There have been no further Coronavirus related deaths – but there has been 231 new cases, with 133 of them in Dublin.
“The picture nationally is stable, we are increasingly concerned about Dublin in particular,” said acting chief medical officer of the HSE Dr Ronan Glynn.
“Dublin is rising and whilst our national incidence is at about 32 per 100,000 at the moment Dublin is at 53 per 100,000 and rising.
“While there is a significant number of cases in Dublin today, it is important to look at the day’s figures in the context of our 7 and 14 day incidence rates.
“NPHET pays close attention to trends and patterns in the data over time in order to analyse the progression of COVID-19 both across the country and in particular areas or settings.”
“However, it is now really important that people in Dublin keep their social contacts as low as possible.
“It is also vitally important that if you feel unwell, you self-isolate immediately. Phone your GP without delay if you have a concern. Know the symptoms to pay close attention to – cough, shortness of breath, fever, loss of sense of taste or smell.
Of the cases notified today 133 in Dublin, 18 in Kildare, 13 in Limerick, 8 in Offaly, 7 in Galway, 7 in Wicklow, 6 in Meath, 6 in Cork, 5 in Donegal, 5 in Cavan, 5 in Waterford, and the remaining 18 cases in Carlow, Clare, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Sligo, and Tipperary.
Of today’s cases, 115 are men and 113 are women while 69% are under 45 years of age
48% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case with 54 cases have been identified as community transmission
The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
Meanwhile, Dr Glynn has urged health care workers not to report to work if they are feeling symptoms themselves.
“A significant issue I just wanted to raise is- I myself would have gone into work while symptomatic as a doctor. We all did it, we have all done it, regularly, but I would plead with people not to do that this winter.
“We simply cannot afford to have people going in to work this winter if there is any suggestion of Covid,” he said.
Explaining the reason for his warning he said: “We have seen an increase in cases of health care workers over the past week in particular, including across our acute hospital system so I would ask people to take particular care, particularly now as more pressure comes on the system as people are busier and as you are stressed. “
He said: “Take care of yourself but also please have a lower index for making ‘the call’ and saying ‘I can’t come in today’ if you do have symptoms.”
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