Novel Coronavirus

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

Advice for UK residents

You should only leave the house for 1 of 4 reasons:

– shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

– one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

– any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

– travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home

Important: even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

Continue to stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

– a high temperature

– a new, continuous cough

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Read the NHS advice about staying at home.

Only use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

– you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home

– your condition gets worse

– your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Advice for Ireland residents

If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.

Visit HSE webpage for more information.