There has been a lot of talk in the media recently about the Coronavirus (Covid 19).
What is the Coronavirus?
The Coronavirus is a virus which has spread throughout the world over the past few weeks / months.
What can we do?
There are lots of things we can do to keep ourselves safe over the coming days and weeks.
- We should wash our hands with soap often
- If we need to cough or sneeze, we should do so into a tissue and then put the tissue in the bin
- If we are feeling unwell, we should let our parents / caregivers know and we should try to limit our contact with others
- If we need a doctor, we should get somebody to phone them for us and not go to the doctors' surgery
If I am asked to self isolate
- To self-isolate means to stay at home and not have much contact with others
- Lots of people are helping out people who are self-isolating
Schools closed
The Irish Government and health officials are sharing advice on how best we can help to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy.
They have decided that all schools, colleges and childcare facilities in Ireland should close until March 29th.
This is part of new measures announced to help slow the spread of the virus. Slowing the spread allows hospitals the time to look after people with the virus.
To date, children do not appear to have been particularly affected by the virus but it is possible that they could pick up symptoms and pass them onto someone who is vulnerable.
Support is available
If you would like to talk about your thoughts and feelings around the virus, you can contact Childline for free by calling 1800 66 66 66, chatting online at Childline.ie or texting to 50101 24 hours a day, every day.
HSE
Click on the link above for information from the HSE.
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