Frequently asked questions
What can I do as I don’t want to go out or into a shop to get my shopping?
During the COVID– 19 pandemic, many of us are practising social distancing and keeping indoors to avoid the risk of spreading the disease. For many of us it means studying from home, streaming workouts and films in our living rooms or taking online lectures, and classes. While our daily routines have drastically changed in the past week, one thing that hasn’t is our need for food. Thankfully, grocery stores and supermarkets have kept their doors open and shelves stocked so we can keep our fridges and cupboards well stocked.
Now it may look like you’re in a real life game of snakes and ladders but be assured that it is not the case! Many shops and have introduced queueing systems and social distancing markers before entering their stores and also throughout the shops! However, people are being advised to limit unnecessary journeys outside, so if you're worried about going into the shop, why not opt for home delivery? Many of the supermarkets and local stores are offering delivery services, and there are still precautions that you can implement to reduce your likeliness of infection.
Here are some tips for conscious grocery shopping while social distancing:
- Ask for the groceries to be left outside your door
- Wash your hand before and after you pick up the groceries
- If contactless delivery is available ensure you avail of it
- Disinfect all nonporous containers, think cans, bottles and jars
- Wash any fresh fruit and vegetables and use clean hands to remove any soil or dirt
- Once you put away all your groceries, disinfect all services that the bags have touched
Can I go outside?
Spring has sprung and we’re getting some beautiful weather, but in order to stop the spread of Covid-19, we’ve been advised to stay at home. Health officials are hoping that social distancing will help flatten the curve so fewer people will need treatment, and we can all return to life as we know it sooner rather than later.
Now, I know you are wondering: Can I go outside? Can I go for a run? Can I walk the dog? The good news is you don’t have to stay inside and, not going outside can have a negative impact on your mental health. You are still encouraged to go outside, but it is important to practice social distancing. That means staying 2 meters or 6 feet away from people.
The Government however have recently extended the 2km limit movement to 5km from peoples’ homes for certain activities. This limit applies to exercising locally, but does not apply to shopping for food or medical supplies. The 5km limit is to ensure that people only leave their home for brief individual exercise- within 5km of your house. If you’re not sure what your 2 or 5 km radius from your home looks like, check out www.2kmfromhome.com which will calculate the radius from your home! It is also important to remember to wash your hands often or use a hand sanitiser, especially if you have touched something. If you do happen to touch something or rest your hand on a ledge, don’t touch your face!
It is important that you go for your walks, runs or hikes, in spaces that will be quiet (only 5km from your home) and where staying 2 meters apart is achievable (think woodland, mountains), be creative.
What can I do as I can’t go out for food?
The hospitality industry has taken a massive hit during this time. Since the announcement from the Government and HSE Advice about social distancing guidelines many of our local and favourite cafes, restaurants and food businesses have been affected in various ways and have been forced to close their doors. While this may mean putting your weekly meals out and your post walk coffees on hold for a few weeks' in order to prevent the spread of the often-deadly disease. These testing times have pushed businesses to be inventive, and some are coming up with new ways to deliver food and groceries to customers. However, if you cannot avail of your daily flat white, your classic ham and cheese sandwich or that famous chicken fillet roll, learn how to make it yourself with some online resources. Now is the perfect time to perfect your cooking skills.
I'm a healthy adult, is it OK to visit my friends and elderly relatives?
Older people are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 if they contact it. It is important to help slow the spread of the virus, which is done by minimising contact between individuals. The guidelines advise that those most at risk should cocoon (more information here https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/at-risk-groups.html#cocooning). This means that they should stay at home and avoid all face to face contact while minimising all non- essential contact with other members of their household. In order to protect our older relatives and neighbours, it is essential that we do not visit unless it’s necessary – as in they need food, they need help at home, or they need their medication.
We are encouraged to stay in touch regularly with them, so they don’t feel isolated. Now would be a good time to teach them about video calling if they don’t know already. How about you pick up the phone and call them? Or speak to them through an open window of their house? If you have some time spare get creative and create a memory box for your older relatives with photos, letters or their favourite sweets!
