The novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new disease in the human population, more information is becoming available every day as doctors and scientists study the virus and how it affects people. Updates on the global situation regarding 2019-nCoV are available on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website, HSE website.

CFI will be issuing regular updates on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

This is the first update and draws your attention to the HSE’s 'Frequently Asked Questions’ issued 25 February 2020 and the websites we would advise that our members check on a regular basis. As the status/threat of the virus increases or recedes we will keep you updated on further health alerts and advice. 

What is a Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that circulate among animals including camels, cats and bats. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning that they can be transmitted (spread) from animals to humans. Coronaviruses cause illness in humans ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory (lung) diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). 

A novel (new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. This virus is called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease that it causes is called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The first cases of COVID-19 were identified in people working in a seafood and live animal market (Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market) in Wuhan. It is thought that humans picked up the virus from animals at the market.

Outbreaks of novel viral infections among people are always of public health concern, especially when little is known about the virus, how it spreads between people, how severe the resulting diseases are and how to treat them.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 can spread from person to person, usually after close contact with a person infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), for example in a household, healthcare facility or workplace. The virus can be spread either:

• directly, through contact with an infected person’s body fluids (e.g. droplets from coughing or sneezing)
  or
• indirectly, through contact with surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on and which are, therefore, contaminated with the virus. It is still not known how long the virus survives on surfaces, although current information suggests the virus may survive a few hours. Simple household disinfectants can kill the virus. Surfaces should be cleaned first and then disinfected.

Current information suggests that COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person. While people are most likely to pass on the infection when they have symptoms, there are some indications that people may be able to spread the virus before they develop symptoms.

One of the best ways to prevent person to person spread of infectious disease, including COVID-19, is to use proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19?

You should always practice good hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene. Hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene are a series of actions to take which are designed to reduce the spread of
infectious diseases, including COVID-19, to yourself and others.These actions include regular handwashing and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or the bend of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

Hand hygiene:

Wash your hands regularly. You should wash your hands:

• after coughing or sneezing
• before, during and after you prepare food
• before eating
•  after using the toilet when caring for the sick
• when hands are dirty
• after handling animals or animal waste

Wash your hands with soap and running water when hands are visibly dirty. If your hands are not visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand

Respiratory hygiene:

Cover your mouth and nose with a clean tissue when you cough and sneeze and then promptly dispose of the tissue in a bin and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue,
cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow instead, not into your hands.

Do I need to wear a facemask to protect me fromCOVID-19?

The WHO has produced guidance on the use of facemasks during the COVID-19 outbreak. For members of the general public in the community setting who are feeling well and do not have respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, fever, shortness of breath), facemasks are not recommended because there is no evidence that using masks in this setting is of any benefit in people who are not sick. In line with the WHO guidance, the HSE is not recommending use of facemasks for people in the community setting who are feeling well and do not have symptoms. The most important action that these people can take to protect themselves from COVID-19 is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene (see FAQ 8).

People who should use facemasks include:

• People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 People who are in close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
• Healthcare workers caring for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19