KEEPING a physical distance of at least two metres from other people, washing hands regularly and getting plenty of fresh air in daylight hours are among the advice tips to help keep Covid-19 at bay, according to Professor of Public Health at UCD and former chairman of Horse Sport Ireland, Pat Wall.

On Thursday, national deaths in the Republic jumped by 10 to 19 people – the biggest daily rise in cases on the island, north and south, to date. The ‘curve’ of this disease is still rising so every precaution must be maintained by every person.

Professor Pat Wall said: “Assume everyone you meet could be positive and stay two metres away. It’s not social distancing, it’s physical distancing. You don’t have to be anti-social but you have to be sociable from a distance of two metres – that is the distance that aerosols might travel when somebody coughs or sneezes. The hand-washing and wiping is to deal with virus-laden droplets that contaminate people’s hands, surfaces near them and utensils.

“UV light may kill the virus so people are better off outdoors and fresh air dilutes it. Horses don’t get it. Most robust adults have a mild disease but could bring it home to a loved one in the risk groups (older people or those with an underlying health condition). We will all soon know somebody it has killed so be paranoid to keep older and vulnerable people safe,” Professor Wall told The Irish Field.

The current outbreak of coronavirus is unprecedented globally and nationally and some 80% of those affected by it will only experience a mild flu-like illness. The main signs are a continuous dry cough, shortness of breath and it may be accompanied by a high temperature.

Elderly people or those with an underlying health condition, as well as smokers, are at higher risk if they come into contact with coronavirus. The virus is spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing – droplet spread.

To limit it, keep washing your hands regularly as it survives on surfaces which can then become a source of infection. To keep it at bay from the elderly and vulnerable people, cocoon them from contact with others.

“Be paranoid to keep them safe,” warned Professor Wall.

See more advice tips on page 77 and keep up to date with the latest Covid-19 advice at www.hse.ie