A new initiative is aiming to help communities around the country coordinate their response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Covid Community Response aims to help people support those most in need at a national and local level.

It offers a platform for people to register as volunteers and for campaigns to share resources.

"Uncertain times"

Spokesperson Séamus Ó Fátharta, said: “In these uncertain times it is fantastic to see so many members of our society pull together and launch various campaigns to tackle this challenge head on.”

“The energy, creativity and passion which is on display is most certainly our silver lining.

“There are many campaigns currently underway with the most prevalent, overarching theme being to help people who are in isolation.”

The initiative will also run fundraisers – with all proceeds to go towards direct costs, including food, sanitary products, and supplies needed by those most affected by COVID-19.

Volunteer

Mr Ó Fátharta said: “The battlefield for this challenge extends beyond the valiant efforts of our front-line staff and rests on our collective doorstep.”

“A coordinated community response may seem secondary to the challenges faced by those on the front line, but it will make all the difference.

“It is important to reiterate that everyone can help; people who can deliver supplies to the elderly are as important as medical staff at this time.”

Anyone who wants to get involved can visit CovidCommunityResponse.ie.