*A deserted Abbey St Carpark in Ennis. Photograph: John Mangan
Sixteen more people have died from COVID-19 on the Republic of Ireland while the amount of cases have passed the 5,000 mark, 60 of which are in Co Clare.
370 extra cases have been brought to the attention of health officials bringing the nation’s total amount to 5,364.
Of the latest 18 deaths, 11 individuals were based in the east of Ireland, 4 in the north west and 1 in the west. 4 of them had underlying health conditions according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) with the median age reported to be 78.
There have now been 78 deaths in the Republic of Ireland and 148 on the island of Ireland.
Research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health of 1,270 adults revealed the percentage of people stockpiling has reduced from its peak of 43% in mid-March to 20% today. 86% of people believe that current government restrictions are “about right” and 67% are interacting with family and friends over the phone.
Of the findings, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan stated, “Our research shows overall level of worry remains high at 7 out of 10 but has not increased significantly since the middle of March, despite the introduction of more restrictive measures.”
Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer HSE added, “Our Healthcare system has been preparing for a surge in COVID-19 cases but it is important to remind people that our hospitals continue to carry out all emergency and essential activity.”
Data on Saturday’s 4,916 cases revealed that 54% involved females and 46% of males. 260 clusters involved 989 of the cases. 1,265 people have been hospitalised and 169 have ended up in ICU while 1,263 of cases involve health care workers.
Dublin continues to account for over half of the Republic’s cases at 55%. The amount of cases in Clare is at 60 according to Saturday’s figures. From the analysis of Saturday’s cases, 65% is as a result of community transmission, 23% from close contact and 12% from travel abroad.
