59 people with covid-19 are in intensive care today.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 1,355* confirmed cases of COVID-19.
As of 8am today, 286 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 59 are in ICU.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said:
“Our ongoing analysis of the epidemiological situation has informed the NPHET recommendation to evolve public health management of school settings from Monday next.
“The resumption of in-person education was associated with a significant increase in the numbers of children referred for testing in recent weeks. This increase was driven by the screening of asymptomatic children who had been identified as close contacts. This action was precautionary and was due to the diligence of parents and guardians bringing their children for tests. Despite significantly increased testing in this age group, there has only been a relatively modest increase in the detection of cases. We have also seen the associated positivity rate decrease from 16% to 5% which is very reassuring.
“Both nationally and internationally, the evidence tells us that schools are a low risk setting for the transmission of COVID-19 among school-going children and, as such, now is the right time to evolve our contact tracing approach, while maintaining the infection prevention and control in place in educational settings.
“NPHET will continue to monitor the trajectory of the disease. It is important that we all continue to adhere to the public health guidance and to protect each other by washing our hands, the wearing of masks where appropriate and by keeping our distance from each other to limit the risk of the spread of COVID-19.
“I would urge parents to keep children who are unwell and who experience the common symptoms of COVID-19 home from school and to contact your GP if you have any concerns.”
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data validation.
Surging Fuel Prices Is A National Emergency - IRHA
Contract Signed For Offaly Visitor Centre
Westmeath Darkness Into Light Event Launching This Weekend
Over 90 Exhibitors Set For Live Well Expo In Laois
Trump Only Focused On Own Agenda - Former Army Ranger
Taylor Swift Wax Figure Unveiled In Ireland
Artemis II Crew Sets Record Distance In Historic Moon Mission
A Westmeath Student Accused Of Laundering Almost €200,000
Storm Dave Set To Arrive In Midlands On Saturday
Offaly TD Backs Grants To Tackle Housing Crisis And Boost Town Centres
Concerns Raised Over Eating Disorder Treatment Waiting Lists
Holidaymakers Urged To Book Early Amid Fuel Supply Fears
Live Register Figures On The Rise In The Midlands
PHOTOS: Mullingar Carers Concert
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses To Westmeath Burglary
HSE Urges Midlands Patients To Use Injury Units Over Easter
Around €10k of Cannabis And Cocaine Seized In Laois
Easter Bank Holiday Weekend Road Safety Campaign In Place
CAP Changes Could Jeopardise Farm Incomes - IFA