Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan said we have seven days to flatten the spread of the coronavirus.
He took to twitter said wrote ‘”The next 7 days are vital. Now is the time to #FlattenTheCurve,” he declared on Twitter.
Dr Holohan urged everyone to play their part by taking the following steps.
These are:
1. Reduce your social contacts – see only a handful of people in your network
2. Distance yourself two metres from people in shops and supermarkets
3. Stop shaking hands or hugging when you say hello
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
5. Wash your hands regularly and practise cough and sneeze hygiene
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
7. Check on your vulnerable family members and neighbours
8. Work from home where possible
Meanwhile, Minister for Health Simon Harris has urged people not to ring 999/112 if they feel they need a test for Covid-19.
He said people with symptoms should ring their GP who will arrange a test if that is what their doctor believes is necessary.
Mr Harris said the emergency service numbers need to be used for the work they do.
He also said the health service is focusing this week on looking at securing extra bed capacity, more personal protective equipment for staff, as well as ventilators and more community testing sites are also to be set up.
