Recently, the epidemic of the novel coronavirus in Ireland has begun to slow, and the widespread community has, thus far, not seen an increase in large-scale infections. The government also announced that the first phase of the ban was to be lifted from May 18th, but that the infection cases of long-term healthcare institutions such as nursing homes are still noticeably high as medical staffs continue their vital but dangerous duties.
The Irish-Taiwanese Community did not ignore Ireland when it needed help. On May 22nd, they went to Limerick in the southwest to donate personal protective equipment for the local "Cheshire Limerick", a batch which would assist the long-term healthcare agency in continuing to fight against the epidemic.
This batch of personal protective equipment included a total of 10 infrared thermometers, 200 pieces of protective clothing, 200 pairs of goggles, 5,000 pairs of medical gloves, and 350 medical masks. Under the witness of the Taipei Representative in Ireland Pierre Yang and Deputy Niall Collins, Angel Cheng, chairman of the " Taiwan Ireland Association" donated to the director of the Cheshire Limerick, Margaret Molyneaux.
Director Molyneaux said that the "Cheshire" was established in the United Kingdom in 1948 and currently has centers in more than 50 countries around the world. There are 21 centers across Ireland that provide homes and residences for people with physical and neurological disabilities, as well as hospital medical care and long-term care. She gave special thanks to the Taiwanese community for donating the medical materials, and wished to express her highest regards on behalf of all nursing staffs and residents of the hospital.
Deputy Collins also praised the Taiwan community's enthusiasm for responding to the request, and dispatching materials to the Cheshire Limerick within a short time. It is truly an honor to participate in today's donation ceremony, he said.
Representative Yang pointed out that even at a time when everyone thinks the epidemic is improving, the Taiwanese community has not forgotten those institutes which need further supports. He specifically quoted a 23-year-old young nurse, Rebecca Elliot, and her moving poem: " It's 7 am and as I put on my scrubs / I worry about lives / Yet some worry about pubs / Will they reopen / Or will they stay closed? / I fight on the frontline / No doubt I'm exposed ..., emphasizing that only when the seemingly parallel different worlds of Irish society can meet and help each other, and everyone is safe, it is a success of the fight against epidemic. He also reminded that although Taiwan was properly deployed, the impact of the epidemic was relatively minor, but because it was excluded by the World Health Organization (WHO), it seems that it also lives in another parallel world, hoping that this unfair treatment can be improved as soon as possible to truly achieve global health equality.
Angel Cheng said that she was honored to work with the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland to provide reliable anti-epidemic materials for Ireland on behalf of the Taiwan community.
Chairman Cheng also claimed to be a rugby fan as she noted that Taiwan ’s sports events have resumed normal operation. For example, professional baseball has opened for fans to watch, showing the joint efforts of the professional baseball league, health unit, team, fans and the wider Taiwanese community. Taiwan can share the Taiwan model with relevant Irish units, and hopes that football can resume its schedule as soon as possible.
Angel Cheng, chairman of the " Taiwan Ireland Association" donated PPEs to the director of the Cheshire Limerick, Margaret Molyneaux, witnessed by Representative Yang and Deputy Niall Collins.
Representative Yang and Deputy Niall Collins at today's donation ceremony
