice Foundation wanted to develop a service to provide connection, comfort and support as we know that people can experience grief as isolating.
“The COVID-19 restrictions have changed the ways people have died and the ways we grieve and offer condolences.
“With many people facing bereavement in isolation we wanted to establish a service that could comfort and support these people.”
