Update on Coronavirus / COVID-19 from CFI following Breaking News

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has announced that the following measures will come into effect from 6pm tonight, Thursday March 12th and will remain until Sunday, March 29th:

• Schools colleges and childcare facilities will close
• Indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled
• Where it is possible to work remotely, people should do so
• Public transport will remain operational
• Vulnerable and at risk groups in particular should limit social interaction

An Taoiseach said the public and businesses need to take a sensible approach.

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Summary Practical and General Information about Covid-19 (Coronavirus) from CFI

CFI reminds our patients of the need to regularly review the advice from the HSE and other relevant websites on the COVID-19/Coronovirus and nothing in this update constitutes health advice, which can only be provided by the competent health authorities and which changes regularly. 

• To find out more about Covid-19 (Coronavirus) visit the HSE website here
• For latest updates from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre visit here
• For travel advice visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website here

If you ave concerns about Covid-19 (Coronavirus) phone HSE Live on 1850 24 1850

General Information about CF and Coronovirus

‘Having cystic fibrosis (CF) does not make you more likely than anyone else to catch coronavirus (also referred to as COVID-19). At the moment we don’t know how infection with COVID-19 will affect people with cystic fibrosis. In those who are well it may be a mild illness, but those with significant chest problems are likely to be at risk of more severe illness. Everybody with CF is a unique individual and their circumstances will vary’.[1]

Practical Information consistent with HSE Advice

• Look after yourself and keep up with your usual treatments. 
• Attend hospital appointments unless advised otherwise by your hospital
• Phone your CF hospital centre if you have any health concern
• Phone your CF hospital centre in advance of an appointment and ask direct questions if you have any concerns
• Make sure you are up to date with repeat prescriptions
• Regular hand washing is the most effective thing that you can do to decrease your risk of infection. Wash your hands regularly and in particular after being in public places. Avoid touching any surfaces that are touched regularly, such as door handles and handrails and try to avoid touching your face as much as possible.
• Wearing a surgical or cloth mask will not protect you from infection. It will only help protect others from being infected if you already have COVID-19 and are coughing and sneezing.
• Masks for hospital visits will be provided by hospitals on request
• Avoid close contact with anyone with respiratory symptoms
• Avoid places where there is likely to be an increased risk of exposure such as crowds, especially in poorly ventilated areas
• Make sure you have been fully vaccinated against other preventable infections, including the influenza vaccination
• Avoid international travel, non-essential air travel and cruise travel
• If you are employed, we recommend contacting your employer to consider what reasonable adjustments can be made to your working conditions to help protect you. Your local CF centre may be able to provide advice and support for this.