There has been a total of 442 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.
That means that there is now a total of 36,597 cases notified in Ireland.
Of these, 170 cases are in Dublin, 47 in Cork, 28 in Donegal, 23 in Meath, 21 in Galway, 20 in Monaghan, 14 in Clare, 12 in Roscommon, 11 in Laois, 11 in Longford, 10 in Cavan, 10 in Limerick, 10 in Tipperary, 9 in Kildare, 8 in Wicklow, 5 in Louth and 5 in Wexford with the remaining 28 cases in 9 counties.
69 cases have been identified as community transmission.
Sadly, there has been four further deaths – meaning 1,806 is the death toll. Two of the previous deaths have been denotified and the new figure reflects this.
Dr Tony Holohan to return
The Department of Health has confirmed that Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan will return to work next Monday, 5 October.
He took temporary leave in July to deal with personal family circumstances.
Dr Ronan Glynn has been Acting Chief Medical Officer since Dr Holohan stepped aside.
Dr Holohan said that he was “taking time out” from his work commitments to be with his family.
His wife Emer, who has a form of blood cancer, has been admitted to palliative care.
NPHET recommend changes
NPHET has recommended to Government that a maximum of six people from a single household should be allowed visit another home nationwide.
This rule currently applies in Dublin and Donegal, which are on Level 3 restrictions, but up until now six people from three households could visit another home in other counties, which are on Level 2.
NPHET has also recommended that no counties are to see a change in their restrictions level this week, meaning no other counties will be elevated to Level 3.
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