CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 26/3/2020

LETS NOT BECOME LIKE ITALY

This is serious & important. Right now it appears the island of Ireland has entered the beginning of the ‘surge phase’ of COVID 19 Infection.

It should be also known as a ‘Pneumonic Plague’ calling it a viral infection does not convey its potentially lethal nature.

This condition does not discriminate, it can kill the strong and the weak by causing pneumonia and respiratory failure. There is no specific cure. There is no vaccine. The best hope is PREVENTION. 

The Numbers 

14 days ago Italy recorded had 827 deaths. Today that total has increased to 7,503 - 9 fold increase.

Today the island on Ireland has recorded 16 deaths, a 4 fold increase in the past 4 days. If we follow the pattern of Italy in 14 days time - 8th April - a 9 fold increase would give a projected death toll of 9x16= 144 deaths in Ireland. This equates to 22 deaths per million of population.

Italy, which has not reached it peak of deaths yet, has a current death rate of 125 deaths per million of population.

If the Island of Ireland reached this death rate that would equate to 812 deaths before Ireland reached its peak, in probably 4 weeks time, with at least a similar number of deaths to follow.

I don’t want to scare anyone. Simply to highlight how IMPORTANT it is to strictly observing the physical distancing and social isolation measures. 

There are NO short cuts. 

Nobody is immune and only you can pass this type of Pneumonic Plague on even though you may feel well yourself.

Assume everyone you meet may have the virus and therefor could infect you or you them, even if there are no symptoms.

If you have symptoms of:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath

You MUST remain in your home in your room X 14 days. (see self isolation information link below)

All those who live with you must also remain indoors x 14 days. 

This means no going out to shops or for walks or work. There are NO short cuts. This is the only way to slow the spread of this type of Pneumonic Plague and reduce the number of people who get serious illness and die. 

Let’s all work together. We don’t want to become another Italy.

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Self Isolation Information sheet link is here

https://www.hpsc.ie/…/novelco…/guidance/selfisolationathome/

Call your GP if you become acutely ill.