Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on social distancing
Guidance on social distancing
Social distancing measures are steps you can take to reduce the social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19). They are:
- Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
- Work from home, where possible. Your employer should support you to do this. Please refer to the:
- Avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
- Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
- Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
- If you are out for a walk or exercise please remember to keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) between you and others
Protecting older people and vulnerable adults - please see:
See also:
A quick guide to safe shopping
No reported cases of COVID-19 have been linked to contaminated food. The main risk to shoppers is coming into contact with an infected person.
You are urged to wash your hands frequently, maintain good hygiene practices and minimise contact with people outside of your household.
This guide will help you to stay safe and protect others when shopping for essentials:
This guidance has been produced jointly by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), Environmental Health Association of Ireland (EHAI), and Irish Global Health Network (IGHN).
Please note that this guide is based upon current advice at the time of publication (31st March 2020).