"Your country needs you."
That was the message from Health Minister Simon Harris who called on everyone in Ireland to do their part to tackle the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Harris sought to alleviate financial fears over testing, announcing all patients in Ireland are now eligible to free consultations for Covid-19 testing.
The decision was taken late on Monday night in order to ensure no disparity between medical card and non-medical card holders.
Also decided at the meeting was a recruitment drive for any eligible medical professionals who wish to begin work in a hospital in order to tackle the pandemic.
"Every newly graduated doctor in Ireland will be offered an internship here," Minister Simon Harris said.
"As you know, usually we have a certain number of places that we offer, over 700.
"This year we have what over a1,000 people looking for an internship. We're making the decision today that everybody who wants an internship here every graduate doctor, who wants a job will get one.
"We want to hire everybody we can possibly find.
"We want people who perhaps retired in recent years to come back if they're able to.
"We want people who might be working part-time if they're able to work with us. We want student nurses, perhaps other students to take up roles in the health service even if they can't work as fully-fledged nurses. We need literally all hands on deck, everybody working for Ireland.
"It is a call for our medical professionals, health care workers, to come help their country."
Anybody who applies online via the HSE website will be contacted and people will be interviewed over the phone in order to lessen social interactions.
Ahead of Thursday's Dáil session, the Minister added the government is looking at additional powers due to the pandemic, with legislation being finalised on Tuesday.
These powers include the ability to detain those suspected of the virus, and the shutting down of events and gatherings.
"The legislation is already pretty extensive," he said.
"I should be clear is only for Covid-19, one is the power to actually shut down certain events and restrict certain travel if we really needed to.
"It's important to have that provision because we don't know where this pandemic is going to bring us in the coming days and weeks.
"The second one is anytime there's a public health emergency to detain the individual who has that infectious disease, it's very rarely used.
"There is obviously an issue with this virus that you might be suspected of having it before it confirmed and therefore it's prudent from a legal point of view that those powers apply to somebody who's suspected rather than just someone who has a diagnosis."
Mr Harris concluded that the pandemic would likely affect Ireland for months, and as a sociable people, it would be hard for people to be alone, and encouraged each person to have some community spirit while adhering to the health guidelines.
“I know people are worried," Mr Harris added.
I want people to know people are moving hell and high water to help but this is a national effort, everyone has to put their shoulder to the wheel.
- The HSE have developed an information pack on how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus. Read it here
- Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus who has been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days should isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room alone, with a phone; phone their GP, or emergency department;
- GPs Out of Hours services are not in a position to order testing for patients with normal cold and flu-like symptoms. HSELive is an information line and similarly not in a position to order testing for members of the public. The public is asked to reserve 112/999 for medical emergencies at all times.
- ALONE has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. The support line will be open seven days a week, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024
- By Aoife Moore - Irish Examiner
