gov.ie - 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 9 March

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

1 male, a healthcare worker, in the south of the country, associated with hospital transmission
1 female, a healthcare worker, in the east of the country, associated with possible hospital transmission
3 males, in the south of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
1 male, in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
1 female, in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
1 female, in the south of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
1 male, in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
1 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."

ENDS

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.

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

Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team - Tuesday 10 March

Notes to the Editor:

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