Campaigner Vicky Phelan has pleaded with the nation to stick with her in the fight against Covid-19.
CervicalCheck whistleblower Vicky, who has terminal cancer, urged solidarity in remaining indoors to keep the virus at bay.
The mum-of-two from Co Limerick said: “I’m asking you to stay at home to protect ourselves and those around us.
“We can get through this. Please, please mind yourselves.”
Her plea came as the death toll from coronavirus rose by 52 to 1,063 today, with 21 fatalities now recorded in one Dublin nursing home alone.
Vicky recorded a video which was shared on social media by HSE chief Paul Reid who applauded her efforts to motivate others.
She said: “I know that staying at home is very challenging, particularly for those of us who struggle with our mental health.
“But there are things that we can do to mind our mental health during this crisis.
“As somebody who has struggled with depression and who has gone through a number of difficult periods in my life, there are things I do to protect my mental health.
“These are the things I’m using at the moment that may may help some of you at home.
“I’m focusing on literally living in the moment and taking each day as it comes.
“I try not to think too far ahead and just do what I can on a daily basis.
“I try to detach myself from the news as much as possible. I was becoming very obsessed with the coronavirus and looking at the news 24 hours a day.
“Now I’ve pulled back from that and I check the news twice a day and that is it.”
Vicky has been isolating at her home since news of the pandemic broke as her chemotherapy and cancer leave her vulnerable to the virus.
She said: “I’m trying to stay socially connected with all my friends and family even though we’re apart.
“I’m also trying to get some exercise, I get out of the house once a day within two kilometres and get some fresh air.
“If you’re struggling with your mental health please go to hse.ie for advice and use some of the services.
“We will get through this. We need to mind our mental health. So please, please mind yourselves.”
