Two more Covid-19 related deaths have been recorded in Ireland with an increase in the amount of Clare cases also documented.
As of 1pm today (Monday), there are 1,125 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland following an increase of 219. The two deaths were both men in the east of Ireland and it brings the total to six of the amount of people that have died from coronavirus.
Analysis of Saturday’s 836 cases showed there was an additional two people in Clare receiving treatment for Covid-19. Many more are waiting to be tested and on results within the county. Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, Dr. Tony Holohan stated that the average waiting time for a test is “longer than we would like”. Waiting time is to be brought down greatly in the coming days which will follow a notable increase in cases within Ireland.
Research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health shows that more than 93% of the population are washing their hands more often as a result of Coronavirus. The nationally representative online survey of 1,270 adults conducted today revealed that 88% of participants are staying at home as opposed to going out, 84% are practicing social distance in a queue, 71% are sitting further apart from others and 75% are confident they would know what steps to take if they developed symptoms.
Holohan said all aspects of public health advice was constantly being reviewed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), “We will not hesitate to take more measures where necessary, based on epidemiological evidence and in proportion with Ireland’s experience of this outbreak”. He added, “We understand the anxiety this outbreak may be causing people”.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health; “The key response that every individual can make if they are experiencing symptoms is to self isolate. While we continue to increase testing in Ireland, in line with WHO guidelines, the most important action that can be taken against this virus is isolation and social distancing.”
Clarity on school closures is to be provided following Tuesday’s meeting of the NPHET.
