Coronavirus: Two Further Deaths

News updates for Saturday 20th June 2020.

Latest figures:

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of 2 people with COVID-19 have died.

There have now been a total of 1,715* COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight Friday 19 June the HPSC has been notified of 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 25,374** confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

None of the 22 cases are in the midlands.

Laois has recorded a total of 264 with the virus, while 482 have tested positive in Offaly. 

Westmeath has had 670 people diagnosed with the illness. 

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Of the 22 confirmed cases we are reporting to you today, 9 of these were diagnosed in people under the age of 35. It is important for us all to remember that COVID-19 is a disease that can affect everyone, of any age or background. No one should feel that this is a disease that does not affect them.”

“This virus is highly infectious and, as a result, the return of widespread community transmission remains a very real risk. To protect us all, especially our oldest and most vulnerable, personal preventative behaviours such as good and frequent hand washing, social distancing and respiratory etiquette remain as crucial as they were at the outset of this crisis.”

WHO:

The World Health Organisation's warning coronavirus is still spreading fast and it's still deadly.

More than 150,000 cases were reported globally on Thursday - the highest number in a single day.

Meanwhile more than a million have now been confirmed in Brazil, with the US the only other country to have seen that many patients test positive.

Maria Van Kerkhove, from the WHO, says people shouldn't be surprised if the number of infections rise:

Brazil:

More than a million coronavirus cases have now been confirmed in Brazil.

But some experts are warning the true extent of the outbreak there far exceeds the official figures due to a lack of widespread testing.

Nearly 50,000 people have died in the country after contracting Covid-19.

The US is the only other nation to have seen that many patients test positive.

Restrictions:

The Taoiseach says the government won't be afraid to reintroduce Coronavirus restrictions if there's a second wave of the virus.

It comes after major changes to the exit pathway with most of normal life able to resume from June 29th.

Pubs, restaurants, gyms, cinemas, hairdressers and barbers will be among those allowed to re-open early.

While indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings with no more than 200 people will be allowed.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said everything is ahead of schedule, but that doesn't mean it's guaranteed to go ahead:

The Fine Gael leader quoted the 2004 movie Mean Girls in his speech earlier.

His use of the line "The limit does not exist" is a reference to Lindsey Lohan's line during a maths quiz in the film.

It comes after a bet from the actor Sean Astin, who said he was willing to fork over fifty euro for a mean girls quote.

Sport:

70 million euro is being given to sporting organisations to reopen after Covid-19.

The funding, approved by Cabinet earlier, will be primarily spent on field sports, with up to 40 million euro being given to the FAI, IRFU and GAA.

All sporting activity can resume from 29 June.

The funding package will support national governing bodies and clubs whose survival is threatened following the pandemic.

Minister of State for Sport, Brendan Griffin, says Irish people have missed sport over the past 3 months:

Local figures:

A further 2 people with Covid-19 have died.

Latest Department of Health figures show 13 new confirmed cases of the virus have also been diagnosed but none are in the midlands.

Westmeath remains on 670, 482 in Offaly, and 264 in Laois.Westmeath remains on 670, 482 in Offaly, and 264 in Laois.

The Covid-19 death toll here has risen to 1,714 following confirmation of two further deaths linked to the virus.

There have now been 25,368 diagnosed cases since the outbreak began at the end of February, with 13 new cases recorded today.

The Country's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, says we are at a crucial point in the pandemic, and the importance of people exercising their own judgement and taking personal responsibility cannot be overstated, by hand washing, physical distancing, cough and sneeze etiquette, face coverings and knowing the Covid 19 symptoms.