The WIT student health centre on the main campus is closed in this period. If you need to see a GP, please phone the Rowe Creavin practice, Health Park on 051 370057 for an appointment. Please note that walk in clinics are postponed until further notice and all consultations will be by appointment only.

If you have respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, fever), phone 051 370057. They will get one of their healthcare team to talk to you and arrange appropriate care.

You can contact the Institute Nurse by phone on 051 845671/051 302863 during office hours or email [email protected]

HSE information

Please stay informed on this emerging threat to public health by visiting the HSE website

Phone HSELive 1850 24 1850

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory illness. It has not previously been seen in humans. This type of coronavirus is also known as SARS-CoV-2. It was previously known as 2019-nCov or novel coronavirus.

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) to appear. They can be similar to the symptoms of cold and flu.

Common symptoms of coronavirus include:

• a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)

• a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry

• shortness of breath or breathing difficulties

• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Please check the HSE website for the most up-to-date information.

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. 

You could get the virus if you:

• Come in 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 and you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and frequently. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if washing facilities are not available.

• Avoid unnecessary close contact with people showing symptoms such as coughing or sneezing

• Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands

• Covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Make sure children and others in your care follow this advice.

Yes. Public health advice now recommends that a face covering should be worn in situations where it is difficult to practice social distancing. For example, in shops and on public transport.

Face coverings help prevent people who do not know they have the virus from spreading it to others. If you wear one, you should still do the important things necessary to prevent the spread of the virus.

These include:

• social distancing

• covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze

• washing your hands properly and often

• not touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

When to wear one

Wear a cloth face covering:

• when staying 2 metres apart from people is difficult - for example, in shops, shopping centres or public transport

• when visiting anyone who is more at risk from coronavirus - such as people aged 70 or over or people who are medically vulnerable

• in an enclosed indoor space with other people

For further information on how to wear face masks appropriatelyvisit the HSE website.

The HSE provides the most up to date information on restricted movement and self-isolation. See the HSE webpage. 

If you develop symptoms

If you suddenly develop symptoms (listed below) and there is no other obvious cause, you should self-isolate to stop the spread of coronavirus. Phone your GP to discuss your symptoms and whether you need a test for coronavirus.

• fever

• cough

• shortness of breath

• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

If you have been identified as a close contact

If you are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus, you will be phoned by the contact tracing team. They will arrange a test for you. You will be tested even if you do not have symptoms.

GP assessment

• Your test and GP assessment will be free of charge.

• Phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone.

• If you don't have a GP, any GP can arrange a test for you.

• If you are WIT student you can contact the Rowe Creavin practice, Healthpark, 051 370057 surgery hours 09.00-5.00pm

• The GP out-of-hours services CAREDOC 1850 334 999 can also arrange testing. (Monday – Friday after 6p.m and weekends)

For further information on testing please check for up to date information on the HSE website.