COVID - 19 Policy Statement

YWCA Ireland is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our workers and service users. To ensure that, we have developed the following COVID-19 Response Plan.

All employees are responsible for the implementation of this plan and a combined effort will help contain the spread of the virus. We will:
● continue to monitor our COVID - 19 response and amend this plan in consultation with our workers
● provide up to date information to our workers on the Public Health advice issued by the HSE and gov.ie
● display information on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and correct hand washing techniques
● provide an adequate number of trained Worker Representatives who are easily identifiable and put in place a reporting system
● inform all workers of essential hygiene and respiratory etiquette and physical distancing requirements
● adapt the workplace to facilitate physical distancing
● keep a contact log to help with contact tracing
● have all workers undergo an induction/familiarisation briefing
● develop a procedure to be followed in the event of someone showing symptoms of COVID-19 while at work or in the workplace.
● provide instructions for workers to follow if they develop signs and symptoms of COVID - 19 during work
● intensify cleaning in line with government advice.

All managers, supervisors and workers will be consulted on an ongoing basis and feedback is encouraged on any concerns, issues or suggestions. This can be done through the worker representative for YWCA Dublin: ANA RAMGRAB

Restriction of Movement

You will need to restrict your movements for 14 days if you:
● are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus
● live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus, but you feel well
● arrive into Ireland from a country that is not on the COVID-19 green list - this list is updated every 14 days by the Government

If you are a close contact of a confirmed case you have to restrict your movements for 14 days even if your test comes back negative. This is because it can take up to 14 days for the virus to show up in your system after you have been exposed to it.

Restricting your movements means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.

DON’T
● Do not go to work or school
● Do not use public transport
● Do not have visitor at your home
● Do not visit other, even if you usually care for them
● Do not go to the shops or pharmacy unless it is absolutely necessary - where possible, order your groceries online or have some family or friends drop them off
● Do not meet face-to-face with older people, anyone with a long-term medical condition or pregnant women

You can still go outside to exercise by yourself as long as you keep 2 metres distance from other people.

If you are not feeling well, check if you have symptoms of coronavirus. These are fever (high temperature), cough or difficulty breathing.

If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, phone your GP or local emergency department (ED) without delay. Do not go to your GP or ED. Phone them first.

If you do not have a GP, phone 112 or 999. Tell them about your symptoms. Give them the details about your situation.

Self-Isolation

Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. This includes other people in your household, as much as possible.

You will need to self-isolate:

● if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus
● if you have symptoms of coronavirus
● while you wait for a test appointment and your test results, if you have symptoms of coronavirus. If you are being tested as a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus and you don’t have any symptoms, you should restrict your movements instead
● if you have had a positive test result for coronavirus

Self-Isolating in YWCA Dublin
If you need to isolate you should inform a YWCA staff member by dialing ‘0’ from your room phone. The staff member on call will advise you about where in the Residence you may stay and how you will receive food and supplies.

You will not be able to engage with other guests. If you need to isolate, it is important that you do not use communal facilities within the YWCA Residence such as the bathrooms, relaxation spaces and dining room.

How to self-isolate
Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people. Behave as if you have the virus if you have symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus or have symptoms, the people you live with will need to restrict their movements.

DO
● Stay at home, in a room with a window you can open.
● Keep away from others in your home as much as you can. Use a separate toilet if possible.
● Check your symptoms - inform management if they get worse.
● Cover your coughs and sneezes using a tissue - clean your hands properly afterwards.
● Wash your hands properly and often.
● Use your own towel - do not share a towel with others.
● Clean your room every day with a household cleaner or disinfectant.

DON’T
● Do not go outside unless you have your own outdoor space where you can get some fresh air.
● Do not go to work, school, religious services or public areas.
● Do not share your things. For example, food, dishes, drinking glasses or other household items.
● Do not use public transport or taxis.
● Keep away from older people, anyone with long-term medical conditions and pregnant women.
● It’s OK for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food or supplies. Make sure you’re not in the same room as them when they do.

If you are not feeling well
Check if you have symptoms of coronavirus. These are fever (high temperature), cough or difficulty breathing. If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, phone your GP or local emergency department (ED) without delay. Do not go to your GP or ED. Phone them first.

If you do not have a GP, phone 112 or 999. Tell them about your symptoms. Give them the details about your situation.