Five new cases of Coronavirus in Ireland

The HSE has confirmed five new cases of Coronavirus were diagnosed in the Republic today.

A female in the west of the country is among the five who were confirmed tonight by Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan.

The cases are:

A female from the west of the country who was in contact with a person who had Covid-19;

A male in the east of the country (associated with travel);

A female healthcare worker in the south of the country who was in contact with a person who had Covid-19;

A male in the south of the country with a travel history which is being investigated;

A female in the south of the country (associated with travel).

That brings the total number of cases in the Republic to 18, while in Northern Ireland, there have been four cases. Internationally, there have now been 98,202 diagnosed cases and 3,381 deaths from Covid-19.

Dr Holohan said that 18 is a “small number of cases” and the HSE is able to explain all but one of those cases, adding that the chances of picking up the virus in this country is “very low”.

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

HSE advice:

Any person who has travelled from an affected region in the last 14 days, or who has come in contact with a confirmed case in the last 14 days, and is concerned that they may have symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) should immediately isolate themselves from others and phone their GP.

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 immediately self-isolate and call their GP

Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the last 14 days AND is experiencing symptoms should immediately self-isolate and call their GP

Anyone who has been to an affected region (China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Iran and four regions in northern Italy) in the last 14 days, and are well, should visit www.HSE.ie for advice.

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) to show. Symptoms may include:

• a cough
• shortness of breath
• breathing difficulties
• fever (high temperature)

Covid-19 (Coronavirus) can also cause more severe illness, including:

•  pneumonia
•  shortness of breath
• breathing difficulties
• fever (high temperature)

Things you can do to protect yourself from getting Covid-19 (Coronavirus) include:

• wash your hand properly and regularly
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze
• Wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub:
• after coughing and sneezing
• after toilet use
• before eating
• before and after preparing food