There have been no new Coronavirus deaths reported today – meaning 1,777 is the death toll in Ireland.
While there has been a total of 53 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.
Of this, 25 of the cases are in Dublin, 11 in Limerick and the remaining 17 cases are located in Kildare, Longford, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Laois, Meath, Roscommon, Tipperary, Westmeath.
Over the past 14 days there has been 1,511 cases of the virus detected. 624 of these are in Dublin, 209 in Kildare, 132 in Tipperary, 98 in Limerick, 47 in Wexford with the remaining 401 spread across 20 counties.
There is now a total of 28,813 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “This evening, I want to recognise the very significant impact of the measures on individuals, communities and businesses in Kildare over the past three weeks.
“The improvement in the epidemiological situation there is a testament to the willingness of everyone to adhere to the public health guidance and measures implemented.
“At a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team today, NPHET thanked people in Kildare – and in Laois and Offaly previously – for their forbearance and noted that their actions are a demonstration, and a further reminder, of what can be achieved through collective action as we continue to strike a balance between living our lives and behaving in a way that protects one another.”
Dr Siobhán Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and Integrated Care Lead HSE, said; “As we continue through the school year, we expect cases and these will be responded to rapidly, tailored to that outbreak and led by public health doctors. These public health doctors will communicate with school staff and parents as indicated.”
Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health said; “We can all support parents and school children in our communities by following public health advice. We all have a responsibility to keep our schools open by applying this advice to our daily lives.
“Remember the key protective behaviours, regular hand washing, physical distance, wearing face coverings where appropriate, reduce your social contacts, know the symptoms and know when to isolate.”
Dr Sumi Dunne, General Practitioner, said; “We are aware that this is an anxious time for parents and guardians. GPs across the country are here to support them.
“If you feel your child is unwell, outside of a blocked/runny nose and seasonal sneezing, please do not send them into school. Keep them at home, restrict your movements and make contact with your GP.”
Kildare released from lockdown
The local lockdown, imposed upon Kildare, has been lifted ‘with immediate effect’.
On August 7, Kildare, along with Laois and Offaly, was placed in lockdown by the government in a bid to curb the spike in Coronavirus in the three counties.
Laois and Offaly were permitted to leave on August 21 but Kildare was, on that date, put forward for another two weeks of lockdown.
However, a week early, the county has returned to normal Covid-19 levels and has been let out.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: “Today’s decision to lift the additional Covid restrictions on County Kildare was only possible because of the people of Kildare – their extra effort, their sacrifices and their patience.
“And it worked. Numbers in Kildare are now similar to rest of country. We must all stay vigilant.”
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 – My Lockdown Wedding: Laois bride on tying the knot in a global pandemic
