In a continuation of the now nightly upward trend, 302 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.
This is an increase on the 1,819 cases from yesterday and takes the overall total to 2,121.
While now 22 people have died from the disease – an increase of three from yesterday.
This comes on the same day that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar warned he feared 1,000 people would die by the end of the crisis.
He warned that intensive care units may be at capacity “within a few days”.
In Laois, there has been an increase in cases as we now have 10.
He said he was concerned about admission rates to intensive care and said there was an unprecedented effort being made by the health services.
Latest Data – Wednesday March 25
Today’s data from HPSC, as of midnight, Wednesday 25th March (1,639 cases), reveals:
· 54% are male and 46% are female, with 79 clusters involving 317 cases
· The median age of confirmed cases is 46 years
· 419 cases (26%) have been hospitalised
· Of those hospitalised, 59 cases have been admitted to ICU
· 375 cases (23%) are associated with healthcare workers
· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 922, (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 171 cases (10%)
· Of those for whom transmission status is known; community transmission accounts for 52%, close contact accounts for 22%, travel abroad accounts for 26%
Department of Health’s COVID-19 Information Dashboard; providing latest case information.
Links to today’s other Coronavirus stories
Doctor in Portlaoise Hospital explains what it is like working in the Coronavirus outbreak
‘Gaisce at Home’ encourages young people in Laois to get involved
Prisoner visits suspended due to Coronavirus outbreak
Northern Ireland, the UK and globally
There have been three more deaths as a result of coronavirus in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of those who died there to 13.
A further 34 people have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 275.
Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people across Northern Ireland to stay at home this weekend. In a statement Mr Swann said the weather was due to be good for the next few days, and urged people “to resist the temptation to head out and socialise”.
On the day that Boris Johnson and Matt Hanock tested positive for the virus in the UK, there are now 14,543 cases with 759 deaths – an extra 181 people passed away today.
The death toll in Spain has jumped to over 4,800 after 769 people died in 24 hours, in what was a record one-day figure for fatalities, the government said.
The number of deaths related to Covid-19 in New York has risen to 519, from 385 a day ago. The number of confirmed cases are up from 37,258 to 44,635, Governor Andrew Cuomo said. New York state hospitalisations are now doubling every four days, compared with every three days last week.
There are now more than 566,000 cases globally with at least one in almost every country on the planet. Almost 26,000 people have died. While 129,000 have recovered.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
The new global platform, covidmedsupply.org, allows local organisations, such as industry, business, universities, and laboratories, who may have PPE stock in supply to list the categories of what they have on inventory of PPEs.
These can be gloves, gowns, goggles etc and they are attached with contact details and then a map pin is dropped to show their geographic location.
If a COVID19 surge occurs in their geographic area, for example Cairo, Cork or Calgary, then the local hospital or clinic can simply click on the map of their surroundings and see what emergency PPE/Medical stock is in the vicinity and access it quickly.
China bans foreigners
China has reported more than 50 imported cases of the Coronavirus, hours after announcing a ban on foreigners entering the country.
In recent weeks China’s tally of infections has dwindled dramatically, with only a handful of domestic patients each day.
Coronavirus Myths
As yet, there is no cure currently for COVID-19.
So people suggesting/selling special remedies like vitamin C, garlic, home cures, drinking bleach, or putting half an onion in rooms around the house are – well you know don’t you?
The World Health Organisation has advice on some of these urban legends.
Cuisle Centre
The Coronavirus outbreak has led to the Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise closing.
They said: “The Covid-19 restrictions mean that we have had to temporarily close our doors, but we are still here to support you and your family.
“As we know this is a confusing time for our patients as chemotherapy and surgery are been rescheduled – we will be continuing to give you support and guidance over the phone.
“Just call 0578681492 and leave your name, number and a brief message and we will get back to you. You can also contact us on email: info@cuislecancersupportcentre.ie or messenger us through facebook.
“Stay safe everyone, wash your hands and take a little exercise.”
Important information
Symptoms of Covid-19 include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Breathing difficulties.
Further resources:
- The HSE: Official advice on the coronavirus in Ireland. This is being updated based on the number of confirmed cases and how the virus spreads in Ireland.
- The Department of Foreign Affairs: Official advice on where to avoid travelling to. Also a resource for those who are abroad.
- The World Health Organization (WHO): The UN agency on global public health publishes statements and daily situation reports based on the latest data.
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): The EU agency on the number of cases, deaths and how it’s spreading in Europe.
- The Johns Hopkins University map: A heat map of the confirmed cases across the world.
A helpline for older people who are concerned about the coronavirus has been launched by Alone. The number is 0818 222 024, and it’s open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm.
SEE ALSO – For more Coronavirus stories click here
