Coronavirus: 36 More Deaths Confirmed

Tuesday, 7 April 2020 06:52

There are 345 new confirmed cases of the disease.

17.49 - Latest figures:

A further 36 people have died from Covid19 in the Republic, the largest number of fatalities in a single day.

It brings the death toll here to 210.

345 new cases have also been confirmed - the total number of cases of the coronavirus now stands at 5,709.

There are 225 in the midlands region.

Westmeath has 121 patients with the illness a rise of 14 since yesterday's figures were published.

73 people in Offaly have COVID-19 which increased from 66.

Meanwhile, Laois has the lowest in the region with 31 confirmed cases - a jump of 6.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan has the details on the deceased:

16.01 - Childcare:

Ways to support frontline workers with childcare are being examined.

The National Public Health Emergency Team met today to discuss if it's possible to propose measures that wouldn't undermine public health advice.

Many healthcare workers are struggling to find childcare while schools and creches are closed.

Health Minister Simon Harris says NPHET will consider the issue but there will be no recommendation regarding childcare today.

15.24 - Global figures:

For the first time since January, China is reporting no coronavirus deaths today.

The number of global Covid 19 cases has risen to 1.36 million, while fatalities now stand at 76,420.

The U.S still has the most number of cases, with almost 11,000 deaths and 370,000 confirmed cases.

Another 758 people have died in England, Scotland has recorded another 74 deaths, 19 in Wales, and in Northern Ireland three more people have died.

Spain has seen its first rise in fatalities in 4 days, as the death toll went up by 743 to nearly 14,000, while Italy still has the highest number of deaths, with over 16,000 fatalities.

A glimmer of hope is emerging from China as authorities are reporting no new Covid deaths.

Tomorrow some people in Wuhan can leave the city for the first time since the lockdown began three months ago.

14.58 - All-Ireland co-operation:

Health Ministers from both sides of the border have formally agreed to strengthen co-operation in dealing with the Covid 19 pandemic.

It's after concerns were raised over different approaches being taken by the two administrations on the island.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government aims to facilitate greater co-operation on areas such as, public health messaging, research, ethics, and public health.

Other areas will be considered, such as procurement, where that is considered of mutual benefit.

14.28 - WhatsApp restrictions:

WhatsApp is limiting the amount of times "highly forwarded" messages can be shared in groups.

The app says its trying to stop the spread of misinformation.

Messages that have been forwarded many times are labeled with double arrows to indicate they did not originate from a close contact, and from now on they can only be forwarded to one chat at a time.

Tech editor with the Irish Independent Adrian Weckler says the move was needed after recent events:

Coronavirus: National News 7th April 2020

14.28 - WhatsApp restrictions:

WhatsApp is limiting the amount of times "highly forwarded" messages can be shared in groups.

The app says its trying to stop the spread of misinformation.

Messages that have been forwarded many times are labeled with double arrows to indicate they did not originate from a close contact, and from now on they can only be forwarded to one chat at a time.

Tech editor with the Irish Independent Adrian Weckler says the move was needed after recent events:

14.11 - Northern Ireland:

Another three people have died from the coronavirus in the North.

It brings to 73 the number of people who lost their lives to the virus in Northern Ireland.

97 new cases were reported and there are now a total of 1,255 people who have tested positive for Covid 19 there.

https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/offaly-therapist-advising-parents-on-children-cooped-up-during-lockdown/

14.03 - Chemical reagent:

A team of Irish scientists has joined forces to formulate the chemical reagent needed to test for COVID-19.

An increased need for testing has resulted in a worldwide shortage of chemical reagents.

This shortage has limited the ability of testing labs all around the world to carry out sufficient testing.

A team of hospital, university & biopharma scientists from Cork and Limerick have come together to formulate a lysis buffer which will allow the country’s laboratories to continue to test for COVID-19.

Working remotely, the team formulated and validated a lysis buffer in the space of a week which can be used in the hospital testing labs.

13.37 - University College Cork:

UCC has transformed its School of Nursing into a HSE facility to treat vulnerable cancer patients.

Staff from Mercy University Hospital assisted by members of the Defence Forces installed equipment at the college over the weekend.

The first patients received their chemotherapy onsite yesterday.

The facility at University College Cork is capable of supporting up to 40 patients at any one time.

13.14 - Long weekend:

Anyone with a holiday home is asked not to travel to them over the Easter weekend.

The call was made by the State's chief medical officer has asked people to stay in their own homes other than for essential reasons.

Locals in Lahinch in Co Clare are concerned of an influx of people visiting their holiday homes this weekend.

Green Party councillor Roisin Garvey is urging people not to come to Lahinch until the pandemic passes:

The Health Minister also says everyone needs to think like they have COVID-19 and to stay at home.

