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.
Notes to the Editor:
The National Public Health Emergency Team case definition includes Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Iran and four regions in northern Italy (Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont) alongside mainland China.
- anyone who has been to an affected region (mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iran and four regions in northern Italy) in the last 14 days AND is experiencing symptoms should immediately self-isolate and call their GP
- anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the last 14 days AND is experiencing symptoms should immediately self-isolate and call their GP
- anyone who has been to an affected region (China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Iran and four regions in northern Italy) in the last 14 days, and are well, should visit www.HSE.ie for advice.
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) to show.
Symptoms may include:
- a cough
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
- fever (high temperature)
Covid-19 (Coronavirus) can also cause more severe illness, including:
- pneumonia
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
- fever (high temperature)
Things you can do to protect yourself from getting Covid-19 (Coronavirus) include:
- wash your hand properly and regularly
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze
- Wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub: - after coughing and sneezing - after toilet use - before eating - before and after preparing food