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BREAKING NEWS 12th March 2020:

18:35 – Cork County Council announce closures:

All Cork County Council libraries, swimming pools and tourism offices will be closed with immediate effect until Sunday March 29th.

Cork Motor Tax Office will also close with immediate effect.  The online service, www.motortax.ie, will continue to operate, as will the postal service: Motor Tax Postal, Model Business Park, Model Farm Road, Cork.  Queries will also continue to be taken by phone at 021-4544566 or by email at [email protected].

Cork County Council Payments Office in Mallow, Clonakilty and Cork County Hall will be open while access to other services will be restricted to appointment only with effect from Monday March 16th.

Over 120 Council services can be accessed on line and Cork County Council is asking members of the public to avail of these services in the interests of public health.

General information Cork County Council services can be found by visiting www.corkcoco.ie or visitwww.YourCouncil.ie to access on line services.  Queries will continue to be taken by telephone on 021 4276891, by post and by email.  A full list of contact details can be found online at www.corkcoco.ie.  Further updates will issue across the Council’s social media accounts.

Tourist Attractions closed from immediate effect:

• Camden Fort Meagher
• Spike Island
• Kinsale Museum
• Youghal Lighthouse
• Youghal Clock Gate Tower
• Cobh Heritage Centre
• St Mary’s Collegiate Church
• Bridgetown Abbey, Castletownroche
• Mallow Castle
• Michael Collins House
• Dursey Island Cable Car
• Skibbereen Heritage Centre

Council Operated Pools closed with immediate effect

• Mallow
• Fermoy

18:30 – 27 new cases have just been confirmed, and 3 of these cases are in intensive care. A total of 70 cases of Coronavirus COVID19 have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland.

The HPSC has been informed of 27 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

22 cases are associated with local transmission, 2 are associated with community transmission and 3 are associated with travel. 3 of these new cases are in ICU bringing the total patients currently in ICU to 6.

We have one confirmed death of COVID-19 in Ireland. There are now 70 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Today (Thursday 12 March), Ireland made the decision to move to Delay Phase.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “The ECDC have now advised early, decisive, rapid, coordinated and comprehensive implementation of social distancing measures. Ireland has today responded to this advice.

“NPHET will meet again this evening to continue to review Ireland’s response to COVID-19. Today’s measures are in place until March 29 and will be updated where necessary.”

Delay phase is designed to interrupt the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, by advising reductions on social interactions.

This phase requires a community effort, every citizen acting responsibly in order to protect our vulnerable and elderly members of society.

Today, Ireland introduces new measures as part of our effort to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19.

• Individuals who have symptoms should self-isolate for a period of 14 days
• Individuals should reduce discretionary social contacts as much as possible
• Elderly and/or medically vulnerable people should reduce as much as possible contacts outside home.
• There should be no mass gatherings;
  • involving more than 100 people if located indoors
  • involving more than 500 people if located outdoors
• Closure of museums, galleries and tourism sites
• Closure of schools, creches, other childcare facilities and higher education institutions.
• Reduction of workplace contacts where possible and implementation of remote working practices and teleconferencing where possible and not to travel for meetings. Work time and break times should be staggered, where possible.
• Restriction of visiting at hospitals, long term care settings, mental health facilities, prisons, and spacing measures in homeless shelters.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “If we do nothing, the number of cases will increase rapidly and challenge our healthcare services. We need to flatten the curve – to slow transmission, to reduce the total number of cases and spread the number of cases out over a longer period of time.”

18:15 – The Catholic Church has announced that it has postponed all confirmations until further notice. Weddings and baptisms will take place, but can have no more than 100 guests.

17:30 – A case of Coronavirus COVID19 has reportedly been confirmed in Bantry this evening. We’ll have more information as soon as it is released.

11:30AM – Schools, Colleges and Childcare Facilities to close from 6pm tonight (12th March) until 29th March as a result of the Coronavirus COVID19 outbreak. The Taoiseach has called on employees to work from home where possible, and that meetings are done remotely to avoid unnecessary face to face interaction.

All indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people, and outdoor mass gatherings, more than 500 people should be cancelled. Cafes, shops and restaurants are to remain open, but precautions should be taken to minimise face to face interaction. Public transport will continue.

Leo Varadkar said that “Disease effects will be mild for the majority of people especially the young and healthy, but we know that older people and those with a chronic illnesses are at real risk. We have not witnessed a pandemic of this nature in living memory”

“We need public and businesses to take a sensible level headed, and responsible approach during this difficult time, restaurants, cafes and other businesses can stay open, but should look at ways as they can implement public health advice on social distancing. Outside of work people should seek to reduce self interactions as much as possible. You can all play your part by hand washing coughing and sneezing into your elbow or tissue and seeking medical advice if you develop symptoms. This is now more important than ever.”

“Together we can slow the virus in its tracks and push it back, acting together as one nation we can save many lives. Our economy will suffer but it will bounce back. Lost time and school or college will be recovered. And in time, our lives will go back to normal.”

CMO Tony Holohan said: “Outside chains of transmission is a strong signal that social distancing measures should be considered. And secondly, early decisive rapid coordination and comprehensive implementation of closures and quarantines is likely to be more effective in stories better than today’s interpretations. And so therefore, we recommend individuals who have simply worked with self isolate for a period of 14 days that individuals should reduce discretionary social contacts as much as possible.” 

“The elderly, and or medically vulnerable people should reduce as much as possible contacts outside of the home that there should. There should be no mass gatherings indoor involving more than 100 people or outdoors, involving more than 500 people.”

“We recommended that there be restrictions now advised in relation to visiting hospitals, long term care settings, mental health facilities presence, & spacing measures applied to homeless shelters.”

Minister of the Dept. Health said: “We do not underestimate the challenge that today’s decisions will involve for people, for our families, for older people for employers. We do not take such measures like for public health must, it always will come first.”

Simon Coveney said: “We do need to respond with can with unity with discipline, with resolve collectively together. This is a phase that we have been planning for, for some time. These are the right measures, at the right time, based on best public health.”

**Important Announcement**
Following the directives issued by the government and health authorities, Cork Opera House will close from 6pm today until Monday 30 March. All events scheduled to take place in this period, will be cancelled. #CoronaVirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/GDfphJjR9T

— Cork Opera House (@CorkOperaHouse) March 12, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Public Health Emergency Team met last night (Wednesday 11 March) to review latest evidence of the spread of COVID-19. NPHET has made a recommendation that Ireland move to Delay Phase.

There has been a significant increase in recent days in the number of cases detected in Ireland, a number of clusters in hospital settings with some cases in intensive care and a number of cases arising from community transmissions.

New advice provided by ECDC yesterday, highlighting that the detection of COVID-19 cases and deaths outside of known chains of transmission, is a strong signal that social distancing should be considered.The ECDC also recommended that the measures should be taken early and should be decisive, rapid, coordinated and comprehensive.

Today, Ireland introduces new measures aspart of our effort to interrupt the transmission of COVID-19.

• Individualswho have symptoms should self-isolate for a period of 14 days
• Individualsshould reduce discretionary social contacts as much as possible
• Elderlyand/or medically vulnerable people should reduce as much as possible contactsoutside home.
• Thereshould be no mass gatherings;
  • involving more than 100 people if located indoors
  • involving more than 500 people if located outdoors
• Closure of museums, galleries and tourism sites
• Closure to students of schools, creches, other childcare facilities and higher education institutions.
• Reduction of workplace contacts, and implementation of remote working practices andtele conferencing where possible and not to travel for meetings. Work time and break times should be staggered, where possible.
• Restriction of visiting at hospitals, long term care settings, mental health facilities,prisons, and spacing measures in homeless shelters.

NPHET further recommends that these measuresshould be introduced until Sunday 29th March 2020. The impactof these measures will be under continuous review.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Departmentof Health, said; “The National Public Health Emergency Team and the HealthSector in its entirety has been preparing for the effects of COVID-19 onour population.

“Now, we need citizen’s to follow thesenew measures and help us protect the most vulnerable in our society, helpour health service treat this virus effectively and ultimately keep eachother as healthy as possible.”

11th March 2020 – BREAKING NEWS

The HPSC has today been informed that a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland has passed. A female, in the east of the country, with an underlying medical condition.

This is the first recorded death relating to COVID-19 reported in Ireland.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this patient. I urge the media and the public to respect their privacy at this difficult time.

“We continue our efforts to interrupt the transmission of this virus. It will take all of us, collectively to succeed. Please continue to follow public health advice.”

