The HSE has issued advice to the public on how best to prevent the spread and contraction of the coronavirus. It has a list of procedures that people should follow to mitigate the spread of disease.
The virus
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus are:
- A cough – this can be any kind of cough, not just dry;
- Shortness of breath;
- Breathing difficulties;
- Fever (high temperature).
Protect yourself with these measures. Spread the message not the virus. @roinnslainte @HSELive #COVID19 Please retweet.
— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) March 10, 2020
Protocol
The Health Service Executive advises the public to follow the following advice as strictly as possible and encourage others to do so too.
Do:
- Wash your hands properly and often;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze;
- Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
- Avoid close contact with people who are not well;
- Follow the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs;
- Stay at home if you are sick to help stop the spread of whatever infection you may have.
Don’t:
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean;
- Do not share objects that touch your mouth – for example, bottles, cups.
Wash your hands
You should wash your hands:
- After coughing or sneezing;
- Before and after eating;
- Before and after preparing food;
- If you were in contact with someone who has a fever or respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing);
- After being on public transport or in a crowd (especially an indoor crowd);
- If you have handled animals or animal waste;
- Before having a cigarette or vaping;
- If your hands are dirty;
- After toilet use.
The Health Service Executive advise to keep your hands in good condition, moisturise them often. Any basic product that is not perfumed or coloured is OK.
Do not wear gloves instead of washing your hands. The virus gets on them in the same way it gets on your hands. Also, your hands can get contaminated when you take them off.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly wash your hands and avoid infection from the HSE.
Face masks
Using masks is unlikely to be of any benefit if you are not sick, according to the HSE
Sick people will be advised by their doctor when to use a mask. Healthcare workers need masks and other personal protective equipment to protect them
If you aree displaying symptoms:
- Phone your GP or local emergency department without delay;
- Self-isolate to prevent the spread.
Further information
Go to HSE.ie/coronavirus for the best and most current information as the situation evolves. If you have particular concerns, you can ring HSE Live on 1850 24 1850.
