To protect yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19), think about how the virus is spread.
Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. To infect you, it has to get from an infected person’s nose or mouth into your eyes, nose or mouth. This can be direct or indirect (on hands, objects, surfaces).
Keep this in mind. It will help you remember all the things you need to do to protect yourself and others from the virus.
Everyone should stay local to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
This means you should only travel within your own county. If you need to travel across a county border, you should stay within 20 kilometres (km) of your home.
You should:
You can:
Do not ignore or delay seeking medical treatment for abnormal signs or symptoms that you may be experiencing. Get medical help if you need it.
People at higher risk from coronavirus should take extra care to protect themselves
Read advice for people over 70 or at very high risk of coronavirus.
Social distancing is important to help slow the spread of coronavirus. It does this by minimising contact between potentially infected individuals and healthy individuals.
You should:
There is very little risk if you are just passing someone. But try to keep a distance of 2 metres as much as possible.
Follow social distancing advice everywhere outside the home. This includes your workplace.
If you are going back to your workplace, read information about returning to work safely.
Contact the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) by emailing wcu@hsa.ie or phoning 1890 289 389 if you are:
There is separate advice about:
Good hygiene and washing your hands properly and often will help to stop the spread of coronavirus. Follow this advice as strictly as possible and encourage others to do this too.
Wash your hands properly and often.
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.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Do not share objects that touch your mouth – for example, bottles, cups.
You should wash your hands:
Keep your hands in good condition. Moisturise them often. Any basic product that is not perfumed or coloured is OK.
Read advice on how to wash your hands properly.
Keep yourself and your visitors safe.
You should not visit someone else if you:
Always check with people before you visit them to make sure they are symptom-free and feeling well.
If visitors can keep 2 metres apart from you and each other, face coverings are not needed. If it’s not possible for people to keep 2 metres apart, everyone should wear a face covering.
Clean your hands regularly and invite your visitors to clean their hands when they arrive.
Do not wear disposable gloves instead of washing your hands. The virus gets on them in the same way it gets on your hands. Also, your hands can get contaminated when you take them off.
After your visitors leave it is good practice to clean surfaces they have been in contact with. Use your usual household cleaning agents and detergents.
You may be able to visit a very sick relative if they are in a:
Talk to the healthcare staff caring for them. They will decide if it is safe for you to visit.
If you are allowed to visit:
It can be distressing if you can’t visit your loved one. These restrictions are only in place to keep you, your loved one and healthcare staff safe. They will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.