How do I stay active during social isolation?
The thought of staying at home for a long period of time can be overwhelming and scary, especially if you are accustomed to keeping fit and active while hitting your daily step count! Rather than worrying about all of this, why not, instead, try and embrace this unusual situation we find ourselves in. Use it as an opportunity to try out one of those new, at home workouts you’ve never tried before, put away that pile of laundry or incorporate more healthy habits into your daily routine.
What can I do as I’m self-isolating and worried that I won’t see people for a long time?
The best way to help you feel that you’re still in contact with people, is to redefine ’see’. Before all this started, we were dependant on remote communication to keep in touch with many friends and loved ones, so the only real thing that has change now is the physical proximity.
What can I do if I’m feeling lonely?
Loneliness during the recent outbreak of Covid- 19 has become a major concern for everyone as more people as setting up in their homes in isolation. Why not try out some of the suggestions below.
What can I do without leaving my home?
1. Exercise
How do I stay connected while practising social distancing?
Firstly, you need to think about how you interact with others without putting your (or their) health at risk. Check out some of the tips below:
I’m not leaving the house and lots of anxiety is giving me issues with my sleep, what can I do to get a better night’s sleep?
Many of us aren’t used to being confined to the house, which can be problematic for our sleeping patterns. Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Well, try starting your day early, making sure you take aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes at the same time each day, and ensure you eat your meals at set times. This will help you avoid grazing and overeating. In the evening, take 10 – 30 minutes of the last hour of your bedtime routine doing something that relaxes you, such as taking a bath or doing some gentle stretches.
How can I stay positive and healthy during this time?
It’s important during this time not to be too hard on yourself. As the coronavirus is changing daily, sometimes even hourly, the need for social distancing is clear. That doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Is it important that I keep a routine?
Maintaining a routine is critical during this time of social isolation/distancing. Wake up at the same time, get dressed every day and treat the weekend as the weekend.
What are some strategies to cope with feeling lonely?
This is an uncertain time for everyone so staying in touch with family and friends is more important than ever. Thankfully we live in a year where technology is at hand so we can maintain social connections.
How do I overcome this feeling of loneliness?
Finding ways to overcome loneliness can include things you do yourself, and finding things to do with other people. Some of the tips below may be useful for you.
I prefer talking to people in person as I'm bad with talking over social media, what can I do?
Let’s face it we’ve all been there! When pressure arises, we find ourselves struggling with what to say and experience being ‘lost for words’. These situations can be deemed awkward and nerve- wracking, but it’s perfectly normal to feel that way.
I miss people I used to hang out with in college and I feel like I'm being annoying contacting them, what can I do?
Right now, we have been in self-isolation and social distancing for over a week, and yes it may feel like we are annoying people by contacting them on social platforms. But it is important to remember that during this time we need to emphasise the importance of social interaction for our mental health and well- being.
If I am in a society can I still enter for an Award?
Yes, the society awards deadline is April 1st. More details can be found on www.socs.nuigalway.ie. Please note that The BICS deadline is now May 29th.
I bought something from the SocsBox which was cancelled, how do I get a refund?
All cancelled events will be fully refunded, please email finance@socs.nuigalway.ie with all the details of your purchase and your ID number. You will receive a reply back within a few days.
What do I do if I have a question about Societes?
Make sure to email your query to socsbox@socs.nuigalway.ie. The SocsBox team are busy working remotely and would only be delighted to assist you.
Can I get an ALIVE Cert for my volunteering?
Yes, log into yourspace.nuigalway.ie to start your application. Go to the presidents Award link. You just fill in the details of your volunteering, the number of hours you volunteered and answer all the questions, dont forget to click save.
The deadline is March 31st, but if you have any questions about your application email studentvolunteering@nuigalway.ie, or if you are applying through a society email socsbox@socs.nuigalway.ie.
Useful links & Resources
Useful links and Information: