The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of three additional deaths related to COVID-19.
There has been a total of 1,838 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
As of midnight Wednesday 14th October the HPSC has been notified of 1,205 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Of these: 288 are in Dublin, 173 in Cork, 123 in Meath, 97 in Galway and 63 in Cavan. The remaining 461 spread across all remaining counties.
32 of today’s cases are in Laois.
There are now 241 patients in hospital with 29 in ICU. There have been 24 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
There is now a total of 45,382 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “There has been further increases across all key indicators of COVID-19 and the growth rate of the epidemic has accelerated since NPHET last met.
“Cases notified over the past week have increased by 82% compared with the previous 7 days, from 3,514 to 6,382 cases.
“The positivity rate over the past 7 days is now 6.2% and is continuing to increase.”
“The 14-day incidence in those aged 65 years and older has increased from 92.9 per 100,000 population on 7th October to 125 per 100,000 population on the 14th of October.
“The number of hospitalisations are increasing faster than the exponential growth modelling predicted. This indicates a rapidly deteriorating disease trajectory nationally.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “There is now a deteriorating epidemiological landscape across the EU. Many EU countries are experiencing increasing hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths related to COVID-19.
“Our priorities remain focused on protecting the medically and socially vulnerable, protecting childcare and education settings and preventing unnecessary disruption to non-COVID health and social care services.”
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said “The reproduction number appears to have increased and is now at 1.4 nationally.
“Modelling shows that if current trends continue, by October 31st, the number of cases notified daily would be in the range of 1,800 – 2,500 cases with over 400 people in hospital.”
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, said; “The challenge we have now is much greater than earlier this year, as we are trying to suppress COVID-19 while maintaining our non – COVID services and providing safe environments in our acute settings.
“The higher the community transmission the more difficult it is to protect medically vulnerably people in all heathcare settings. We appeal to everyone to play their part in protecting patients, healthcare workers and frontline services.”
HSE concerned
The Chief Executive of the HSE Paul Reid has said there is a “concerning growth” in the number of people being admitted to hospital for treatment for Covid-19.
Speaking at the HSE’s weekly briefing, Mr Reid said 238 people are in hospital with Covid-19, an increase of 24 on last night.
The number of people in intensive care units has fallen slightly to 29.
He said of the 8,500 people who have contracted Covid-19 between 29th September and 12th October, 245 people have been admitted to hospital, and 22 admitted to ICU.
Mr Reid said 25% of these hospitalisations have been in people under 35, 27% have been aged 35-64 and 47% are in the 65 and over category.
He said nine people aged 35-64 have been admitted to ICU in this time period and 13 have been aged 65 and over.
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
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