Information on the outbreak of coronavirus

   03 Mar 2020

The risk of catching coronavirus in Ireland is still low. This may change. However, most people may continue to go to work, school and other public places, as usual.

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

Follow the advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus from the HSE

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html#Protect-yourself

Anyone who knows they have been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days and has symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever) should:

  • isolate themselves from other people - this means going into a different, well-ventilated room, with a phone
  • phone their GP, or emergency department - if this is not possible, phone 112 or 999
  • in a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) phone 112 or 999

Close contact means either:

  • face-to-face contact
  • spending more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of an infected person
  • living in the same house as an infected person
  • Symptoms of coronavirus
  • It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
  • The symptoms of coronavirus are:
  • a cough
  • shortness of breath
  • breathing difficulties
  • fever (high temperature)

If you have these symptoms and have been in an affected area or in contact with a confirmed case, read this advice.

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/advice-for-people-returning-from-affected-areas.html