Coronavirus (Covid-19)
As part of the national response to Covid-19, the Department of Health, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the HSE are working closely to support stakeholders and community groups. We will be regularly updating our website with information as it comes to hand.
Today we are writing to you in the first instance to ask for your help in sharing important information in relation to COVID-19 with your fellow beekeepers. Below is information on the Government announcement:
The general public are being asked to follow this advice and keep informed of this ongoing outbreak. Details of these updated measures can be found here:
In the meantime, you can find information at:
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
- https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/
- https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/
As this situation rapidly evolves, we know there is an atmosphere of uncertainty as beekeepers wonder if they should change their plans. The prudent approach to this pandemic is to reduce social contact with others. With this in mind, each association must make their decision on suspending monthly meetings and any beginner courses that they may have started. FIBKA will review the exam dates for the preliminary beginners exam and will update all members via secretaries and our website. The intermediate and senior provincial exam due to be held on 4th April next will be postponed to a future date. All applicants may sit the next available exam and there will be no need to reapply. Those who wish to have a refund please contact FIBKA through their own association secretary.
During this crisis please do what you can and look out for your fellow members as some may not have enough support if they have to isolate themselves for 14 days.
Kind regards
Paul O’Brien
President