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Coronavirus in Cork – protecting yourself and others

Posted in News on March 13, 2020

As the Taoiseach has announced stricter measures to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, including closing schools, colleges and childcare centres, for the time being, we thought it may be helpful to produce a straightforward guide for local people about coronavirus in Cork. In this article, we take a look at how coronavirus is spread. We also outline the everyday steps you can take to avoid getting, or spreading, coronavirus in Cork and Ireland.

How is coronavirus spread?

To protect ourselves and others from coronavirus (Covid-19), it’s important to know how the virus is spread.

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. To get infected, the virus has to be passed from an infected person’s nose or mouth, into your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can be spread directly, in droplets from close contact with an infected person, or indirectly, via touching hands, objects and surfaces.

Remember – coronavirus can be spread indirectly, by touching hands, objects and surfaces on which the virus is present.

 

What should we do to avoid coronavirus?

Our health service (HSE) recommends that we strictly follow this advice, to limit the spread of coronavirus:

Do:

Don’t:

 

Am I in an at-risk group for coronavirus?

Although the HSE do not believe that any particular groups of people have more chance of catching coronavirus, there are some people who may have a greater risk of serious illness if they have caught the virus. It’s a similar case with other infections such as flu.

HSE advises that it is likely that you are more at risk of a serious illness from catching coronavirus if you are either:

HSE is advising people who are in the above ‘at risk’ groups to take extra care, including:

Visit the HSE website to find out more about at-risk groups and coronavirus.

What should I do if I think I’ve got coronavirus?

Anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus in Cork, who has been in contact with a confirmed case in the past 14 days, should:

 

Phone first – it’s important to phone a healthcare provider first. Please do not go to the doctors or hospital in-person, until you have spoken to a healthcare professional on the phone.

 

What is the risk of catching coronavirus in Cork?

At the time of writing, on 12/03/20, the risk of contracting coronavirus in Ireland is low to moderate. However, there are confirmed cases of Covid-19 (coronavirus) in Ireland.
If you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, a public health doctor will be in contact to inform you.

How will this affect regular pharmacy services in Cork?

Here at Irwin’s pharmacy, we are closely monitoring the situation in regard to coronavirus. We are working with our suppliers to ensure the regular supply of medicines.
Patients are asked not to order extra quantities of medicine, doing so could disrupt stock levels and hamper the supply of medicines to other patients.

Where can I find out more?

If you’re concerned or want to find out more about coronavirus, your local pharmacy team here at Irwin’s pharmacy would be happy to give advice. Simply call us on 021 430 4165 or email us at info(at)irwinspharmacy.ie.

Where can I find out more?

If you’re concerned or want to find out more about coronavirus, your local pharmacy team here at Irwin’s pharmacy would be happy to give advice. Simply call us on 021 430 4165 or email us at info@irwinspharmacy.ie.

References:

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