Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team - Thursday 27 February
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 27 February 2020
- Last updated on: 27 February 2020
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of a presumptive case of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Northern Ireland.
The patient is in isolation in Northern Ireland and is receiving treatment.
Public Health authorities have activated contact tracing protocols.
The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, said:
“Given the evolving situation this first case of Covid-19 disease was not unexpected. The National Public Health Emergency Team has been planning for this scenario since January.
“The general public should continue to adhere to the public health protocols issued by the Department of Health.”
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, said:
“The HSE is well-prepared and is working to inform any contacts the patient had in order to prevent transmission.
“Covid-19 is spread through close contact with an infected person’s body fluids (e.g. droplets from coughing or sneezing), or by touching surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on.
“Close contact involves either face to face contact or spending more than 15 minutes within 2 metres of an infected person. The risk of transmission through casual contact is low.”
Public Health protocols, similar to those used to respond to previous incidents of pandemic influenza, SARS and MERS, have been in place since January and are operating effectively.
The general public are advised to follow advice from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to protect their health.
Any person concerned that they may have symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) should immediately isolate themselves from others and phone their GP.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
The National Public Health Emergency Team case definition includes Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Iran and four regions in northern Italy (Lombardy, Veneto Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont) alongside mainland China.
- 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 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