The death toll in the republic is now 85.
Another 14 people have died from Covid19 in the republic while an extra 212 cases have been confirmed.
Ten of the deaths reported today were located in the east of Ireland while the remaining four were in the south. Eight of them were said to have underlying health conditions.
It brings the death toll here to 85. The median age of those deceased is 82.
The number of confirmed cases now stands at 3,447. Today, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre learned of 212 new confirmed cases. The latest data from HPSC, as of midnight, Monday 20th March, shows that:
- There are 134 clusters involving 563 cases
- The median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
- 834 cases (28%) have been hospitalised
- Of those hospitalised, 126 cases have been admitted to ICU
- 752 cases (25%) are associated with healthcare workers
- Dublin has the highest number of cases at 1,645 (55% of all cases) followed by Cork with 255 cases (8%)
- Community transmission now accounts for 60% of cases, close contact accounts for 21%, travel abroad accounts for 18%
Separately, the Department of Health has conducted research that shows that 89% of Irish people believe the current social distancing measures are appropriate. The study of 1,270 adults conducted today also showed that:
65% of people in Ireland are engaging in digital interactions with family and friends.
·94% are confident in their ability to adhere to new restrictions
·85% feel they have adapted to changes since COVID-19 and know the steps to take if they develop symptoms
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Department of Health, said;
“Our research suggests that 1 in 3 people are worried about their health, with 3 out of 4 worried about the health of their families and friends.
“People are taking action to look after their wellbeing. Two thirds of people are conversing with family and friend’s by using phone and internet.
“Restrictions do not mean you stop maintaining your relationships or your health. Adapt your hobbies; go for walks, exercise and do the things that maintain wellbeing within the limits of physical distancing and public health advice.
“I can confirm that expanded contact tracing for all confirmed cases for the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms, as decided by National Public Health Emergency Team will commence this week. This will reduce transmission of the virus.”
Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE added that:
“The public health messaging remains the same for all patients awaiting testing. Assume you have COVID19 and isolate. Each and everyone of you can break the chain of transmission of the virus, save lives and reduce illness among vulnerable groups.”
