Arranmore Island COVID-19 Information
Information and contacts on the current Coronavirus pandemic for island residents.
UPDATE RE TESTING OF TRAVELLERS RETURNING TO IRELAND Referrals for (free) covid testing can be organised by surgery here for the Letterkenny testing centre. Call 07495 20535 to book. From Dr Quinn & Dr Bradley
Note from Dr. Quinn & Dr. Bradley.
INFORMATION FOR ANYONE TRAVELING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b4020-travelling-to-ireland-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/#
*Private testing is available for anyone who has traveled to Ireland. Please note that you can pre book a test
with Boots online (Letterkenny retail park), €139 with results in 24-48hrs
Randox testing at airport available for €99 pre booking essential. Visit www.randox.com to book.
*Post arrival testing of passengersWith effect from midnight 29 November 2020 Passengers arriving from an “orange” or “red” or “grey” region are to restrict their movements for 14 days (other than the categories outlined above).
This period of restricted movement can end if you receive a negative/’not detected’ result of a PCR test that has been taken a minimum of five days after your arrival in Ireland. You should wait for your negative test result to be returned before ending the period of restricted movements.
*Please restrict indoor socialising to the household you reside with. *All travellers should be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19. The common symptoms are:
* a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) * a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry * shortness of breath or breathing difficulties * loss or change to your sense of smell or taste If you have symptoms, self-isolate and contact your GP by phone (07495 20535) or HSE Live on 1850 24 1850 immediately.
Please heed the latest public health advice available from the reputable links below and refrain from inadvertently spreading misinformation online and via social media.
If you believe you have symptoms or have come into contact with an infected person please follow official guidelines on self-isolating:
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a virus.
How is COVID-19 spread?
The virus is spread on droplets from infected people via the air or from surfaces which have been in contact with infected persons.
Coronavirus is spread easily and multiplies at an exponential rate if not contained.
Ireland, 13 March 2020 has 70 cases.
Potential scenario:
20 March 700 cases - Actual Confirmed: 683
27 March 7,000 cases Actual Confirmed: 2,121
3 April 70,000 cases Actual Confirmed: 4,273 (120 deaths)
10 April 700,000 cases Actual Confirmed: 7,054 (288 deaths)
28 June Actual Confirmed 25,414 (1,734 deaths)
24 October Actual Confirmed 55,261 (1,878 deaths)
Where can I find out more information on COVID-19/Coronavirus?
Visit the Health Service Executive Coronavirus page:
Visit the World Health Organisation Coronavirus page:
Visit the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Check back regularly for the latest advice.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing.
Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. Source: World Health Organisation
What should I do if I develop symptoms?
Persons who suspect that they have symptoms should in the first instance telephone Arranmore Health Surgery on 07495 20535 where they will be assessed over the phone.
Please DO NOT attend the surgery without telephoning in advance.
In an Emergency please dial 999 or 112 where you will be directed to the appropriate emergency service.
Arranmore Health Centre
Notice from Drs Quinn and Bradley: All medications from the surgery must be ordered a day in advance prior to pick up. Please note that any medication ordered on a Friday will not be ready for collection until Monday. Thank you.
Health services will continue as normal at Arranmore Health Centre Monday to Friday.
ALL patients are asked to make contact with the surgery by telephone on 07495 20535 BEFORE attending either the doctor or the nurse.
Please DO NOT attend the surgery without telephoning in advance.
For the collection of prescriptions please telephone the surgery in advance on 07495 20535 and arrangements will be made for collection.
For after hours GP service please contact NOWDOC on 1850 400 911.
Physical and Mental Wellbeing
HSE Emergency Care Subgroup - Islands Strategy
Travel and Self Quarantine
The Arranmore Island Community are asking for increased vigilance from all of the community over the coming days and weeks to help slow the spread of COVID-19.We ask that people who have travelled from areas with widespread community transmission of the coronavirus, such as the UK, US, Italy, Spain and Northern Ireland, are particularly careful so as not to inadvertently spread the virus to others.Anyone who has recently travelled from these areas, or were in recent contact with people who travelled, should take the following precautions in line with 14 day self-quarantine advice from the HSE:
Stay at home, in a room with the window open.
Keep away from others in your home as much as you can.
Use your own towel - do not share a towel with others.
Clean your room every day with a household cleaner or disinfectant.
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 can, use a toilet and bathroom that no one else in the house uses.
If you have to share a bathroom with others, use the bathroom last and then clean it thoroughly.
DON'T
Do not share your things.
Do not invite visitors to your home.
Do not go shopping - where possible, order your groceries online or have some family or friends drop them off. Keep yourself mobile by getting up and moving around as much as possible. If you have a garden, backyard go out and get some fresh air, but keep more than 2 metres away from other people. More info at:
Coláiste Árainn Mhór
CÚRSAÍ 2020
Cúrsaí ar ceal
Dear Parent/Guardian,
It is with regret that I have to inform you that Roinn na Gaeltachta, having taken advice from the HSE has cancelled all summer Gaeltacht courses in 2020.
