How you can protect yourself and the vulnerable around you

The coronavirus is spread by human contact. Therefore as a parent or carer of a patient, or an older person, properly washing your hands with soap and water or a hand rub for more than 20 seconds is still the best way to protect against it. So, make it a regular routine before mealtimes, when coming in from outdoors and before and after coming into contact with other people.

We all want to be near our family members and those we care for to comfort them during these stressful times. If we are not part of the same household and living together, it is recommended that we avoid non essential visits to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

If you do need to leave your house, avoid contact and maintain a safe distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from other people. Because the virus is carried and passed-on by people, social distancing is proven to reduce the spread of the virus.

You should check government guidelines daily to ensure you are up to date with the latest advice.

We tend to touch different surfaces throughout the day that may have the coronavirus on them. Once on our hands, the easiest way for it to enter our body is through our eyes, mouth or nose. We can’t avoid touching surfaces, but we can avoid touching our faces and limit the potential passage of the virus into our body.

That’s why it helps to have the most-touched surfaces disinfected – doorknobs, tabletops, mobile phones, remote controls, steering wheels, handrails etc.

Also try and avoid touching your face, it’s not easy but can be done if you pay attention to your gestures.

You should check government guidelines daily to ensure you are up to date with the latest advice.

Make sure you and the people around your loved one or patient all follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Then disposing of used tissues immediately and washing your hands.

Vulnerable groups, including children and adults with underlying health conditions, and older persons, who are showing early signs of the coronavirus, such as a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, should seek medical attention immediately by calling the NHS service on 111, but stay away from the hospital or pharmacy to avoid further spread of the disease. It is best to self-isolate and follow the directions of your local health authority.

You should continue to follow normal food safety guidelines. Wash your hands frequently, including before preparing food and before eating, in line with government advice, to limit the spread of coronavirus.

With the explosion of coverage on mass media and social media, it is very important for you to be aware of the correct information on the coronavirus outbreak and that there is fake news circulating which will only increase your anxiety. The most reliable and up-to-date information available is on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Seek advice from trustworthy, reliable sources for you and your loved ones.

For more information, please visit:

• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
• https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/