Irish people were warned on Friday they may be at greater risk from another deadly bug - the serious lung infection Legionnaires’ disease.
The potentially fatal condition can infect people who inhale droplets of water from air conditioning or hot tubs.
Businesses and schools have been urged to protect the health of workers, the general public and pupils by taking the appropriate actions.
Sean Giffney of the Association of Plumbers and Heating Contractors Ireland (APCHI) said: “The APHCI warns employers to ensure back to work procedures include taking measures in advance of opening premises to employees and the public.
“Due to the current emergency situation, many non-essential businesses including hotels, bars, swimming pools, gyms and leisure facilities, retail outlets offices, dental clinics, factories, schools, colleges and training centres closed at short notice.
“It is vital that before employees return to work, these businesses take the correct actions and ensure that all systems in their buildings are thoroughly flushed, cleaned and disinfected.
“These systems include but are not limited to; heating, plumbing, drains, coolers, humidifiers, air-conditioning, fridges, catering equipment, garden hoses and sprinklers.
“Common risk points include bath, shower, basin and sink outlets, spas, hot tubs/whirlpool baths, but all systems should be risk accessed and dealt with appropriately.”
Legionnaires’ disease is uncommon but can be very severe - it is caused by the legionella bacteria.
Symptoms include breathlessness, severe chest pain and a high temperature and the condition can cause long term health problems.
