There has been a total of 102 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.
Of these 56 are in Dublin, 11 in Leitrim, 6 in Galway, and 29 cases are located in Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary, Westmeath and Wexford.
None are in Laois.
Over the past 14 days, 1,672 cases have been notified. 791 of these are in Dublin, 131 in Kildare, 116 in Limerick, 92 in Tipperary 36 in Cork and the remaining 496 cases across 21 counties.
There is now a total of 29,774 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
While thankfully no further deaths have been reported meaning the death toll remains at 1,777.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “We are monitoring with growing concern the number of cases nationally, particularly in Limerick and Dublin. The next seven days are vital; everyone needs to reduce their contacts and assume any person you do meet may be carrying the virus.”
Professor Pete Lunn, founder and head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, said; “Now is the time to plan for the winter months ahead.
“Take control of your own environment by ensuring your household is up to date on, and actioning, the public health advice. Make it a habit to get outside, to socialise and exercise safely and automatically physically distance from others. Adapt to covid-responsible behaviours in and out of the home.
“Plan for the milestones; such as Halloween, Christmas and New Years Eve within a COVID-19 environment. Be innovative in how you can celebrate safely with loved ones.
“This year will bring added challenges so prioritise your mental and physical health, know how you will invest in them each week.
“Choose your close network of social visitors this winter and prioritise members of your family or friends who may be more isolated.”
Dr. Abigail Collins, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE, said; “In order to keep our schools open, we must be vigilant in our own homes – be prepared for the choices and actions every individual in your household will have to take over the coming months.
“If we can take control of our homes and ensure they are COVID-compliant over the winter period, we will maximally protect our communities. In this pandemic, actions on a small scale have the greatest impact.”
Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, said; “It is important that we remain alert to COVID-19. We know how to act, now it is time to refocus our efforts. Know how to wear a face covering appropriately and how to safely remove and dispose of it.
“Incorrect use of a face covering can increase your risk of infection. I would urge all families and households to watch the how-to-guide on face coverings and practice safe use.”
Ireland enters recession
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the economy contracted by 6.1% during the second quarter of 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions – the biggest quarterly drop ever recorded.
This means the economy is now in recession after an initial estimate that it expanded in the first quarter was revised downwards.
A recession is defined as a fall in GDP for two quarters in a row.
Today’s figures show that Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a measure of the total output of an economy, shrank by 6.1% in the three month period.
When the profits of multinationals were stripped out, as measured by Gross National Product (GNP), the economy contacted by 7.4%, the CSO added.
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
