The Department of Health has confirmed there have been 65 suspected cases of the Coronavirus tested in Ireland. To date however, there are no confirmed cases in Ireland.
The Irish Health System is currently operating a containment strategy I line with global practice and all the efforts of the health service are focused on identifying suspected cases as they arise and initiating easures to prevent onward transmission of the virus.
Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health, Dr. Tony Holohan said: “We remain prepared for a confirmed case of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).” The National Public Health Emergency Team continues to coordinate response efforts between the Health Service and other Government Departments and Agencies, to ensure a comprehensive response in the event of a confirmed case.”
Mr. Holohan said anyone returning from China in the last 14 days, and experiencing symptoms associated with Covid-19 (Coronavirus), is instructed to self- isolate and contact the health service via phone or email.
Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive, Paul Reid said: “The HSE has been working closely with the Department of Health, and as a member of the National Public Health Emergency Team, over recent weeks in response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus). I would like to acknowledge the work of frontline staff in the health service in dealing with this emerging situation. All hospitals have plans in place to deal with any increase in demand due to a viral threat, including Covid-19 (Coronavirus). A lot of preparation work has been done and a range of options are being looked at to deal with all scenarios.”
Over 4,800 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) packs have been distributed to GP Out of Hours Services, Public Health Departments and GP Practices. A further 1,200 PPE packs are due to go out to GP practices today. The National Ambulance Service also has detailed plans in place and is working closely with other agencies to ensure a co-ordinated response to possible cases.
Dr Cillian De Gascun, Chair of the Coronavirus Expert Advisory Group, a sub group of the National Public Health Emergency Team, said: “We’re continuing to monitor reported transmission events in the UK, Singapore, and Germany but the number of confirmed cases in the EU remains low, and no new countries have reported cases in the last 24 hours (per WHO SitRep 10/2).”
Covid-19 (Coronavirus) is spread through contact and droplets so good cough and sneeze hygiene, with regular hand washing, is the best way to keep well.
The general public is encouraged to inform themselves on prevention measures issued by HSE and to follow HPSC for regular daily updates.
