As efforts to contain the deadly coronavirus continue, the HSE has issued advice for travellers returning to Ireland from affected areas.
If you have been in a country or region with spread of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, the HSE has advice for people who are concerned, whether they are feeling well or unwell.
This advice is for people who have been in one of the following places in the last 14 days:
- China
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Iran
- Japan
- the following regions in Italy – Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna or Piedmont
These are places where there is a spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The advice also applies to children who have recently been on school trips to one of the places above.
If you have been to one of the places listed above, the advice you should follow depends on if you are:
If you are not feeling well
If you have been to one of the places listed above and you are not feeling well, check if you have symptoms of coronavirus. These are fever (high temperature), cough or difficulty breathing. If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, phone your GP or local emergency department (ED) without delay.
Do not go to your GP or ED. Phone them first.
Tell them about your symptoms. Let them know you have been to a country or region with spread of coronavirus.
Avoid contact with other people by self-isolating.
If you are feeling well
If you have been to one of the places listed above and are feeling well, carry on with your normal routine.
Follow the advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus and other infections such as flu.
Avoid spending time with people that are ill with a cough, high temperature, or breathing problems.
If you develop symptoms of coronavirus within 14 days of returning:
- avoid contact with people by self-isolating
- phone your GP or emergency department
- tell them your symptoms and let them know you have been to a country or region with spread of coronavirus
If you think you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus
Phone HSELive on 1850 24 1850 if you think you have been:
- in contact with someone confirmed as having coronavirus
- to a healthcare facility in another country where coronavirus patients are being treated
You will be put in contact with your local Department of Public Health staff who will give you information and advice.
If you develop symptoms of coronavirus, avoid contact with people by self-isolating and phone your GP or emergency department.
Self-isolation
Self-isolation means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people.
You should self-isolate if you think you may have coronavirus while you are waiting to talk to a doctor. This will help to prevent the spread of coronavirus to others.
To self-isolate:
- Stay at home or in your hotel in a room on your own with a phone.
- Do not go to work, school, religious services or public areas.
- Do not use public transport or taxis.
- Avoid having visitors to your home.
It is important to keep away from older people, those with long-term medical conditions or pregnant women.
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