There have been two new Coronavirus deaths reported today – meaning 1,775 is the death toll in Ireland.
Two previously notified deaths have been denotified meaning the total figure remains unchanged.
While there has been a total of 54 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.
Once again, the Department has not provided exact figures for Laois.
19 of the cases are in Dublin, 8 in Kildare, 5 in Tipperary and the rest of the cases are in Carlow, Clare, Donegal, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Waterford and Wexford.
24 are men and 29 are women. 67% are under 45 years of age
while 27 are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.
8 cases have been identified as community transmission
There is now a total of 27,547 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “To save lives and suppress this virus we need everyone to reduce the number of people they meet over the next three weeks. A collective effort by households and by employers and organisations can make a huge impact on community transmission, and help to protect our families and communities from COVID-19.
“You can still play sport, go to a restaurant and meet friends, but we are asking you to do this in as safe a way as possible. Specifically focus on two numbers – 6 and 15. Do not have more than 6 people over to your house and garden, and outside, no more than 15 people should meet up, and even then you should remain socially distanced from one another.”
Cinemas, galleries and theatres can continue to operate with 50 people
The Department of Arts has confirmed that cinemas, galleries and theatres can continue to operate with 50 people indoors and 200 outdoors, as long as appropriate measures, including physical distancing, are in place.
Following the announcement last night of new restrictions to stop the spread of Covid-19, many arts bodies expressed concern that their audiences would be limited to six indoors.
However, the Department confirmed in a statement that businesses and services such as cinemas, galleries, theatres etc are deemed to be ‘controlled environments’, and that they can continue to operate under the previous limits as long as appropriate physical distancing can continue to be maintained.
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 – Laois golf club closes due to Coronavirus case
