WEAR A MASK: Killarney Rotary have launched a mask-awareness initiative. Pictured were: Anne Alcock, Paul Sherry, Ciara Irwin Foley, Rayle Tadjimatova, Angela O’Connor, Mike Stack, Grace O’Neill, Barry Murphy, Edward Schmidt-zorner. Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

By Michelle Crean

One local proactive group is this week appealing to the public to 'mask up' when out and about in town and have even erected mask-aware signage on two approach roads as well as window posters in retail outlets.

Killarney Rotary Club launched their new 'Killarney Wears Masks' awareness initiative on Wednesday afternoon.

The importance of wearing masks has been highlighted recently by the Government and the HSE as a significant measure in reducing the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus. It is compulsory now to wear face masks or coverings in all retail premises and indoor shopping malls.

Newly elected President of the Killarney branch, Anne Alcock says they're respectfully asking people to be conscious of putting the mask on when going about their business.

“While we are respectfully aware that there are situations where not everyone can 'mask-up' we think it is important that as many who can, do," Anne said.

"We welcome a lot of visitors to our town, and our club is united in wishing to protect visitors’ safety and well-being as well as that of our local community. Thus we are hoping to raise awareness of the appropriateness of wearing masks to help protect the spread of infection.”

Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce President and long time Killarney Rotary Club member Paul Sherry praised Killarney Rotary Club for coming up with and implementing the campaign.

Any initiative that helps to prevent the spread of the virus ties in nicely with Kerry County Council's campaign to promote Killarney and the wider county as a 'Safe Destination' to visit, live and work, she added.