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.
Uisce Eireann Working To Repair Burst Watermains in Westmeath
Laois Councillor Outlines 'Life Changing Experience' On Humanitarian Trip
Volunteers Encourage People Across Westmeath To Hang Up County Flags
Lough Ree RNLI Issue Bank Holiday Water Safety Appeal
Laois Village Raises €170k For New Sports Amenity
Midlands Records Over 100 Homeless Children In April
Gardai Bank Holiday Operation Clocks Speeding Midlands Drivers
Irish Online Shoppers Facing Higher Customs Charges From July
Offaly Bond Holder Wins €500k
Muintir na Tíre Host Property Marking In Offaly
Gardaí Pick Up Early Midlands Speeders On June Bank Holiday Weekend
Plans In Place For Laois Housing Development
Water Network Upgrades In Laois
Ministers Burke And Dillon Announce New Employment Permits
Carlow County Council Encourages Creatives To Apply To CUBE Craft Academy In Greece
Midlands Gears Up For Vibrant June Bank Holiday Weekend
HSE Midlands Points To Care Options Ahead Of Bank Holiday
Laois TD Criticising An Coimisiún Pleanála Planning Delays
Offaly Brothers Found Not Guilty Of Attempted Murder
Midlands MEP Wants CAP Funding Boost For Young Farmers