The HPSC has also been informed of 9 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland;

• 4 males, from the south of the country, associated with travel
• 1 female, from the south of the country, contact with a confirmed case
• 1 male, south of the country, contact with a confirmed case
• 3 males, from the east of the country, two associated with travel, one associated with contact of a confirmed case

There are now 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a Pandemic.

We are now moving to enhancing our containment measures. These measures include 3 steps;

1)        To the general public:

o        Practice everyday preventive actions; Hand washing, cough/sneeze etiquette.

o        Consider how to limit your social interactions; avoid indoor, crowded spaces.

o        Shaking hands and close personal contact are to be avoided.

o        Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Know the symptoms of Covid-19.

2)        All healthcare workers are being asked to raise their index of suspicion for COVID-19.

3)        The HSE will be substantially increasing its contact tracing and surveillance capacity in the coming days.

🚨 BREAKING 🚨

“We have therefore made the assessment that #COVID19 can be characterized as a pandemic”-@DrTedros #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/JqdsM2051A

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 11, 2020

10th March 2020

Update 18:30

Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team

HPSC has been informed of 10 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

There are now 34 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

1,784 people have been tested for Covid-19 in Ireland as of Monday 9th March.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:

• One male, a healthcare worker, in the south of the country, associated with hospital transmission
• One female, a healthcare worker, in the east of the country, possible hospital transmission
• Three males, in the south of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
• One male, in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
• One female, in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
• One female, in the south of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
• One male, in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
• One female, in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area

The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

There have been 1,784 suspected cases tested in Ireland, to date – an increase of 1,387 tests in one week.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) met today, Tuesday 10 March 2020, and made the following decisions;

• The HPSC will formally update guidelines for healthcare workers returning to work following exposure to a confirmed case, as per recommendations from the Expert Advisory Group (EAG).
• Confirmed cases who are clinically appropriate can remain in their home, in self-isolation. This is subject to the development of criteria for their discharge from self isolation by the EAG tomorrow (Wed 11 March).
• Socially restrictive actions around hospitals and nursing homes are not necessary at this moment in time.
• Laboratory testing will commence in regional laboratories.

NPHET has advised that blanket socially restrictive actions around hospitals and nursing homes are not necessary at this moment in time. People are encouraged to follow respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene practices in order to protect vulnerable groups, including older people and patients with underlying conditions. People should not visit if they themselves are unwell.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “98% of all suspected cases in Ireland have tested negative. While Ireland remains in containment phase, there is no room for complacency.

“We all have a part to play in limiting and slowing the spread of this disease.”

A case of COVID19 – Coronavirus has been identified in a department at Apple in Hollyhill. According to The Echo;

• A number of employees have been told to self-isolate to prevent the spread of the virus.
• “Out of an abundance of caution, we wanted you to know that we’ve asked those employees who were in the immediate working environment with the individual to self-isolate and not come into the office for an initial 48-hour period,” the email said. “We are also continuing our deep cleaning protocols of all office areas.” “Teams across Apple are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the HSE and any new developments will be acted on immediately. In the meantime, our offices remain open on a normal schedule.”
• The site gym is no longer being used and restrictions are in place to ensure staff safety if they need to access to the onsite doctor. Staff members have been told that they may use a gym or doctor off-campus and be reimbursed by the company.

9th March 2020

Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:

• One case, a female, in the south of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
• One case, a female, in the West of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
• One case, a female, in the south of Ireland, a healthcare worker is associated with close contact with a confirmed case

There are now 24 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) met on Saturday 8th March and Sunday 9th March to continue its assessment of Ireland’s ongoing preparedness. NPHET will meet again tomorrow (Tuesday 10th March).

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said;

“While Ireland remains in a containment phase, we will eventually move to delay phase and then on to mitigation phase.

“Containment is about identifying and containing all cases no matter how mild. The delay phase will focus on minimising the spread of the virus. Ultimately, in mitigation phase, we prioritise the cases that are most unwell.

“The decision to move to delay phase will be based on a number of factors, including the amount of confirmed cases in Ireland, speed at which they are occurring and the profile of transmission.

“Ultimately all of the decisions we take are focused on limiting the impact of this disease on our population and our health service.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said;

“We are particularly aware that older people may have additional concerns and worries about the spread of this disease. To ensure they have access to the information they need Alone has established an information helpline at 0818 222 024.

