10 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has today been informed of 10 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland:

• One male, a healthcare worker, in the south of the country, associated with hospital transmission
• One female, a healthcare worker, in the east of the country, possible hospital transmission
• Three males, in the south of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
• One male, in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
• One female, in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
• One female, in the south of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
• One male, in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
• One female, in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area

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

There have been 1,784 suspected cases tested in Ireland, to date – an increase of 1,387 tests in one week.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) met today, Tuesday 10 March 2020, and made the following decisions;

• The HPSC will formally update guidelines for healthcare workers returning to work following exposure to a confirmed case, as per recommendations from the Expert Advisory Group (EAG).
• Confirmed cases who are clinically appropriate can remain in their home, in self-isolation. This is subject to the development of criteria for their discharge from self isolation by the EAG tomorrow (Wed 11 March).
• Socially restrictive actions around hospitals and nursing homes are not necessary at this moment in time.
• Laboratory testing will commence in regional laboratories.

NPHET has advised that blanket socially restrictive actions around hospitals and nursing homes are not necessary at this moment in time. People are encouraged to follow respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene practices in order to protect vulnerable groups, including older people and patients with underlying conditions. People should not visit if they themselves are unwell.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “98% of all suspected cases in Ireland have tested negative. While Ireland remains in containment phase, there is no room for complacency.

“We all have a part to play in limiting and slowing the spread of this disease.”

There are currently 34 confirmed cases in the Republic and 16 cases in the Northern Ireland, following the announcement that four new cases have been identified north of the border.