COVID-19

Covid 19 Information

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The COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat to global public health and notwithstanding recent progress in respect of the roll out of vaccines, the situation continues to be closely monitored and managed by each country including Ireland. Variant strains of the virus now in circulation have presented additional concern in the fight against the virus and reinforced the need for compliance with public health measures; please see guidance in respect of the COVID-19 variants of concern from the HPSC (Health Protection Surveillance Centre).

Progress continues to be made in the roll out of the vaccination programme to suppress new case numbers particularly in the elderly and medically vulnerable demographic groups. The Government has continued to ease the restrictions and re-open society in line with progress being made with the vaccine roll out and other indices. Government has published guidance for the next few months in accordance with its plan for living with COVID-19, COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 - The Path Ahead.

Remember COVID has not gone away, continue to comply with public health infection control measures whether you have been vaccinated or not.

Minding your Mental Health

AGS recognises that this is a challenging time for all as we strive to continue to keep our people and communities safe. While we continue to follow the guidance to stay safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is also important that we keep our mental wellbeing in mind.

Advice and tips from the Department of Health on looking after your mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Keep an eye out for COVID-19 symptoms

    Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

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

    You may not have all of these symptoms. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show. They can be similar to symptoms of cold and flu. 

    An early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and avoid spreading the virus, if you have it. 

    If you have symptoms, do not attend a vaccination appointment if you have one scheduled. You can call HSE Live on 1850 24 1850 to request a new appointment date. 

    Read more at HSE Coronavirus

    COVID-19 explainer: Close contact vs casual contact

    Close contact can mean:

    • Spending more than 15 minutes of face-to-face contact within 2 metres of someone who has COVID-19, indoors or outdoors
    • Living in the same house or shared accommodation as someone who has COVID-19
    • Sitting within 2 seats of someone who has COVID-19 on public transport or an airplane.

    If you are a close contact you need to get tested for COVID-19 and restrict your movements. 

    You may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, but you do not meet the definition to be a close contact. This is a casual contact. 

    If you're a casual contact, you do not need to restrict your movements. Continue to follow the advice on how to protect yourself and others. If you're a casual contact, you do not need to be tested.