Interagency appeal to the Mayo public and Businesses to stay safe while supporting their team as a high rate of COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community

Date: 06-09-2021

As all of Mayo prepares for next Saturday's All-Ireland clash with Tyrone, the Department of Public Health HSE West, Mayo County Council, Mayo GAA and An Garda Síochána are appealing to members of the public and businesses to stay safe whilst supporting their team as a high rate of COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community. 

Due to the social nature of this high-profile sporting event, the current baseline of cases in Mayo, and the highly-transmissible Delta variant, there is a high risk of infection for people who are unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated if they engage in social activity that is outside Public Health guidelines.

We are urging everyone attending household events, hospitality settings, and any indoor gathering to maintain social distancing, wear a face mask and limit social contact in well-ventilated spaces.

We are also urging the hospitality sector to protect their staff and customers by confirming valid certificates of their patrons, and to avoid crowding both indoors and outdoors.  Close contact within social settings facilitates infection and continues to be a factor in community outbreaks in Mayo.

We also ask that people limit their post-match social activity on Saturday evening.

Mayo native Professor Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health Medicine, Department of Public Health HSE West stated, “The All-Ireland Senior Football Final is a special sporting occasion, bringing communities together and a welcome boost to the local economy. Unfortunately, if not controlled, this can turn into events which rapidly increase the number of COVID-19 cases in the community.  We encourage everyone to remember to socialise safely – wear a mask in crowded places and keep two metres from people not in your household. If you are in a public place, think about moving to somewhere less crowded and with good ventilation, so that you can enjoy the game in safety and comfort.”

Professor Smyth continued, “We have a very high rate of community transmission in most parts of Ireland right now including Mayo, so if you are travelling to the match or watching it with others next weekend, you should presume that you will encounter COVID-19. That’s why it is important to keep up with our protective measures even if you’re vaccinated.  And for anyone who is not vaccinated, please take extra care.”

Liam Moffatt, Chairperson Mayo GAA said, “The All-Ireland senior football final is a very special occasion in the GAA calendar and we are delighted and proud that Mayo are once again involved. Mayo GAA County Board wishes our team well in their endeavours to bring Sam Maguire back to Mayo.  Unfortunately, COVID is still very much with us in our communities and in that context, we would ask all our supporters to ensure all precautions are taken to help avoid further transmission of the virus.  Please follow public health advice, enjoy the occasion and stay safe. Maigh Eo Abú!”

Cllr Michael Smyth, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council outlined, “As we approach All-Ireland Final week, it is great to see Mayo supporters at home and away making plans to enjoy and celebrate our County pride. I would urge you to do this in a safe manner by following the Public health Guidelines and taking personal responsibility to ensure you are protecting yourself, your family and the most vulnerable in our Community.  Mayo County Council are working closely with the HSE, An Garda Síochána and the GAA to combine our efforts in protecting Mayo people from the ongoing risk of COVID-19.  Let’s all work together to Keep Mayo Safe. Maigh Eo Abú.”

Raymond McMahon, Chief Superintendent Mayo, Longford/Roscommon stated, “An Garda Síochána wants this year’s final to be a great occasion for everyone involved. But as COVID-19 is still present within our communities, we all must continue to be careful and continue to follow the public health guidelines. Doing so will help keep your family, fellow supporters, and community safe.”