There have been now new Coronavirus death reported today – meaning 1,772 is the death toll in Ireland still.
While there has been a total of 57 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.
That means there is now a total of 26,768 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Of the 57 new cases announced today, none of them are in Laois.
Of the cases notified today; 29 are men and 28 are women.
70% are under 45 years of age. 31 are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.
8 cases have been identified as community transmission. 19 cases are located in Kildare, 11 in Dublin, 10 in Offaly, 7 in Limerick, and the rest of the cases are in Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry and Wicklow.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “People in Ireland coming together to support one another against COVID-19 has been the cornerstone of the national effort to date.
“While people in Kildare, Laois and Offaly are being asked to reduce their movements and social interactions, and some businesses are being asked to curtail their services, it is important that we remember that everyone across the country has a role to play in minimising the spread of this disease in our communities.”
Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, said, “From today, you are asked to wear face coverings in a variety of indoor commercial settings such as shops, supermarkets, libraries, museums, cinemas and theatres.
“Remember to clean your hands before you put on your face covering, and hold it by the ear loops. Ensure it sits snugly over your nose and mouth.
“When you remove it, place it in a Ziploc bag and then when you get home, put it in a 60 degree wash. Try to avoid touching the front of your face covering when wearing it.”
“Every small, daily action we take, such as wearing a face covering in the shop, is an act of solidarity with healthcare workers who have been at the frontline of this public health crisis since its outset.”
Dr Siobhán Ní Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and Integrated Care Lead, HSE, said, “It is important to remember that all the safe behaviours we are asked to adopt are designed to protect the most vulnerable groups in society from catching this very dangerous disease.
“COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities, and by avoiding crowded places, keeping our social contacts to a minimum and socially distancing from one another, we are helping to break chains of transmission that could lead to an older person or a vulnerable person catching this infection.”
Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for getting COVID-19:
- Distance – the risk of getting COVID-19 increases as the distance between you and others gets smaller. Keep 2 metres apart where possible
- Activity – How you spend time with people and what you do with them can increase your risk. Follow the government’s Stay Safe Guidelines when spending time with others
- Time – The more time you spend in close contact with other people can increase your risk of getting COVID-19. Keep track of who you spend time with and how
- Environment – Being outdoors is safer than being indoors. Where possible, meet with others outdoors. If this is not possible, keep windows and doors open when meeting others inside
- Symptoms – Know the symptoms. If you have them self-isolate and contact your GP immediately
Public Health Advice for all citizens available here:
Know the symptoms of COVID-19
- a fever (high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- a cough – this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- flu like symptoms
SEE ALSO – Portlaoise Hospital worker tests positive for Covid-19
