An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Wayne Harding

Meath County Council 

As Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, I want to acknowledge how the people of Meath have contributed thus far to the national effort to delay the spread of the coronavirus. There is a responsibility on us all to play our part and I appeal to everybody to follow the guidance and to heed the official advice.

I appreciate that the restrictions in place now are difficult but they have been put in place for the right reasons. They are there to protect your health, the health of your friends and family and of your colleagues and neighbours. The vast majority of people are doing the right thing and are finding new ways of working, living and interacting.

I ask that people please observe the basic requirements:

• wash your hands
• observe the cough etiquette
• do not touch your face
• keep your physical distance and
• do not congregate in groups.

These are simple but effective measures and something that we call all do for each other.                   

There are a number of frontlines in this national emergency.

We are indebted to the men and women that are working long hours in our health service. To the nurses, doctors, hospital workers and emergency services I say thank you for your service and hope that you stay safe.

I also want to thank all of our other frontline staff. Those that are working in the supermarkets, at the checkouts or stacking the shelves, the van and truck drivers who are delivering vital supplies, those working in the food sector and pharmacies, the bus and train drivers and many more. These are important jobs and done by people who put their health at some risk for the greater good.

I also want to thank the staff of Meath County Council, many of whom are also on the frontline. As a Council, we continue to provide a range of essential services and will continue to so during this period.  We will continue to give up-dates on these services and urge people to check the Council’s website and social media accounts for the latest up-dates.  

I would ask people to respect all of our frontline staff across all sectors and appreciate the efforts they are making at this difficult time.

Finally, to you all I ask that you stay safe, stay calm and keep informed. Please heed the official advice and guidance. It is based on the best medical evidence and is there to protect us all.

This is a difficult time. There will be more difficult days ahead, but if we act with a common purpose and in unison we can achieve the objective and emerge from this situation stronger and more resilient.

Stay Safe, Stay Calm and Look after each other.