In the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill patients are among the most vulnerable in society, with long-term care institutions particularly prone to cluster infection. According to figures released by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), nursing homes and other long-term residential facilities account for almost 60 per cent of virus-related deaths in Ireland. The Taiwanese community in Ireland hope to try and improve the situation during this critical time.
A fundraising campaign was launched in late March by the Taiwan Ireland Association to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) to support vulnerable groups and long-term care institutions and to fight COVID-19.
The first batch of 500 surgical masks conforming to EU standards was distributed to the singleton elders in Dublin and neighboring areas on April 20 with the assistance of members of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society.
The second batch of 12,500 pairs of medical gloves, 400 goggles, and 300 protective gowns that were imported from Taiwan were shipped to Galway on April 22, distributed to the Casla Home Care in order to provide protection with those products Made in Taiwan.
Though we may come from different cultures, we are nevertheless on the same side when it comes to fighting this virus. As proud members of Irish society, the Taiwanese community in Ireland will continue to do its best to provide protective resources to those in need.
Taiwan Ireland Association donates PPE to Casla Home Care, witnessed by Representative Yang and ex-Senator Ó Céidigh.
On behalf of the Casla Home Care, Ms. Emer Ni Cheidigh thanks Dr. Angel Cheng, chairperson of the Taiwan Ireland Association, for the generous donation.
PPE made in Taiwan arrived in Galway to protect the most vulnerable in the flight of Covid-19