Number of confirmed Covid-19 cases rises to 43

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

·        4 males, from the south of the country, associated with travel 

·        1 female, from the south of the country, contact with a confirmed case 

·        1 male, south of the country, contact with a confirmed case 

·        3 males, from the east of the country, two associated with travel, one associated with contact of a confirmed case 

There are now 43 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. All healthcare workers are being asked to “raise their index of suspicion” for Covid-19.

Earlier today, the HPSC was informed that a patient diagnosed with Covid-19 in Ireland had passed away, which is the first recorded death relating to the virus reported in this country. 

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:  “I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this patient. I urge the media and the public to respect their privacy at this difficult time.”

The World Health Organisation has today declared the outbreak of Covid-19 a pandemic.

The National Public Health Emergency Team said it is now moving to enhance containment measures. These measures include three steps; 

1)        To the general public: 

o        Practice everyday preventive actions; Hand washing, cough/sneeze etiquette.

o        Consider how to limit your social interactions; avoid indoor, crowded spaces. 

o        Shaking hands and close personal contact are to be avoided.

o        Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Know the symptoms of Covid-19. 

2)        All healthcare workers are being asked to raise their index of suspicion for Covid-19.

3)        The HSE said it will be substantially increasing its contact tracing and surveillance capacity in the coming days.