COVID-19: Information for OTC Students and Associates
If you are an OTC Student
If you are a student on any OTC course, you will receive updated information by email regularly. This information is informed by the public health information provided by the HSE and the Department of Health. If you feel unwell (with any of the COVID-19 symptoms) and believe you may have had exposure to the COVID-19 virus, you should contact your GP by phone and follow their advice on what to do next. You can also contact the HSE helpline on 1850 241850 (8am - 8pm weekdays and 9am - 5pm weekends).
Please advise the Course Director by email/phone if you are unable to continue with your course work.
If you are an OTC Associate staff member
If you are a member of staff on any OTC programme, you will also receive updated information by email on a regular basis. This information is informed by the public health information provided by the HSE and the Department of Health. If you feel unwell (with any of the COVID-19 symptoms) and believe you may have been in contact with the COVID-19 virus, you should contact your GP by phone and follow their advice on what to do next. You can also contact the HSE helpline on 1850 241850 (8am - 8pm weekdays and 9am - 5pm weekends).
Please advise the Course Director by email/phone if you are unable to work at any stage so that we can make alternative arrangements.
Help to prevent the spread of COVID-19
To help prevent the spread of the virus in Ireland, everyone is asked to observe the ‘Cover-Up’ coughing and sneezing etiquette, and to remember to thoroughly and regularly wash your hands/use hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face. You can find the latest updated information from the HSE, including detailed Frequently Asked Questions at: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/
Symptoms of COVID-19 infection can include any of the following:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
If you have had exposure to contact with the virus and have any of these symptoms, please isolate yourself immediately from others and make contact with your GP or the HSE helpline. Do not attend any location in person.
If the medical advice is to isolate yourself, please follow this advice by limiting social interactions as far as possible and remain contactable by phone by the Department of Public Health.
Please note: other members of your household who have not had direct exposure to the infection do not need to restrict their activities.
Travel
In light of recent confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Italy, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised people not to travel to Italy. Travellers to Italy are advised to monitor developments regularly and to register on the TravelWise App with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Twitter handle: @dfatravelwise.
If you have been travelling and have returned to Ireland
If you have not come from an infected area, or have not been in contact with a person with COVID-19, or have not attended a healthcare facility where patients with COVID-19 are being treated, then no specific measures are needed.
If within the last 14 days, you have returned from an infected area OR have been in contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 OR have attended a healthcare facility where patients with COVID-19 are being treated, you are asked to make contact with your local Department of Public Health by phone on 01 6352145 for further advice. Alternatively contact the HSE helpline on 1850 241850 (8am - 8pm weekdays and 9am - 5pm weekends).
Further information:
You can keep up to date with latest news via the Health Protection Surveillance Centre website, particularly their FAQ section:
https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/
Advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs:
https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/Italy/
Advice from the DES:
The College is reviewing the situation on a daily basis and will communicate with you through e-mail with updates. Please check your e-mail at least once each day.