“This is a time for solidarity and community. We urge everyone to reach out to older family and friends, to ensure they have the appropriate advice and information.

“Protect your loved ones by not visiting if you feel unwell, with respiratory symptoms or fever.”

8th March 2020

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been informed of two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

• One case of community transmission, a female in the east of the country
• One case of community transmission, a male in the south of the country, is associated with the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork, and a risk assessment is underway

There are now 21 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said:

“Ireland remains in containment phase with 21 cases to date, three of which are associated with community transmission.

“Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.

“Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.

“The most important way they can do this is by following public health advice. Central to this are the protective measures we can all take against Covid-19, which include:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing/sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Practice cough and sneeze hygiene – covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough/sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Stay informed: keep up to date on latest Covid-19 information on www.hse.ie.”

6th March 2020

19:45 – Breaking News:

Five new cases of COVID19 have been announced in the Republic of Ireland. It’s said that three of the cases are in the South of the country, one in the East and another in the West. It’s said that one is a healthcare worker who had previously been in contact with a case.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been informed of five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

• One case, a male, in the east of Ireland, is associated with travel from northern Italy.
• One case, a female, in the west of Ireland, is associated with close contact with a confirmed case.
• One case, a female, in the south of Ireland, a healthcare worker is associated with close contact with a confirmed case.
• One case, a male, in the south of the country, is associated with travel
• One case, a female, in the south of the country, is associated with travel from northern Italy

There are now 18 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said: “We ask that no organisation, school or health service provider acts unilaterally. We need to respond to the threat of COVID-19 in unison, following the advice of Public Health.”

Liam Woods, HSE Director of Acute Operations, said: “Healthcare workers are at the frontline of this virus outbreak. The Department of Health and the HSE are equally dedicated to protecting and supporting this vital group of people.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “The past number of weeks have been challenging for everyone in our healthcare system. This challenge is going escalate as the number of cases here rise.

“We must prioritise the protection of our frontline healthcare staff and as part of this the National Public Health Emergency Team has established a sub-group to identify and implement appropriate measures to protect them.”

The general public is advised to follow advice from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to protect their health.

Any person who has travelled from an affected region in the last 14 days, or who has come in contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days, and is concerned that they may have symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) should immediately isolate themselves from others and phone their GP.

Minister for Health Simon Harris T.D has today attended an emergency meeting of the European Health Ministers in Brussels today.

Ministers discussed the ongoing disease outbreak caused by Covid-19, and the effects on health services. Ministers heard from the World Health organisation, the European Centre for Disease Control and the European Medicines Agency about ongoing efforts in containing the virus and the appropriate responses.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “Ireland remains in the containment phase. While countries are in different situations, it is vital we work together.

“We are better protected if we work together on this. We need rational, coherent decision- making based on science and public health.

“It is clear this virus is going to have an impact for a prolonged period of time. It is essential we plan ahead, protect our healthcare workers and do our best to provide accurate, evidence based and timely information to our people.”

Minister Harris added: “Public communications is an important focus in our response. Europe must act together to stop the spread of misinformation about this virus.

“Those who spread such lies are increasing the stigma attached to this virus. They are endangering lives and they are stopping us from doing our jobs. Our public health doctors should lead our response to this matter.”

5th March 2020:

All outpatient appointments in CUH have been cancelled for tomorrow Friday 6th March – patients will be contacted and rescheduled as soon as possible. Strict visiting restrictions remain in place. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

— Cork University Hosp (@CUH_Cork) March 5, 2020

BREAKING NEWS: 

20:40 Press Release from the Department of Health:

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been informed of seven new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

·        Four are travel related from Northern Italy, four males from the east country

·        Two are associated with close contact with a confirmed case, two females in the west of the country

·        One case of community transmission, a male from the south of the country, is associated with Cork University Hospital and a risk assessment is underway

There are now 13 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, said:

“Ireland remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission. This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation. Public health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively.

“Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.

“However, this will need a national effort. Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.

“The most important way they can do this is by following public health advice. Central to this are the protective measures we can all take against Covid-19, which include:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing/sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Practice cough and sneeze hygiene – covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough/sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Stay informed: keep up to date on latest Covid-19 information on www.hse.ie.

