Ireland’s COVID-19 risk moves to high

By Utku Muratoglu

The COVID-19 risk in Ireland is moderate to high according to The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC).

Ireland remains in a containment phase, with one confirmed case currently in isolation and contact tracing underway.

The National Public Health Emergency Team is due to meet again today to evaluate the evolving international situation and consider Ireland’s ongoing preparedness.

Following the identification of a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the east of the country on Saturday 29 February, a secondary school was closed for the duration of the Covid-19 incubation period, which is 14 days.

A letter from the Chief Medical Officer to parents of all school children, across the country, was issued today. Part of this letter states;

“The decision to close the school for 14 days is a precautionary one and arises because pupils and teachers may have had direct contact with the confirmed case.

“However, siblings not attending the school concerned, parents and other members of the community are not regarded as contacts and can continue their daily routine as normal.”

The general public is advised to follow advice from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to protect their health.

The National Public Health Emergency Team said:

“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 self-isolate and call their GP”.

Symptoms for the Coronavirus may include a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and fever (high temperature).

Anyone who needs more information can visit www.HSE.ie for advice.