Athlone Mayor calls for 'extra vigilance' to help contain Coronavirus

Athlone Mayor Cllr Frankie Keena has advised locals to take "every precaution necessary" to help contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  

At the end of the monthly meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District this afternoon (Monday), the Fianna Fáil councillor read out a statement on the virus and asked the media representatives present to share it with the public. 

In particular he called on businesses, as well as community and sporting facilities, to have "ample alcohol-based hand rub gels available" for all to use. 

"As Mayor, I would like to urge everyone to take extra vigilance when either at their place of work, at home or in public places. We need to take every precaution necessary to contain this virus and not let it spread," said Cllr Keena. 

"As with all potentially infectious diseases, the recommendation is that people practice good hygiene habits, as the virus is spread through sneeze or cough droplets. 

"Therefore, I stress the importance of washing ones' hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. 

"People also need to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their sleeve when they cough and sneeze. All used tissues should be immediately put into a bin and hands washed again. 

"I would ask all employers, and community and sporting facilities, to have ample alcohol based hand rub gels available for either the general public, employees or members to use. Even the public should have these within their own home or car.

"While I do not want to cause any major hysteria, we still need to be mindful and understand that there is a possibility that this virus could spread, therefore it is important that we take all the necessary steps to avoid this happening.

"We should still carry on with our day to day activities but be aware of the need to keep hygiene as a priority," he said. 

Cllr Tom Farrell echoed Cllr Keena's comments. "It's a serious situation, and we need to have cool heads," he said. 

In October 2018, Cllr Keena, Cllr John Dolan, and Westmeath County Council Director of Services Barry Kehoe attended a global business forum in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which was at the centre of the Coronavirus outbreak. 

Athlone IT previously operated an office in Wuhan, but this closed over a year ago and the Institute's main Chinese office is currently located in Shanghai.