Coronavirus outbreaks are continuing to hit destinations around the world, with people testing positive for the virus in the likes of Thailand, Italy and Tenerife.
For Irish people who have holidays planned in the next few weeks, it's casting doubts as to whether those travel plans will go ahead.
And anyone who has recently returned from one of the affected regions and is showing symptoms of the disease is asked by the HSE to self-isolate.
But what exactly is self-isolating, and when do you need to do it?
When do you need to self-isolate?
The HSE says you only need to isolate yourself from other people if in the last 14 days you have:
- been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus
- recently been to one of the affected areas – and have developed symptoms of coronavirus
- recently been in a healthcare centre or hospital where patients with coronavirus were being treated
- and have developed symptoms of cornonavirus
- If you've been to an affected area in the last 14 days
- and have a cough, fever (high temperature), feel short of breath or have difficulty breathing
Additionally, health experts said that you cannot get coronavirus from packages or food that has come from China or elsewhere.
Importantly, anyone who suspects they have coronavirus should not go to their GP's surgery or hospital, but phone them first.
This is to prevent the possibility of accidentally putting other people at risk.
How does it spread?
You could get the virus if you:
- come into close contact with someone who has the virus and is coughing or sneezing
touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on
Therefore if you are planning to self-isolate, do what you can to stay home and avoid any human contact for the duration of the isolation.
When do you need to test for coronavirus?
A HSE spokesman said you will only need to be tested for coronavirus if you have symptoms and have in the last 14 days been:
- in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus
- to one of the affected areas
- in a healthcare centre or hospital where patients with coronavirus were being treated
If your doctor thinks that you need a test for coronavirus, they will tell you where the test will be done. They will also tell you when to expect your results.
It can take up to 14 days for the symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of the killer virus may include:
- a cough
- shortness of breath
- breathing difficulties
- fever (high temperature)
Coronavirus can also cause more severe illness including:
- pneumonia
- severe acute respiratory syndrome
- kidney failure
What to do if there's an outbreak during your holiday
If you're on holiday and the destination is hit by a coronavirus outbreak, you should check the DFA advice on your destination. Often they will advise that you follow rules from the local authorities.
You should also follow the WHO's advice on how to protect yourself from the virus.
If you decide to travel back earlier than planned, you're unlikely to get compensation - however, it's worth checking your travel insurance policy, or getting in touch with your provider to find out if you are covered for the exceptional circumstance.
