1,730 people have now died from Coronavirus in Ireland – with no new deaths reported today.
While there has been a total of 24 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.
That means there is now a total of 25,462 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “We are starting to see a worrying trend, with the number of reported cases increasing, and some new clusters.
“As restrictions are lifted and people move about more, it’s important that we use the tools that have helped us suppress the virus to date.
“Hand washing, physical distancing, cough/sneeze hygiene and wearing face coverings are important personal behaviours that mean, as we go about our daily lives, that we are doing everything we can to avoid contracting the virus and spreading it to those we love.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Today we are reporting at least six cases associated with international travel.
“Many countries around the world are still experiencing high and increasing levels of this disease. Last week, there were over 1.1 million cases reported and there have now been over 10 million cases reported globally to date.
“The risk of imported cases remains high. It’s important that continue to avoid all unnecessary travel at this time.”
Dr Siobhán Kennelly, HSE National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Older Persons said: “Many restrictions have now been lifted and people are getting out more, including those who are over 70 or medically vulnerable.
“Socialising is important for your mental and physical wellbeing, but it’s important that you are safe while doing so.
“Wear a face covering, know the symptoms of COVID-19 and contact your GP straight away if you feel unwell.”
Siobhán Killeen, Dublin GAA footballer said “The aftereffects of this disease are very serious, even for those who are fit and healthy.
“I was in very good health, but it was a very tough battle. I, probably like many others, was naïve in thinking that my age and health would protect me from a very infectious disease.”
Face coverings
A consultant in Infectious Diseases has said if wearing face masks becomes compulsory in Ireland, then it needs to be enforced rapidly.
Professor Paddy Mallon said there needs to be visible enforcement of the rule on public transport and this needs to be brought in as soon as possible.
He said: “This virus moves very quickly and all you need is one person going into a crowded environment to cause a lot of onward transmission.”
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.
