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

Help control the virus

To protect yourself and others, when you leave home you must:

– Wash hands – keep washing your hands regularly

– Cover face – wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces

– Make space – stay at least a metre away from people not in your household

If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days.

Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

Do not go to places like a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital as you might spread the infection to other people. It is important that you self-isolate for 7 days.

Read the NHS advice about staying at home.

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are:

-A high temperature

-A new continuous cough

-A loss or change in your sense of smell or taste

If you have any of these symptoms you can ask for a free NHS test. This is available to anyone in England and Wales and to anyone over the age of 5 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. You and your recent contacts may be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service depending on your test results..

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.