I know there will be great disappointment among our students, but these are unprecedented times and it behoves us all to do what is right and appropriate. The degree of social interaction involved in having hundreds of students partake in a three-week course would make it impossible to practise safe social distancing.
To facilitate students doing their leaving certificate in 2021, Micheál Mac Lannchaidh, one of our senior teachers in Coláiste Árainn Mhóir will be running an online leaving certificate course this summer. If you wish to enrol for this course contact Micheál for details at clancymi@tcd.ie.
Regarding deposits paid for 2020 courses there are two options available:
Option 1 : We will return your deposit and any other monies paid
Option 2 : As our courses fill up early, you may put your deposit towards 2021 courses.
If you choose option 1 please be patient and bear with us as it will take some time to return all deposits.
If you need any clarification, please contact us by email at colaisteam@gmail.com as we are not in a position to offer a phone answering service at present.
Le deá ghuí,
Manus
Social Welfare
COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
This new payment will be available to all employees and the self-employed who have lost employment due to a downturn in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Island Schools
Gairmscoil MhicDiarmada: Any parent who wishes to contact principal Mary Doherty urgently should send an email to the following email address with your name and a contact number: mdoherty@donegaletb.ie They will respond as soon as possible.
Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh
Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhóir
Uaireanta Trádála - Trading Hours from 8 June 2020
Contact can be made with an comharchumann by email coamteo@gmail.com or by telephone 074 9520533.
In the interest of staff and the wider community, Comharchumann Offices & Store are NOT open to the public but we are facilitating the collection & delivery of fuels etc.
Purchase of goods/fuel on Thursday 19 March, from 9:30 am - 12:30pm.
To collect goods on Thursday, please telephone in advance with your order and payment details. Your goods will be available at the store for collection.
For those who cannot collect goods, but wish to order goods for delivery on Friday - our normal delivery day- please telephone with your order and payment details.
Sharkey Waste
Island Shops
Síopa Phil Bán. Operational from Monday 18 May 2020.
Marina's Leabgarrow 07495 20508
You can ring Marina and place your order to be collected (by yourself or a volunteer if you prefer).
*ONLY 2 PEOPLE IN THE SHOP AT ANY ONE TIME*
Milk is delivered on Monday and Thursday to Phil Báns.
Bread is delivered daily.
Fruit and Veg delivered on Monday 16th and afterwards on Thursdays.
Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm - 2pm
Neily's Ballintra on 07495 20509
The usual hours will be: 10am - 6pm: Monday - Saturday 12pm - 2pm: Sunday
**1 person in the shop at a time**
Please ring and place your orders.
If you have any special requests, Margaret will try and source them.
Milk and bread are delivered on Monday and Thursday to Neily’s.
Fruit and Veg delivered on Thursdays.
**Notice 3 April 2020**
As we enter the 4th week of lockdown on the Island, we continue our endeavours to maintain a Corona free Arranmore.
To that end, we will maintain the following regulations with regards to shopping at Neily’s.
Entry to the shop will be restricted to a maximum of 1 person at a time provided they meet the following criteria:
1) They have not been off the island in the last 14 days. 2) They have not been directly in contact with anyone who has been off the island, or indirectly in contact with someone else who has had direct contact with a returnee.
Entering the shop. When entering the shop, you are requested to immediately use the hand sanitiser, that is available beside the till.
Pick up only what you want to buy. We are requesting that you touch only items that you intend to purchase. Coronavirus is spread through touch and can survive on cardboard for 24 hrs and up to 72hrs on plastic and steel. To mitigate the risk, we do daily cleansing of all shop surfaces, but your cooperation is appreciated.
Paying by cash. if you need to pay by cash, then once the transaction is complete, you are requested to use the hand sanitiser again before you exit.
Ordering by Phone For those who cannot attend the shop, we are happy to accept phone orders on 074-9520509 and will deliver to you. For those that do not have access to a phone, please let them know that they can pop a note through the letterbox and we will sort it out.
I appreciate these are difficult times, but the main objective is to keep everyone on the island safe. Tugaimis aire dúinn féin agus dá chéile.
Arranmore Red Ferry are currently organising a free delivery service for elderly or at-risk islanders. Call 07495 42233 to arrange for collection and delivery of groceries.
Island Ferries
Island ferries are operating on reduced schedules with social distancing and other measures in place. See document above.
For Enquiries: Arranmore Red Ferry 07495 42233
Arranmore Blue Ferry 087 3171810
Mainland Shops with Island Deliveries
Supervalu Dungloe continue to have their weekly delivery service on Wednesdays. Call 07495 21006 or email 364-dungloe-cashoffice@supervalue.ie to place your order. Supervalu deliver your groceries to the door (delivery on Wednesdays).
Supervalu deliver to the 5pm ferry on Fridays. Orders must be placed by 4pm on Thursday.
Orders must be placed by 12pm on Monday for home delivery Wednesday. You can pay over the phone or with cash on delivery.
Colm Harold Fruit & Veg: 086 3071491 Colm delivers to the island on Friday. He will deliver to your door if you want to text or call him with a list of what you need. You can also ask him to call and leave a bag and handwritten note outside your door.
