As we approach Christmas week, we are in for a very different holiday season this year than last.
However, Covid still hasn't gone away. In the week ending December 6, there were nearly 2,000 positive cases recorded by PCR testing in Ireland, and nearly a further 4,000 positive antigen tests, according to the HPSC data.
But with many people now unsure of the current guidance around Covid, what are you supposed to do if you catch the virus this party season?
Here's the official HSE guidance for what you should do if you test positive for Covid:
Advice for adults if they test positive for Covid
People who test positive Covid-19 should self-isolate in their room for 7 days, either from when they start showing symptoms of the virus or get a positive antigen test result.
If you must be around other people you should wear a medical grade or respirator face mask, and you should also report your positive test result.
Once seven days of self-isolation is up, and if your symptoms are fully or mostly gone for the last 48 hours, you can stop self-isolating.
However, people are advised to take extra care for another 3 days as they may still be able to pass on the virus.
They should; limit close contact with other people outside your household, wear a face covering, avoid contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and work from home unless it is essential to go to work in person.
Advice for parents if their children catch Covid
Children should follow separate advice on self-isolation than adults.
If your child has symptoms of Covid-19, they need to isolate from other people and stay at home until 48 hours after their symptoms are mostly or fully gone.
However, if your child tests positive for Covid-19 and has symptoms, they need to stay in isolation until:
- they have not had a high temperature (38C or over) or other symptoms for 48 hours
- it has been 7 days since they first developed symptoms
Children can stop isolating after 7 days if they only have a mild cough or changes to their sense of smell – these can last for weeks after the infection has gone.
Parents have been told they can send their child to school with a runny nose or sneezing as long as they:
- have no other symptoms
- do not have a fever
- are otherwise well
But if your child has a runny nose and feels unwell or is off form, they should stay at home.
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