“At Tuesday’s meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team, we established a sub-group to look at health and social care workers’ protection.

“This will remain a priority as part of our response to Covid-19 in Ireland. We also need the public to play their role in preventing the spread of this new disease and protecting themselves and their loved ones.”

Dr. Colm Henry, the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, said: “We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our frontline healthcare workers, who are essential to the Irish healthcare system as we deal with this emerging situation.

“Their ongoing commitment and professionalism will help us withstand the threat posed by Covid-19.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:

“There are actions every single worker in our healthcare system can and should take now:
·        Refocus your attention on handwashing and respiratory hygiene.

·        Make sure you are trained in the appropriate use of Personal Protection Equipment

·        Most importantly, if you have been a contact of a confirmed case or if you have recently travelled back from an affected region, be alert to signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for a period of 14 days and do not go to work without first discussing with your local Department of Public Health.”

The general public is advised to follow advice from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to protect their health.

Any person who has travelled from an affected region in the last 14 days, or who has come in contact with a confirmed case  in the last 14 days, and is concerned that they may have symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) should immediately isolate themselves from others and phone their GP.

All outpatient appointments in Cork University Hospital have been cancelled tomorrow due to ‘Infection Control.’ It’s being reported that a patient in Cork has contracted the Coronavirus COVID19 and is NOT related to travel to the affected areas, and the patient has not had contact with anyone who has contracted the virus.

No visitors are currently permitted at the hospital, and a number of sources are confirming that the patient has been diagnosed with COVID19. This has not yet been confirmed by the Department of Health or HSE.

The total number of cases now confirmed in the Republic of Ireland has risen to 13, as 7 new cases are confirmed.

Please note dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and infusions will proceed as planned.

— Cork University Hosp (@CUH_Cork) March 5, 2020

CUH have said via Twitter that “All dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and infusions will proceed as planned.”

1st March 2020:

A school in Dublin is to close or 14 days following the identification of COVID19 in a person at the school. The school is to remain closed until 16th March 2020 and as a precaution, students and staff at the school are being treated as possible contacts of the case.

Concerning news locally as Scoil Chaitriona on St Mobhi Road is closed due to an outbreak of Covid-19.

Please heed HSE advice or visit https://t.co/GeEJxlT5pz for further info. pic.twitter.com/jOclFE0NwB

— Noel Rock (@NoelRock) March 1, 2020

29th February 2020:

BREAKING NEWS: The first case of Coronavirus #COVID19 has been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland. The patient is believed to be a male in the east of the country. Reports suggest he is currently receiving medical attention.

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan has said that a confirmed case “is not unexpected.”

27th February 2020:

The first case of the Coronavirus #COVID19 has been confirmed in Belfast this evening. It’s being reported that the patient had travelled from Northern Italy to Belfast via Dublin Airport.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health said the patient with coronavirus is receiving specialist care. NI’s Public Health Agency is working to identify everyone the person was in contact with. #covid19

— TheJournal.ie (@thejournal_ie) February 27, 2020

26th February 2020

What happens in Ireland in the event of a confirmed case

In the event of a confirmed case, the National Public Health Emergency Team will be notified.

The patient will remain in isolation.

In line with our Containment Protocol, a full investigation into other people who may have been in contact with this patient will be underway. This is known as contact tracing.

Appropriate measures aimed at preventing further spread (containment measures) will be taken.

The general public are advised to follow advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) to protect their health.

Contact Tracing

In the event of a confirmed case, a clinician will speak to the patient to get details of places they visited and the people they’ve been in contact with since they became unwell. This will provide a detailed picture of the people we need to contact, such as family members, colleagues or fellow travellers.

This list of people will be contacted with instruction and advice on what to do if they display symptoms.

If a member of the contact list displays symptoms, we isolate and test this individual and provide treatment, if confirmed.

A close contact involves either face-to-face contact or spending more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of an infected person. We do not contact trace persons that may have passed by on the street or in a shop. The risk of contact in that instance is very low.

Irelands Response

Ireland has advanced plans in place as part of its comprehensive preparedness to deal with public health emergencies such as Covid-19 (Coronavirus). These plans have helped us to respond to previous incidents such as pandemic influenza, SARS and MERS.

In the containment phase, the focus is on all cases no matter how mild.

