Apr 21, 2020
All You Need to Know About Coronavirus in Ireland
Coronavirus killed 174,336 people up to now (that’s 4 times the population of my hometown), and we don't know when it’s going to stop.
Coronavirus or COVID-19 is a viral illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called Coronavirus and is spread in sneeze or cough droplets.
Viruses can be easily spread to other people and you are normally infectious until all your symptoms have gone. Coronavirus (COVID-19) may survive on surfaces if someone who has it coughs or sneezes onto it.
To date, there are no specific vaccines or medicines for COVID-19. Treatments are under investigation and will be tested through clinical trials.
Below you will find information and advice from the Public Information Booklet issued by Ireland’s Health Services (HSE) and the Government of Ireland.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
The most common symptoms are:
Cough
This can be any kind of cough, usually dry but not always.
Fever
High temperature over 38 degrees Celsius.
Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties
Other symptoms may include tiredness, aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhoea.
5 ways to protect yourself from getting Coronavirus
1. Wash your hands
Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face with your hands. Hand gels with at least 60% alcohol content can be used if soap and water are not available.
2. Cover your mouth
When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue. Put used tissues into a closed bin and wash your hands.
3. Clean & disinfect
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Use regular household disinfectants to clean surfaces.
4. Stop touching others
Do not shake hands or make close contact where possible.
5. Social distancing
Reduce social interactions to help protect yourself from getting the virus. Reduce interactions with people outside the workplace and the home. Increase your distance from others — keep separate by at least 2 metres (6ft). Avoid crowded places. Work from home if possible.
Who are at-risk groups?
There are some groups of people who may be more at risk of serious illness if they catch Coronavirus (COVID-19).
These groups include all people aged 60 years and over, people (adults and children) with long-term medical conditions including people with cardiac and respiratory conditions, people whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment including cancer patients, patients with any condition that can affect respiratory function (breathing), residents of nursing homes.
What should I do if I’m feeling unwell?
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms like fever and/or cough, you should immediately self-isolate regardless of travel or contact history.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and are concerned you have been in contact with a person infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19), self-isolate and contact your GP (family doctor) by phone.
Do not go to your GP surgery in person. Your GP will assess you and decide if a test for Coronavirus (COVID-19) is necessary.
You can also call HSELive on 1850 24 1850 for further guidance.
Managing your and your family’s health can be challenging and even confusing at times. It’s not always easy to know where to turn to for guidance or support when navigating the Irish public health system.
The HSELive team are here to answer your questions from 8am — 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am — 5pm on Saturday and Sunday
How should I limit social interaction?
Limited social interaction is avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.
You may need to do this if you are a close contact of a confirmed case of Coronavirus. This is to stop other people from getting the virus if you develop symptoms.
If you are told to limit social interaction, you should reduce interactions with people outside the workplace and the home, Increase your distance from others, don’t shake hands, avoid crowded places, work from home if possible.
You can still go outside for walks, runs or cycles on your own. However, you should avoid spending more than 15 minutes in close contact with other people.
What will I need if I’m told to stay at home?
To help stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) you may be asked to either limit social interactions with other people or self-isolate.
How should I self-isolate?
Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. You may need to do this if you have symptoms of Coronavirus.
If you have symptoms then you MUST self-isolate and contact your GP by phone. If they think you need to get tested for the virus, they will organise this. While you wait for the test results or if you test positive but have mild symptoms, you can self-isolate at home.
Self-isolating Guidelines
The following guidelines should be followed by people who have to self-isolate due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
1. Stay at home
Do not go to work, college, school, religious services, social gatherings or public areas. Do not use public transport or taxis until you are well.
2. Keep away from other people in your home as much as you can
Avoid physical contact with other people in your household. Stay in a room with the window open. If possible, you should use a separate toilet and bathroom to the rest of the household. If this is not possible, make sure these areas are kept clean.
3. Wash your hands often
Keep your hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water. This is one of the most important things you can do.
4. Cover your coughs and sneezes
When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue. Put used tissues into a closed bin and wash your hands.
5. Avoid sharing things
You should avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with other people in your home. After you use these items, they should be washed in a dishwasher or alternatively with soap and hot water. Don’t share games consoles or remote controls.
6. Monitor your symptoms
If your symptoms develop or get worse, phone your GP. If it is an emergency, call an ambulance on 112 or 999 and tell them that you may have Coronavirus.
7. Avoid having visitors
If possible, do not allow visitors into your home or answer your door to callers.
8. Household cleaning
Many cleaning and disinfectant products sold in supermarkets can kill Coronavirus on surfaces. Clean the surface as usual with a detergent, disinfectant or disinfectant wipe. Wear disposable gloves and a plastic apron if available and throw them out afterwards. Wash your hands after removing.
9. Laundry
Wear gloves while handling dirty laundry and wash with detergent at a temperature above 60 degrees Celsius or at the highest temperature suitable for the fabric (whichever is higher). Clean all surfaces around the washing machine and wash hands thoroughly after handling dirty laundry.
10. Managing rubbish
Use plastic bags for collecting rubbish including used tissues, gloves, masks and aprons. Dispose of rubbish bags when three-quarters full by tying the bag. Place the first bag in a second bag, which you should then also tie.
Keeping well during self-isolation
Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus, can be worrying and can affect your mental health. While you may be anxious, there are many things you can do to support and manage your mental health during such times.
Keep yourself mobile by getting up and moving around as much as possible. If you have a garden or backyard go out and get some fresh air, but keep more than 2 metres away from other people.
Self-isolation can be boring or frustrating. It may affect your mood and feelings. You may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping.
Everyone should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet. Children need extra love and attention from adults during difficult times. Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.
It is normal to feel sad, stressed, or confused during a crisis. Talking to people you trust, such as friends and family, can help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) stats
Source: Wikipedia, about this data.
Where to go for more information?
Or call HSELive on 1850 24 1850 for further guidance.
“COVID-19 will reshape our world. We don’t yet know when the crisis will end. But we can be sure that by the time it does, our world will look very different.”
— Josep Borrell
