What to do during a lockdown in Ireland

This is a scary time in Ireland, there is a lot of uncertainty. People are unsure about what to do during a lockdown or how this will turn out over the next few weeks. An important thing we can all do for each other right now is to stay calm and remember to have empathy for people around us. People are clearing shelves in Supermarkets and buying suspicious amounts of toilet rolls.

We need to remember that Supermarkets will stay open and food supplies will be kept open. when we panic buy out of fear, the people we really hurt are the most vulnerable.

The Government has closed the Schools in Ireland to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus and now they have closed the Pubs so you know it’s getting serious. They hope to reduce the number of people infected and not overload the Health System in Ireland which is already under pressure.

We should all read the Health service Executives information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) this will give us solid fact-based information. Don’t believe Facebook memes or Instagram posts.

I would recommend reading up about the difference in Self-isolation and Self-quarantine. There is a big difference and it will impact how you live your life right now.

Here is a quick breakdown:

• Self-quarantine means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. You will need to do this if you are in close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus and you are still well. Self-quarantine is to stop other people from getting coronavirus.

• Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. You will need to do this if you have symptoms of coronavirus. This is to stop other people from getting it.

You will need to self-isolate:

• if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• before you get tested for coronavirus

• while you wait for test results if you have had a positive test result for coronavirus

What to do?

With all that said the majority of us have been asked to socially distance ourselves for the good of society and we should all get on board.

What is social distancing?

• Put simply, the idea is to maintain a distance between you and other people. In this case, at least a metre. That also means minimizing contact with people. Avoid public transportation whenever possible, limit nonessential travel, work from home and skip social gatherings — and definitely do not go to crowded bars.

What to do during a Lockdown?

If you are happy you are social distancing yourself and are looking for things to do, there is no reason you can’t be sensible and get outside and enjoy what it has to offer.

The next few weeks are going to be a tough time for everybody and staying inside looking at the four walls is not going to do your body or mental health any good. So get out and use your meat machine, especially if you have kids.

Things you can do to keep your self occupied:

• Go for a walk at your local Beach
• Go to your local Forest or lake
• Explore your local area, see places that are right under your nose
• Learn a new skill
• Start reading that booking you have on the shelf
• Start Yoga
• Do a workout at home
• Climb a Mountain or Hill
• Walk a Trail
• Check on a neighbour
• Volunteer your time to the needy
• Do that project you have had no time for

The list is endless.

I hope this has given you some knowledge and inspiration to get out and about during this difficult time.

Please remember to stick together during this time even if it is a metre apart.

The Wandering Irishman