Coronavirus in Cork – protecting yourself and others

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:

• ✓ Stay at home if you’re unwell – to prevent the spread of any infections that you’re carrying.
• ✓ Wash your hands properly and often – wash hand thoroughly, for about 20 seconds, with warm water and soap or a sanitiser gel.
• ✓ Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing – with a tissue or your sleeve.
• ✓ Throw away used tissues – used tissues should be disposed of in the bin. Always wash your hands afterwards.
• ✓ Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces – with disinfectant.
• ✓ Avoid close contact with people who are unwell – the World Health Organisation recommend that we keep at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• ✓ Take additional measures if you’re travelling – follow the advice by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Don’t:

• ✘ Stay at home if you’re unwell – to prevent the spread of any infections that you’re carrying.
• ✘ Wash your hands properly and often – wash hand thoroughly, for about 20 seconds, with warm water and soap or a sanitiser gel.

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:

• 60 years old or older.
• Have a long-term medical condition – for example high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or cancer.

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

• ✓ Think – about how you can avoid crowded spaces, particularly indoor spaces.
• ✓ Avoid close contact – the WHO recommend that we stay at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

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 your GP
• ✓ In a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) either:
  • Phone 112 or 999.
  • Phone Cork University Hospital emergency department call +353 21 427 1971.

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:

• ie – protecting yourself and others web page.
• ie – self-isolation and limited social interaction web page.
• World Health Organisation – coronavirus disease advice for the public web page.