Brian O'Driscoll has joined the chorus of people all over the country to ensure that social distancing is maintained to ensure the hemming in of the coronavirus pandemic.

O'Driscoll took to Twitter in an impassioned plea to people all over the world and warned that Ireland may end up in a similar position to Italy - the country with the most deaths from the novel virus.

"We have got to get to grips with this social distancing or else we’re going to end up like Italy," said O'Driscoll in a tweet on Saturday night.

The responsibility is of course with everyone but so many reports of younger generations still socializing.

"We ALL need to understand the consequences. PLEASE listen to the experts."

We’ve got to get to grips with this social distancing or else we’re going to end up like Italy. The responsibility is of course with everyone but so many reports of younger generations still socializing. We ALL need to understand the consequences. PLEASE listen to the experts.

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) March 21, 2020

HSE guidelines

Here are the HSE guidelines for understanding the symptoms and impact of coronavirus:

Symptoms of coronavirus

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.

The main symptoms to look out for are:

• a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
• shortness of breath
• breathing difficulties
• fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) or chills

If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.

For people who get infected with coronavirus

• 80% will have mild illness and make a full recovery within a few weeks
• 14% will have a more severe illness
• 6% will have a critical illness

Read more about the symptoms and causes of coronavirus

Protect yourself and others from coronavirus

Coronavirus is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. To infect you, it has to get from an infected person's nose or mouth into your eyes, nose or mouth.

It’s important to wash your hands properly and often.

Follow this advice to protect yourself and others from coronavirus

Restricted movements and self-isolation

To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) you may need to either restrict your movements or self-isolate.

Restricted movements means avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible. You will need to do this if you are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus and you are still well.

Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. You will need to do this if you have symptoms of coronavirus.

Read more about restricted movements and self-isolation

Testing

Only people who have symptoms of coronavirus will be tested for the virus.

If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate until you can be tested. The people in your household will need to restrict their movements.

You will either have your test at a community test centre or in your home.

Read more about testing for coronavirus

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. But many of the symptoms of coronavirus can be treated at home. Take any medication you are already takingas usual, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional.

Most people who catch coronavirus will experience mild symptoms. They should make a full recovery without needing to go to hospital.

If your symptoms get worse and you feel very unwell you may need to go to hospital.

Read more about treatment for coronavirus

At-risk groups and coronavirus

There are some groups of people who may be more at risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus. But we do not think these groups have a higher risk of catching coronavirus. This is similar to other infections such as flu.

Read more about at-risk groups and coronavirus

Pregnancy and coronavirus

When you are pregnant, your body naturally weakens your immune system. This is to help your pregnancy continue successfully. It means that when you are pregnant you may pick up infections more easily.

All pregnant women should get the flu vaccine. This will protect you and your baby from the flu, not from coronavirus.

Read more about pregnancy and coronavirus

Children and coronavirus

Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly and properly.

Follow this advice to prevent your child from catching or spreading viral infections.

Read this for information on how to care for a child in self-isolation.

Travel and coronavirus

You will need to restrict your movements if you return to Ireland from any country.

You should also follow the advice from the Department of Foreign affairs if you are thinking about travelling abroad.

Find out more about travel and coronavirus

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.