In the mitigation phase, the focus is on cases experiencing the most severe symptoms.

Containment Strategy: We are currently in a containment phase, both in Ireland and Europe. This means that, irrespective of case severity, all efforts are focused on identifying cases and their contacts early, in order to prevent further transmission (secondary spread).

Mitigation Strategy: Ireland is prepared to initiate a second phase, if necessary, called the mitigation phase. This will be activated where containment is no longer effective in controlling the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). In this phase, our focus will be on identifying the cases who are most severely unwell.

The deployment of these strategies is in sync with global strategies, guided by the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Prevention and Disease Control (ECDC).

The National Public Health Emergency Team, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, meets weekly to assess the international data, receive guidance regarding the outbreak and to review Ireland’s ongoing preparedness in line with advice from the WHO and the ECDC.

HSE Public Health and HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre have been monitoring the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) situation since it was notified by the WHO.

The HSE High Consequences Infectious Diseases Planning and Coordination Group (HCID) has been working at a detailed level on this situation since early January and has put in place detailed plans and issued guidance and information in preparedness across the health service.

An Expert Advisory Group was established in early February. The group, chaired by Cillian De Gascun, Laboratory Director at the National Virus Reference Laboratory, will provide advice to the National Public Health Emergency Team, the HSE and others on an ongoing basis.

Ireland will continue to monitor the global developments of this new virus and respond accordingly.

What to do if you think you’re at risk of Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Call HSE Live on 1850 241850 if in the past 14 days you’ve been to one of the following affected areas:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Iran
• Japan
• Singapore
• South Korea
• in Italy, the regions, Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna
• You should still call even if you feel fine.

If you, or someone you’ve been in close contact with, visited an affected area in the past 14 days and you are displaying symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) (coughing, breathing difficulties, fever) – you should self-isolate immediately and call your doctor, emergency department (ED) or student healthcare centre.

Do not visit a doctor, ED or healthcare centre – phone them first. This is so you do not accidentally put other people at risk. Appropriate care will be organised for you.

If your doctor thinks that you need to be tested, they will tell you where the test will be done. They will also tell you when to expect results. You will remain in isolation until a test result is generated.

Read advice from the HSE on what you need to do if you have been to one of the affected areas in the last 14 days.

Symptoms

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) to show.

Symptoms of the virus include:

More information on symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) is available from the HSE.

How Covid-19 (Coronavirus) spreads

Covid-19 (Coronavirus) can be spread:

As it is a new virus, we do not know how easily the virus spreads from person to person. We do not know if someone can spread the virus before they show symptoms.

The virus may only survive a few hours if someone who has it coughs or sneezes on a surface. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus on surfaces. Clean the surface first and then use a disinfectant.

Covid-19 (Coronavirus) is spread through close contact with an infected person. A close contact involves either face-to-face contact or spending more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of an infected person. Close contact does not include someone you passed on the street or in a shop. The risk of contact in that instance is very low.

More information on how Covid-19 (Coronavirus) spreads is available from the HSE.

How to Protect Yourself

To protect yourself:

For people working with the general public who are feeling well and do not have respiratory symptoms (for example, cough, fever, shortness of breath), facemasks are not recommended. There is no evidence that using masks in this setting is of any benefit to people who are not sick.

The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from Covid-19 (Coronavirus) is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.

Read a step-by-step guide from the HSE on how to properly wash your hands and avoid infection.

Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to treat or protect against Covid-19 (Coronavirus). However, many of the symptoms can be treated.

Antibiotics do not work against Covid-19 (Coronavirus) or any viruses. They only work against bacterial infections.

Currently, the flu poses a greater risk to life in Ireland than Covid-19 (Coronavirus).

If you get the virus, your healthcare professional will advise treatment based on your symptoms.

More information on treatment is available from the HSE.

Travel Advice

Follow travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) if travelling to a country or region with a spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).

Irish citizens who are abroad, or who intend to travel abroad in the near future and have concerns about Covid-19 (Coronavirus), can ring the department’s dedicated phone line: +353 (0)1 613 1733

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is closely monitoring the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak and providing risk assessments to guide EU Member States and the EU Commission in their response activities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is sharing statistics on confirmed cases of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) around the world. The data is updated regularly.

