In times of physical distancing measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, there is a danger that older or vulnerable people living alone become completely isolated.
An Post, Ireland’s postal service has started a new facility called Request a Check-In. This is a facility for family members to request a specific ‘check-in’ by the local postman or postwoman for an older or vulnerable person during the current ‘cocooning’ period. Family members register for free for the ‘Request a Check-In Service’ by giving their address and postcode. These are then relayed through An Post’s digital network to the customer’s local post person who will call to the address. If the customer has specific needs for groceries or prescription drugs, the postperson will refer the customer to ALONE, the national charity supporting older and vulnerable persons during the current crisis. They then will follow up with the customer.