Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team

The WHO has declared the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) as a public health emergency of international concern. This designation will strengthen support from the WHO to the Chinese authorities in their response.

This declaration was anticipated based on the ongoing assessment of the National Public Health Emergency Team. The declaration emphasises the importance of the preparedness and plans that are already in place in Ireland.

Ireland will continue to monitor the situation and to participate in the international assessment of response to this novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)through the European Centre for disease control and the WHO.

Ireland is well positioned to detect and respond to a case of the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that might arise here. As yet there have been no confirmed cases in Ireland.

ENDS

The Department of Health’s National Health Emergency Plan is a plan for activation in the event of a national/large-scale public health emergency in the event of an infectious disease outbreak or similar health issue. The purpose of the plan is to assist all health agencies in the State to respond to a public health emergency in an integrated and co-ordinated manner.

The National Public Health Emergency Team met this afternoon, Thursday, 30 January, in the Department of Health, to review the available international data and guidance regarding the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China, and to review Ireland’s ongoing preparedness in line with the advice from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Control.

Ireland has comprehensive Public Health and Emergency Plans in place for responding to public health issues, including those related to new infection agents such as this novel Coronavirus. These are up to date and rehearsed. These Frameworks have been used in the past to manage emergencies such as the Swine Flu pandemic, Storms Emma and Ophelia, SARS and Ebola.

HSE Public Health and HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre have been monitoring the Novel Coronavirus 2019-vCoV situation since it was notified by the WHO.

The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again on Tuesday, 4 February.