Charlie Mace: 086 8039145 You can phone Charlie Mace with your list and he will deliver your gorceries to the door (delivery on Thursday). You can pay over the phone or with cash on delivery. Boyles Butcher: 087 7447999 (Delivers Friday)
MODAM
MODAM the island's shared workspace has restricted opening to existing clients only.
There is currently NO entry to MODAM.
For enquiries please use the contact form at the link below. MODAM is not currently taking new bookings until further notice.
Ionad Lae Árainn Mhór - Arranmore Day Centre
Arranmore Day Centre has closed in line with advice from the HSE.
For queries please contact the day centre on 07495 20136.
Arranmore Post Office
27 January 2021. An important message from Noreen & Danny Arranmore Post Office
The Post office is now* closed for the next two weeks , payments can be left until then or collected in Dungloe. Letters with postage can be posted in the box, mail delivery as normal.
Telephone 07495 20501 for enquiries.
Saint Crone's Church
All masses with a congregation have been cancelled until further notice.
Fr. John will celebrate mass at 12pm daily and the rosary at 9pm and has asked that the community join him from their homes.
Fr John can be reached at 07495 20504.
Arranmore United FC
The island mini lotto has been suspended until further notice.
The club can be contacted via their Facebook page at
Donegal County Council
Arranmore Playground: Donegal County Council has decided to close its public playgrounds due to COVID-19 until further notice. Arrangements to lock the gates is currently being put in place and we are seeking the assistance and cooperation of the general public in this regard. It is being done in the interest of keeping our community and children safe.
A dedicated community support helpline has been established in Donegal County Council to assist at-risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency.
Donegal County Council support e-mail is covidsupport@donegalcoco.ie.
Donegal County Council Freephone 1800 number is 1800 928 982.
Island Pubs
Neily's Bar has closed until further notice. For enquiries call Call 0749520509.
Killeen's has closed until further notice. For enquiries call Call 074 9520918.
Boathouse Beach Bites
Call 087 4527265 for enquiries.
Arranmore Hostel
Arranmore Hostel is closed until further notice.
For enquiries call 087 8054246.
Arranmore Island Pods
Arranmore Island Pods are closed until further notice.
For enquiries call +44 7711 785750
An Garda Síochána
**Burtonport Community Garda Message**
Whilst An Garda Siochana is open for business we want to restrict non necessary movement of people to stations for run of mill procedures. If anyone has any forms they need you can contact me via Facebook or email richard.g.quigley@garda.ie and I will scan and email a copy of the required form to you, anything that needs to be signed and stamped urgently again contact me the same way and we will make safe arrangements to get you sorted. With new rostering arrangements and priorities now in place things have changed significantly however we will still be able to sort out the basics in the coming weeks, most of all stay home and stay safe when you can.
**Burtonport Community Garda Message** 17 April 2020
Some important information regarding driving licences/permits/tests etc
🚘ALL drivers licences and learner permits due to expire before June 30 will be valid for another FOUR MONTHS.
🚘The extension is being granted for all licences, permits, NCTs, and theory and competency certificates.
🚘The change means that for any person whose licence, permit, certificate, or NCT expires today, it will be valid for an extra four months. The same circumstances will apply to anyone whose documentation is due to expire before the end of June and they will automatically receive a four-month extension.
🚘All driving tests have been suspended until further notice with those scheduled to take a test having their appointment rescheduled free of charge.
🚘The RSA is continuing to process applications for driving tests but appointments will not be scheduled until the driver testing service resumes.
🚘Driving schools have also been closed as a result of the restrictions.
Garda Information Bulletin March 17, 2020
An Garda Síochána is in the process of hiring additional vehicles to provide additional mobility to our members nationwide to provide increased community support and community engagement across the country.
Speaking today Deputy Commissioner Twomey stated that As a community at this time we need more than ever to support the most vulnerable in our society, particularly our elderly and isolated. An Garda Síochána has always worked closely with our communities and we continue to do so in these extraordinary times.
An Garda Síochána continue to urge families, neighbours and community groups to engage with people in line with social distancing guidelines.
As an organisation, Gardaí across the country are being asked to actively identify those persons most at need, particularly those with limited local family or social support. In these cases An Garda Síochána will assist.
These contingency vehicles will be used to maintain personal interactions and where needed to assist and support people, which may include collecting medical prescriptions, attending hospital appointments and other supports they may need. They are not primary response vehicles.
An Garda Síochána will also use these opportunities to link identified people into local, national and state services where appropriate.
Any person with these concerns for themselves or for a neighbour should contact their local Garda station.
Contact details for Dungloe Garda Station (074) 952 1000 Milford Garda Station: (074) 915 3060
**Burtonport Community Garda Message** Friday 3 April 2020
Patrol of Arranmore carried out this morning to remind everyone of their responsibilities during this ongoing crisis, as always we are here to help at the following numbers
Burtonport 074-9542007 Dungloe 074-9521000 Milford (24 hr) 074-9153060
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