Accommodation during Covid-19 restrictions

The Importance of Staying in Appropriate Accommodation 

Exposure to COVID-19 is a public health risk which affects all citizens. Shared accommodation can pose an extra risk of COVID-19 transmission. Research has found a link between living in large households and the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. Therefore, for the well-being and the health and safety of yourself and other tenants, it is important to stay in hygienic accommodation which is not overcrowded.

Physical distancing 

Physical distancing guidelines (in line with the Government’s Public Health advice) should be followed if sharing a room with another tenant and a 2 metre distance should be maintained. Twin rooms should be the maximum occupancy type. Limit the presence of visitors in line with public health advice.

Ventilation

Where possible, windows and doors should be opened on a regular basis to allow for a flow of air throughout the property. When bedrooms are being cleaned, windows and/or doors where appropriate, should be opened. 

Sharing utensils

•  Hands should be washed and disinfected with hand sanitizer before use of shared utensils.

• Shared utensils should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and washing up liquid before and after use. Gloves should be used where possible for cleaning and washing up.
• All textiles (e.g. shared tea towels/towels) should be washed using a hot-water cycle (60°C) with laundry detergent

Sharing common spaces

•  Physical distancing should be maintained in shared common spaces
• Shared common areas, such as kitchens or living rooms, should be cleaned frequently and all tenants should be encouraged to clean and disinfect after their own use (in addition to scheduled cleaning of common areas). Particular attention should be paid to door handles, stair railings, fridge doors, drawer handles, kettles, microwaves, remote controls etc.
• Alter schedules to reduce mixing and close contact, such as staggering meal and TV times.
• Bathrooms should continuously be stocked with soap and sanitizer.
• Bins should be emptied regularly and gloves should be used to do so.
• Sinks could be an infection source and toothbrushes should not be placed directly on counter surfaces. Totes/bags/boxes should be used for personal items to limit their contact with other surfaces in the bathroom.
  

Accommodation Declaration Form - Covid 19

In order to control the spread of Covid-19, international students must complete the following form to confirm that they are staying in appropriate accommodation for the duration of their time in Ireland.

This information on this form may be accessed by the Department of Health and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure that correct Covid-19 protocols are being followed.

You will need to provide the following information:

Please tick the boxes below to confirm that: 

☐   I have read, understood and agreed to abide by current government guidelines.               

☐      I will not stay in accommodation that is overcrowded, unsafe or unhygienic.

☐      I will not share a room with more than one person. 

☐      I agree to resubmit this form and provide my school with my new accommodation details if I change address.

☐     I confirm that the above information is correct. I agree that my data may be used to contact me to verify the provided information and that it may be used for the purposes of contact tracing in relation to confirmed or suspected cases of Covid-19. Your personal data will be treated with utmost care and will never be shared with third parties unless for the purposes specified above.

Changing Accommodation

If you change accommodation during your stay you must re-submit the form & you must update:

1. the school - email info@gci.ie
2. immigration – email gaillimh.immigration@garda.ie
3. your Irish bank