Coronavirus: Dept. Confirms A Further 4 People Have Died

Latest news updates on Monday 8th June

FIGURES:

A further 4 people with Covid19 have died here. 

9 new cases have also been announced. 

It brings the death toll in this country to 1,683 while there have been 25,207 confirmed cases.

There's been no increase in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the midlands.

Laois remains at 262, Offaly has had 479 cases confimed while Westmeath is still the highest at 671. 

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of 4 people with COVID-19 have died.

There have now been a total 1,683 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight Sunday 7 June the HPSC has been notified of 9 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 25,207* confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

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

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Saturday 6 June (25,198 cases), reveals:

·        57% are female and 43% are male
·        the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
·        3,322 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
·        Of those hospitalised, 411 cases have been admitted to ICU
·        8,073 cases are associated with healthcare workers
·        Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,158 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,529 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,423 cases (6%)
·        Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 39%, close contact accounts for 59%, travel abroad accounts for 2%

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “It has been 100 days since we reported our first case of COVID-19. Since then, it has been the collective effort of our health service and general public that has limited the spread of the virus. As we enter Phase 2, it is vital to keep up a compliance with public health advice.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Last week there were 16 clusters notified in private houses. If you or someone in your household experiences ‘flu like symptoms – a cough, temperature, shortness of breath or a change in taste in smell – please do not adopt a wait and see approach – isolate and contact your GP without delay”

Dr Siobhán Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and HSE Integrated Care Lead, said; “A growing majority (62%) of adults feel that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. This is not a guarantee and especially so if public health behaviours are not adopted by all of us. Decision making on an individual level, particularly around socializing and crowd participation, is required of all of us in this new phase of restrictions.”

Covid-free:

New Zealand has declared itself free of Covid-19, after no active cases were recorded in the past two weeks.

It marks the first time since the virus was first confirmed in the country at the end of February. 

New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, made the announcement last night:

Today is a good day for Ireland. The number of #Covid19 patients in ICU has reduced to 34, number of patients with #Covid19 in hospital has fallen to a low of 122. We take an important step with the beginning of Phase 2. To keep moving forward, stick with the advice. Stay safe

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) June 8, 2020

Visitors to nursing homes:

Nursing homes around the country are preparing to allow visitors back in to see their loved ones from next Monday. 

No visitors have been permitted since mid-March. 

There will be a limit on the number of people who can visit and how long they can stay for. 

CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland is Tadgh Daly says it won't be business as usual:

Mandatory face masks:

An Independent TD's calling on the Taoiseach to 'strongly recommend' people wear facemask's on public transport.

Marian Harkin's says the World Health Organisation's recommending them to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The latest figures show one more person with the virus died and 25 new cases have been confirmed.

Deputy Harkin says facemask's should also be distributed free to people:

Phase Two begins:

Phase Two of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions comes into force from today.

Many shops will open, while people's travel limits have been significantly extended.

From today, the advice from Government remains working from home where possible and avoiding unnecessary journeys.

However, people's travel area has been significantly extended - it's been changed from a 5km radius around your home to anywhere within your own county or 20km from your house - whichever is further.

Groups of up to six can meet outdoors or indoors while observing social distancing.

While for those who have been cocooning - it is now possible for small groups of people to visit their homes, only while wearing face coverings and gloves.

Up to 25 friends and family will be allowed attend funerals, that has changed from 10 - which has been in place since mid March.

Shops will be allowed re-open from today - however those in shopping centres will have to wait a bit longer.

They will be required to have staggered opening hours, while none will be allowed open their doors until 10.30am.

And, from this morning public transport is being restored to pre-Covid levels, with the advice to not use during peak hours unless you are an essential worker - and to wear a face covering.