Minister Simon Harris is urging people not to be tempted to make trips over the weekend:

Please do not visit a holiday home or caravan park this Easter weekend. The spread of the virus is slowing but people travelling could give it a boost - spreading it and seeding it in areas unaffected so far. Stay at home and #FlattenTheCurve

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 7, 2020
12.57 - Drinking at home:

A leading psychotherapist is urging people to restrict their alcohol intake for the duration of the covid-19 crisis.

A new UK study has found one in five people are now drinking more alcohol due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Meanwhile, around 60 per cent of respondents said they were exercising less than usual.

Psychotherapist Jason Brennan says it's vital that Irish people make an effort to get moving at home and curb their drinking:

12.31 - Boris Johnson:

An update is expected shortly on Boris Johnson's condition after he was admitted to intensive care yesterday evening.

The British Prime Minister has received oxygen but is not on a ventilator, according to his cabinet ministers.

Mr Johnson nominated foreign secretary Dominic Raab to take charge until he is fit to return.

Cabinet Minister Michael Gove, who is also self isolating due to a family member with symptoms, told LBC radio that Mr Johnson received oxygen:

12.02 - Restrictions:

Restrictions on movement will not be lifted on Easter Sunday.

While the National Public Health Emergency Team have yet to make a formal recommendation to extend the measures, the Health Minister says its highly unlikely they will be relaxed.

NPHET is meeting today to discuss restrictions but won't make a final call until Friday.

Minister Simon Harris says the measures are working and need to stay in place:

11.43 - Bread:

In the UK, a speeding driver's been fined after travelling more than 100 miles during the lockdown to buy bread - claiming it's because it was one pound cheaper.

He was stopped going 110 miles an hour with his two children in the car, on his way from Nottingham to London.

Leicestershire's road policing unit says the case has been reported to court.

11.30 - WHO:

An official from the World Health Organisation says there are hopeful signs that a number of European countries are flattening the coronavirus curve.

But Dr Margaret Harris says countries have to be careful when lifting restrictions:

11.01 - Clusters:

The number of clusters of the coronavirus has risen to 260.

67 are in nursing homes, 45 in hospitals and 32 are in residential settings.

More than 5,300 cases of the infection have been confirmed here and 174 people have lost their lives.

Dublin has the highest number of cases, followed by Cork and then Kildare.

President of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland, Dr Catherine Motherway, says some critical care units are under pressure:

10.47 - Boris Johnson:

Boris Johnson has received oxygen in intensive care but isn't on a ventilator, according to cabinet Minister Michael Gove.

The British Prime Minister's coronavirus symptoms worsened last night, 10 days after being diagnosed.

He's been suffering breathing difficulties, as well as a cough and a high temperature.

An update on his condition is expected at midday.

Michael Gove says the Prime Minister is getting the best possible care:
10.27 - AA:

AA Ireland has introduced a free breakdown service for healthcare workers and older motorists.

They don't have to be members to avail of the offer during the coronavirus crisis.

Important news for children: Many of you contacted me & asked me to if the Easter Bunny was allowed work this weekend. I have checked with our top doctors & the good news is he can. But he has been contacted to remind him about washing his hands regularly & keeping his distance
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 7, 2020

10.23 - Whatsapp:

WhatsApp is limiting the amount of times a message can be forwarded in order to reduce the spread of ‘misinformation’.

The app is reducing the amount of times a message can be shared from five to just one person or group at a time.

WhatsApp says it will reduce the spread of viral messages and potentially harmful misinformation.

It’s not limiting all information being forwarded and says users can still share funny videos, memes, reflections or prayers.

10.17 - Bank holiday weekend:

Anyone with a holiday home is asked not to travel to them over the Easter weekend.

The call was made by the State's chief medical officer has asked people to stay in their own homes other than for essential reasons.

Locals in Lahinch in Co Clare are concerned of an influx of people visiting their holiday homes this weekend.

Green Party councillor Roisin Garvey is urging people not to come to Lahinch until the pandemic passes:

10.02 - Aldi:

Aldi has lifted temporary purchase restrictions on products after panic-buying last month.

But the supermarket chain says shoppers will still be restricted to four units on the likes of handwash.

While protective screens have been installed at every till across Aldi's 142 stores.

09.53 - Treatment:

Queen's University Belfast is trying to find a cure for coronavirus by using drugs that treat other conditions.

The college was recently awarded a grant of 315,000 euro in a bid to find a vaccine for Covid-19.

Dr Lindsay Broadbent is a virologist at the university:

09.36 - Misleading ads:

The advertising watchdog has received complaints of 'misleading' Covid-19 advertisements.

The Advertising Standards Authority is warning companies not to make unsubstantiated claims about their products and services.

It's calling on advertisers not to undermine public health advice, or exploit people's anxieties.

