There is an ongoing outbreak of a novel Coronavirus in China. Infections have been reported in other countries.

The HSE HPSC is monitoring the situation and updating its website www.hpsc.ie daily.

Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause illnesses. Some of these illnesses are very mild, like the common cold, while others are more severe, like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV

A “novel coronavirus” means a new type of coronavirus that has never been seen in humans before. The coronavirus recently identified in China is one of these. This new coronavirus is being named “2019–nCoV”.

Symptoms of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV

It can take up to 14 days from exposure to the virus for the symptoms of this 2019-nCoV to appear. These symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Treatment of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV

There is no specific treatment for 2019-nCoV at present. But the symptoms of the virus can be treated.

How to protect individuals from novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV

1. Wash hands often with soap and water. Or use an alcohol based hand rub. Teach children how to wash their hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub.
2. If you are coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Throw the used tissue away into a closed bin, and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your flexed (bent) elbow. Have tissues available. Teach your children to do the same.
3. Avoid close contact with anyone who you know has cold or flu symptoms.
4. Check the travel advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs prior to arranging travel abroad.

Advice for students/childcare

If the student/child;

• has not been in mainland China* in the last 14 days

AND

• has not been in contact with a person with novel coronavirus

AND

• has not attended a healthcare facility where patients with novel coronavirus are being treated in another country

Then no specific measures are needed.

IF WITHIN THE LAST 14 DAYS;

• the student/child has been in mainland China*

OR

• has been in contact with a person diagnosed with novel coronavirus

OR

• has attended a healthcare facility in another country where patients with novel coronavirus are being treated 

*excluding Hong Kong and Macau

IF WITHIN THE LAST 14 DAYS;

• the student/child has been in mainland China*

OR

• has been in contact with a person diagnosed with novel coronavirus

OR

• has attended a healthcare facility in another country where patients with novel coronavirus are being treated

*excluding Hong Kong and Macau

Advice for staff, volunteers and workers in pre-schools and schools

Please see Information on novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV for people who have come to Ireland from China, including visitors, students and workers for further information.  

If staff, volunteers or workers have been in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) in the last 14 days, they should make contact with their local Department of Public Health by phone for further advice.

If they remain well, no specific measures are needed in the workplace.

They will be advised by Public Health to watch out for any symptoms of novel coronavirus for 14 days from their return. The symptoms include cough, temperature and breathing difficulties.

For people with no symptoms, there is no need for them to stay off work or isolate themselves. There are no restrictions regarding work or other social activities.

If they develop symptoms within 14 days of return (fever, cough, breathing difficulties), then they should isolate themselves (stay away from other people) and contact their GP/Doctor straight away by phone for advice. They should inform their GP/Doctor of their recent travel history and of their symptoms.