What is COVID-19? Who is at risk?

COVID-19 is a new illness caused by a virus called coronavirus.

It can affect your lungs and airways.
It is spread through droplets from the nose and mouth- example by talking loud,
singing, shouting, coughing or sneezing. Droplets containing the virus can also fall
onto surfaces. If you touch that surface and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth,
you could also become infected.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) can affect anybody.
For some people however, the risk is much higher.
There are 2 levels of higher risk:
• high risk
• very high risk 
COVID-19 Symptoms
If you have any common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), self-isolate and
phone your GP straight away (or out of hours GP service- evenings/weekends) to 
get referred for a coronavirus test
Common symptoms of coronavirus include:
• Fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
• Cough - any type of cough, not just dry
• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
• Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste 
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPfiM42MRzc
Simple steps
that can
slow the
virus down
https://youtu.be/
1jZoWIWsEU8
Face Coverings
By law, you have to wear a face covering:
• on public transport
• in shops, shopping centres and some other indoor
settings
You should also wear a face covering:
• when staying 2 metres apart from people is difficult
• in a healthcare setting - this includes hospitals, GP
surgeries, care settings, nursing homes and dental
practices
• when visiting anyone who is more at risk from
coronavirus - such as people aged 70 or over or
people who are medically vulnerable
• Some people do not have to wear face coverings 
• Who should not wear one
Face Covering Guidelines
A cloth face covering should cover the nose and
mouth and go under the chin:
• fit snugly but comfortably against the side of
the face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• include at least 2 layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
How to wash one
• Wash daily in a hot wash at 60 degrees with
detergent
• You do not need to sterilise face coverings.
Wash it in a washing machine or by hand as you
would any other item of clothing
• Wash your hands before and after use
Video: https://youtu.be/OBR0udoIaiY
 Disposable Face Masks
These masks are single use only

Putting On
• Wash or sanitise your hands to avoid contamination
• Cover your nose and mouth with the mask and
pinch the metal strip to secure it over the bridge of
your nose
• Position the ear loops around your ears and ensure
the mask covers the nose, mouth and entire chin 
Taking Off
• Do not touch the outside of the mask while
removing it as it may be contaminated
• Remove the mask by the ear loops.
• Place the mask in a bin after removal
• Wash or sanitise your hands after removing the
mask
Wash your hands well and often to avoid contamination

How to wash your hands

https://youtu.be/IsgLivAD2FE
Watch your distance - Maintain the 2 metre rule
Get Vaccinated!
Common questions
What should I do if I have been in close contact/live with someone with COVID-19?
• Watch for symptoms until 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. It
is best to avoid travel until a full 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-
19. Isolate immediately and get tested. Continue to stay home until you know the results.
Is there a vaccine to prevent COVID-19?
• There are available vaccine to protect against COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Will antibiotics help if I get COVID-19?

• No. COVID-19 is a viral illness. Antibiotics do not work on viral illnesses.

Can COVID-19 be sexually transmitted?

• COVID-19 is not a sexually transmitted infection, however, it can be passed on through kissing and
close contact, including having sex. Avoid sexual activity and especially kissing if you or your partner
has symptoms of coronavirus, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or loss of smell or taste.
Reliable Information COVID-19
Always use reputable websites for information on COVID-19
Visit the HSE, HPSC and GOV.ie websites
• HSE: https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
• HPSC: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/
• Gov.ie: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/