09.30 - Restrictions:

The Health Minister insists the current restrictions won't be lifted until it's safe to do so.

He says the rate of growth of the virus is slowing - but not fast enough.

09.15 - Easter Bunny

The Health Minister has confirmed the Easter Bunny is allowed to work this weekend after a number of children got in touch.

Simon Harris says he's been given the go ahead from our top doctors to deliver eggs.

But the Easter Bunny has been reminded about washing his hands regularly and keeping his distance.

09.00- Alcohol:

Off licences should follow pubs in shutting up shop for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a public health expert.

They can still operate throughout the current restrictions, but it's been questioned if it is an essential service.

Professor of public health at Trinity College Joe Barry says closing them would prevent excessive drinking during the Covid-19 crisis.

08.45 - Colleges:

Third level institutions are being urged not to penalise students because they lack access to adequate IT facilities.

The Labour Party says the current crisis has meant students have had to move their entire studies online, but many don't have good Internet speeds or appropriate computers at home.

It's calling on colleges to introduce a 'no detriment' policy so students aren't at a disadvantage if and when end-of-year exams and assessments go ahead:

Labour education spokesperson Aodhan Ó Riordain's calling for action so students don't suffer:

Here is some advice on how to protect your child, explain COVID-19 to them, keep a routine and what to do if they get sick https://t.co/uHV2fqlSt6 #HSEMyChild #coronavirus #ItsInOurHands pic.twitter.com/FhRZiFxk8k
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) April 7, 2020

08.30 - Spanish Flu:

A woman who remembers the impact of the Spanish Flu as a young girl is asking people to do their part to stop covid-19.

Maureen Hughes is 106 years old.

She and her neighbours at the Maryfield Nursing Home in Chapelizod in Dublin are asking people to follow public health guidelines.

She has this message for younger people:

08.15 - Nursing homes:

There are now 99 clusters of Covid-19 in nursing homes across the country.

The figure has increased sharply in recent days.

The HSE says limiting the spread is a key priority.

Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry, says a number of measures are being looked at:

08.00 - China:

China has reported no new Covid-19 deaths for the first time since it started publishing the figures in January.

On Tuesday, the National Health Commission reported 32 new cases across China, all of which were arrivals from another country.

However, there were no new deaths.

More than 1.3 million people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19, and there have been more than 74,744 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker.

07.40 - Apprentices:

The Labour party says apprentices left out of work because of the pandemic need a support payment to keep them in the construction trade.

It's urging the government to engage with major building firms to make sure they can keep their status with sites closed down.

It's asking the government to make support payments available to them too.

07.30 - Northern Ireland:

There are now more than 6,500 cases on the island of Ireland, with 1,158 in the North.

Yesterday, there were 69 new cases in the six counties, along with seven deaths.

Deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill says a large amount of personal protective equipment arrived in the North yesterday.

She says this will address a significant shortage of the gear for healthcare workers:

07.20 - Vaccine testing

The World Health Organisation is describing scientists as 'racist' for calling on Africa to be a testing ground for a coronavirus vaccine.

Medics across the world are trying to find a cure for the disease, which has affected 1.3 million people.

Two French doctors called for Africa to be a testing ground for a vaccine because the people there are highly exposed.

But WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus says the remarks were appalling:

07.10 - Measure Extensions

The Cabinet will meet later as the focus turns towards the possible extention of the current coronavirus lockdown.

The measure which includes the closure of schools, pubs and non-essential retail stores, is due to expire on Easter Sunday.

Government ministers will be briefed later on the latest developments around Covid-19 and will discuss advice on further tackling the spread of the illness.

The current restrictions, some of which were imposed almost four weeks ago, are due to expire this coming Sunday and will likely be among the topics raised.

Several ministers have indicated in recent days the measures will likely be extended.

However it's unlikely a decision on that will be made until later in the week.

The meeting comes as an unprecidented numbers of people avail of social welfare.

700,000 are now receieving supports after the number accessing the special Covid-19 unemployment payment jumped to more than half a million.

It also comes as new Garda powers are finialised

The regulations, due later this week, will see officers able to make people return home if found not to be following health advice.

07.00 - Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has spent the night in intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms got worse yesterday.

The British Prime Minister was admitted to the ICU at 7pm last night when he started suffering from breathing difficulties.

He contracted the coronavirus a week and a half ago.

06.50 - Latest Figures

A further 16 people are confirmed to have died from Covid-19 in the Republic.

370 fresh cases confirmed.

It now brings the death toll to 174, while the number of confirmed cases stands at 5,364 - 198 of those are in the midlands region.

107 are in Westmeath - which is an increase of 15, with 66 in Offaly up from 63 and Laois has four new patients with the total now at 25.