Irish College of General Practitioners welcomes Government’s roadmap for managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

General Practitioners express concern about increase in cases and public urged to meet less people and reduce social contacts.

GPs urge parents to self-isolate if child develops symptoms.

The Irish College of General Practitioners, the training, education & professional body for GPs in Ireland, has urged the public to reduce social contacts to help keep the COVID-19 virus out of hospitals, nursing homes and workplaces.

The ICGP’s Clinical Lead on COVID-19, Dr Nuala O’Connor, said: “Cases are rising, especially in Dublin and that is a worrying trend. We are asking people to limit their social contacts – we are asking people to live their lives – just differently.”

“Dublin numbers have increased ten-fold in the past two months. If this continues, we won’t be able to continue to protect our older population and those who are medically vulnerable who run the risk of a more severe course and higher risk of dying from COVID-19. 

We will struggle to keep the virus out of hospitals, nursing homes, or direct provision centres or workplaces. We want our schools and colleges to stay open .We don’t want to return to the situation in March, but we now know the most effective way to beat the virus and keep the numbers down.”

She continued “Please remember the essential advice – wash your hands, maintain a two-metre distance, wear a mask on public transport and indoor public spaces . Do welcome people into your home but only 6 from one household in Dublin and 6 from 3 households in all outer counties.” 

“If you or your child have developed  any symptoms of COVID-19 the most important thing is self-isolate and stay away from work , school or creche. Please phone your  GP for free referral for a COVID test but please be patient as the phone lines are very busy.There is a lot of information on www.hse.ie

GPs are busy but do have the capacity to deal with calls and arrange tests if necessary. People are particularly urged not to ignore the non-COVID-19 illnesses – such as possible cancers, diabetes or other chronic illnesses.

Dr Mary Favier, ICGP COVID-19 Adviser said:. “This framework for the next six months will help GPs and the health services to plan and protect our vulnerable. We urge people to be as vigilant as possible. The vast majority of people with symptoms of an infection do not have COVID-19 but testing is vital to help individuals and families keep the schools and the economy open.”ENDS