Advice for people who have recently returned from affected areas is available from the HSE.

Advice for Health Professionals

Detailed information for health professionals is available through the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

2nd February 2020

A man who had been displaying symptoms of the Coronavirus was removed from an Aeroflot flight which landed in Dublin Airport last night, shortly after 9pm.

Shortly after the flight had landed, it was met by paramedics and ambulances. Dublin Live reported that Medics in hazmat suits entered the aircraft, and escorted the man from the plane.

The remaining passengers on the aircraft were handed a leaflet with instructions on what to do next if they began to display symptoms of the Coronavirus. An image of the leaflet is below, posted by Laura Noonan on her page ‘Laura’s Russian Lifeline.’

The leaflet ended stating that a ‘Public Health Doctor’ will contact the remaining passengers today (2nd February.)

The HSE issued the following statement: “There are no confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus in Ireland to date. The risk of importation of a case into Ireland from another country is moderate according to ECDC.

The HSE cannot comment on individual cases nor comment on speculation. No information will be provided about suspected cases of novel coronavirus other than confirmed cases.”

30 January 2020

🚨BREAKING🚨

“For all of these reasons, I am declaring a public health emergency of international concern over the global outbreak of #2019nCoV.”-@DrTedros

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 30, 2020

The Coronavirus has tonight been declared as a Global Health Emergency by the World Health Organization.

Information from the HSE on the Coronavirus:

Coronavirus is a new respiratory illness that has not previously been seen in humans. Humans can get infected from coronaviruses which come from animals.

This type of coronavirus is also known as novel coronavirus, Wuhan novel coronavirus or Wuhan coronavirus.

Symptoms of coronavirus

Common symptoms of coronavirus may include:

• coughing
• shortness of breath
• breathing difficulties
• fever
• a high temperature (38 degrees Celsius or higher)

Symptoms of a more severe infection may include:

• pneumonia
• severe acute respiratory syndrome
• kidney failure

Spread through close contact

Coronavirus is spread by coming into close contact with someone who has the virus. It can be spread by coughing or sneezing. You could also get it if you touch surfaces that have droplets of the virus on them.

Right now, we do not know how far the virus has been passed on between humans.

If you get sick or have just returned from Wuhan, China

Phone your GP if you have:

• returned from Wuhan, Hubei province in the past 14 days, and
• have become ill with symptoms such as a temperature, cough, or breathing difficulties

Do not go to your GP’s surgery. Phone your GP first. This is so you do not accidentally put other people at risk.  Your GP will tell you over the phone on the next steps.

Tell your GP if you have:

• flu-like symptoms
• been in Wuhan, Hubei province in the last 14 days
• have been in close contact with someone who had the coronavirus

Risk of catching coronavirus in Ireland

Currently, there is no confirmed case of coronavirus in Ireland.

If there is a case here, health professionals will try to contact anyone who has been in close contact with the infected person.

If you are not contacted, you are extremely unlikely to catch coronavirus.

Protect yourself from getting coronavirus

Things you can do to protect yourself from getting coronavirus include:

• wash your hands properly and regularly
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze
• follow the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs if travelling to China

Wash your hands

Wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub:

• after coughing or sneezing
• after toilet use
• before eating
• if you are in contact with a sick person, especially those with respiratory symptoms

Read a step-by-step guide on how to properly wash your hands and help avoid infection

Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze

If you have to sneeze or cough:

• cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues
• if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm or sleeve (not hand)
• put used tissues into a sealed bin
• wash your hands

If you are travelling to China

Avoid all non-essential travel to China.

If you are travelling to China, avoid:

• visiting animal and bird markets
• places where live or dead animals are handled
• contact with anyone who is ill with a cold or flu-like symptoms such as sneezing or coughing
• contact with animals and their poo (droppings)

Wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water.

Follow the up-to-date travel information from the Department of Foreign Affairs

Treatment for coronavirus

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus.

But many of the symptoms can be treated. If you have the virus, your healthcare professional will advise treatment based on your symptoms.

Advice for GPs and healthcare professionals

Guidance documents on infection prevention and control guidance for coronavirus, as well as advice for GPs, is available through the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Further information

常见问题: 2019 年-新型冠状病毒 – Information in Chinese from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre – updated daily with new information from 1pm

Department of Foreign Affairs – updated travel information and advice.

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