Confirmed case of coronavirus in Northern Ireland
There is a confirmed case of coronavirus in Northern Ireland. The patient travelled through the Republic of Ireland and is in isolation in Northern Ireland and receiving treatment.
Anyone identified as being in close contact with the patient has been contacted. They have been given advice from healthcare professionals.
The risk of catching coronavirus in Ireland
The risk of catching coronavirus in Ireland is still low. This may change. However, most people may continue to go to work, school and other public places, as usual.
Anyone who knows they have been in close contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days and has symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever) should:
- isolate themselves from other people – this means going into a different, well-ventilated room, with a phone
- phone their GP, or emergency department – if this is not possible, phone 112, or 999
- in a medical emergency (if you have severe symptoms) phone 112 or 999
Close contact means either:
- face-to-face contact
- spending more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of an infected person
Follow the advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus.
Symptoms of coronavirus
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a cough
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
- fever (high temperature)
If you have these symptoms and have been in an affected area or in contact with a confirmed case, read this advice.
When you may need to be tested for coronavirus
You will only need to be tested for coronavirus if you have symptoms and have in the last 14 days been:
- in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus
- to a country or region with a spread of coronavirus
- in a healthcare centre or hospital where patients with coronavirus were being treated
If your doctor thinks that you need a test for coronavirus, they will tell you where the test will be done. They will also tell you when to expect your results.
Read advice if you’ve been in an affected area or in contact with a confirmed case.
Protect yourself from coronavirus
Do
- Wash your hands properly and regularly
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze.
- Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Follow the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Don’t
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Wash your hands
- after coughing or sneezing
- after toilet use
- before eating
- before and after preparing food
- if you are in contact with a sick person, especially those with respiratory symptoms
- if your hands are dirty
- if you have handled animals or animal waste
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Further information and Resources
- For further information and advice on the Coronavirus from the HSE please click here.
- Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 (Guidance from the WHO on 27 February 2020) click here
- Coronavirus Infographic from the HSE to display in your workplace click here
