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Coronavirus: 25 Patients Have Died Today

Friday, 10 April 2020 06:00

480 new cases have been confirmed.

18.45 - Latest figures:

25 further people have died after contracting Covid-19 in the Republic.

The death toll across the country from the disease is now 288.

480 cases have been detected - with the total number of positive tests now standing at 7,054.

In the midlands region,

There are now 152 confirmed cases in Westmeath, an increase of 10 from yesterday.

In Offaly, that figure has jumped by seven to 88, 

And 49 cases have now been confirmed in Laois, 12 more than yesterday.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan has more details on the people who have passed away:

18.32 - Discrepancies:

Sinn Fein is accusing the HSE of witholding information on the backlog of tests for the coronavirus.

The party's Finance Spokerson Pearse Doherty says the lack of information is problematic:

17.13 - Global figures:

Over 98,000 deaths due to Covid-19 have now been recorded across the globe. 

Italy, one of the countries worst affected by the virus, is to extend its lockdown until May.

A map by Johns Hopkins University shows there have been over 98,400 Covid 19 deaths and 1.63 million cases worldwide. 

Separate data from an AFP tally of officials reports the death toll in the US stands at over 16,500, with half a million diagnosed cases.

Italy, where a lockdown is to be extended for a further 3 weeks, has a death toll of over 18,000.

Europe overall has recorded over 800,000 confirmed cases and 67,000 deaths.

But Spain has seen its lowest daily fatalities in over two weeks, with 605 people dying.

866 patients in England's hospitals have died, up from 765 yesterday to bring the death toll to 8,114.

another 10 deaths were recorded today in Northern Ireland too, meaning there have been 92 deaths there. 

17.01 - "Deadly resurgence":

The World Health Organisation says lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a "deadly resurgence" of the virus.

WHO director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom says it has to be done carefully.

16.37 - Defeating coronavirus:

Leo Varadkar says he fervently hopes Coronavirus restrictions can begin to be lifted after May 5th.

The measures have been extended for a further three weeks along with special garda powers to enforce them. 

The government says while progress has been made, people need to stick to the rules for a while longer to beat the virus.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says that's the only way the Coronavirus can be defeated:

16.11 - Restrictions officially extended:

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says the current covid-19 restrictions are to remain in place for another 3 weeks, until May 5th.

He and other government ministers are making a live address to the nation at present.

16.09 - State exams:

The Leaving Cert has been postponed until July or August

The Junior Cert has also been cancelled and replaced with school-based exams, according to an announcement from government.

15.45 - Announcement:

An extension of Coronavirus restrictions is likely to be confirmed in the next few minutes. 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is holding a press conference at Government Buildings which is due to start shortly. 

It's likely the restrictions that were due to expire on Sunday will be extended for at least another two weeks - and possibly longer.

The National Public Health Emergency Team has been meeting to consider the medical advice and how long restrictions should remain in place. 

We'll know exactly how long in the next hour.

It's also expected some clarity on the future of the junior and leaving cert will be given.

There's been fears in government that people heading into this long weekend are starting to break social distancing rules - and an update is expected on how the government will deal with that. 

15.26 - Changed economy:

The next government will preside over a fundamentally different economy to the one we have now, according to the Finance Minister.

It comes as Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are finalising a framework document spelling out their goals for a coalition government.

It will include measures like a single tier health service and greater state intervention in housing and childcare.

But Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned picking the country up economically will have to be top of the agenda:

 

  • 15.18 - Expected extensions:

    The government is expected to extend the restrictions aimed at tackling Covid 19 for a number of weeks.

    The country's top health officials have met to discuss if the current measures should stay in place beyond Easter Sunday.

    There are now over 6,500 confirmed cases in the Republic with 230 admissions to ICUs - and 263 people have died.

    Dr Catherine Motherway, President of the Intensive Care Society, says we're starting to control the spread of the virus - but there's more to do.

    https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/justice-minister-announces-new-supports-for-domestic-violence-victims/

    14.56 - Insurance:

    Insurance Ireland's announced a series of measures to help customers during the pandemic.

    They include reduced premiums for businesses that reflect the level of exposure in certain areas and the maintenance of cover where businesses are closed or unoccupied.

    Measures for personal customers include flexibility for people in financial distress, no cancellation fees or missed direct debit fees and the extension of cover for working from home.  

    Peter Boland from the Alliance for Insurance Reform says some clarity will be needed on the measures for business customers.

    https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/hse-launching-new-online-course-to-help-relieve-stress-during-covid-19/

    14.23 - Northern Ireland figures:

    10 more people have died in the north as a result of covid-19.

    It brings the death toll there to 92.

    Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases has risen to 1,589 after 112 more positive tests were confirmed.

    13.47 - Wage Subsidy Scheme:

    The Finance Minister says he expects employers to pass on all of the funds received through the Wage Subsidy Scheme to staff. 

    Revenue will review how employers used the Wage Subsidy Scheme refunds once the virus is contained. 

    Under the scheme, employers impacted by COVID-19 are refunded 70 per cent of an employees wage up to 410 euro per week. 

    Minister Paschal Donohoe says some employers may no longer be able to continue to top up salaries in the coming weeks. 

     13.16 - East coast:

    The Garda boat is patrolling Dun Laoghaire harbour and the coastline this afternoon to make sure the public is following the movement restrictions.

    While the Irish Coast Guard and RNLI are asking people not to take part in any water-based activity on or in the sea during the emergency.

    12.44 - Discussions on restrictions extension:

    The country's top health officials are meeting to discuss if the Covid 19 restrictions should be extended.

    They're due to expire on Sunday, but are expected to stay in place for another few weeks to limit the spread of the virus.

    The government says the growth of the virus has slowed but that there's more to do.

    Sam McConkey, infectious disease specialist with the Royal College of Surgeons, says there are now two clear options for what happens next:

     12.21 - EU loans:

    The government says Ireland will be able to avail of loans from the EU worth billions of euro to meet the cost of the Coronavirus crisis.

    EU Finance Ministers agreed a rescue package worth half a trillion euro.

    Minister Paschal Donohoe said Ireland will be able to avail of billions of euro of support - with the figure being in the high single digits.

    A good way to show importance of social distancing. Video from Ohio. We stay apart to keep each other safe. We stay apart to show we care. We stay apart to help our doctors & nurses. We stay apart to save lives. Keep at it & let’s get the job done #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/bY8LokdfQQ

    — Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) April 10, 2020
     

    11.35 - Threatening Letter:

    Gardai in Co. Clare are investigating a threatening letter which has been posted to a number of holiday homes in Kilkee.

    Posters telling holiday home owners 'F off' were also displayed in different locations in the seaside town.

    Gardai are advising people to contact their local Garda station if they receive threats, be it in person, online or in written form.

    Paul Williams from the Kilkee Chambers of Commerce says the letters are not representative of the town:

    11.23 - Covid Makeover:

    The "Naas ball" on the M7 is getting a makeover, with a giant yellow "Stay Home, Stay Safe" sign covering the installation.

    The initiative is a joint venture between Kildare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, to get motorists to heed the movement restrictions.

    11.15 - Easter eggs;

    Gardaí from Clondalkin in Dublin delivered 200 Easter Eggs to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin this week.

    They were donated by a local sports club and business. 

    11.08 - Johnson update:

    Boris Johnson's still being 'closely monitored' in hospital - despite being moved out of intensive care.

    Downing Street says he's in the 'early stages' of his recovery from Covid-19.

    The British Prime Minister was moved out of the ICU last night. 

    10.59 - Expert opinion:

    Ireland could still see as big an increase in coronavirus cases as Spain or Italy, according to an infectious diseases expert.

    The current restrictions are likely to be extended this afternoon, after the country's top health officials meet. 

    The Health Minister says the growth rate of the virus has slowed to 9 per cent, but expects the measures to continue for a few weeks.

    Mary Horgan, a consultant in infectious diseases in Cork University Hospital, says it's too early to become complacent:

    10.42 - Policing in Northern Ireland:

    From today, police in Northern Ireland will be stepping up patrols and enforcement measures - to help tackle Covid-19. 

    Checkpoints will be set up across the region - and the PSNI will be stopping vehicles on the roads to ensure journeys are necessary. 

    Chief Constable Simon Byrne says it's similar to what's happening in the Republic: 

    10.30 - AIB refunds:

    AIB is refunding any unpaid charges on its current accounts in March and April because of Covid-19. 

    The bank says it will give customers the chance to make alternative arrangements on payments that are due.

    The unpaid charge to be refunded is 10 euro per item. 

    10.18 - Economic package:

    The Finance Minister says today is a 'good friday' for the EU.

    It's after member states agreed a rescue package of supports for Governments struggling to pay for their coronavirus response. 

    It will help states pay for wage subsidy schemes and provide low interest loans to businesses. 

    Minister Paschal Donohoe says the State also borrowed 6 billion euro to help see it through the pandemic:

    10.01 - State Exams:

    The Education Minister is expected to announce when the State exams will take place after this morning's meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team.

    It's unlikely the Junior and Leaving Cert will take place on the expected start date of June 3rd and will be pushed back to to July, August or even September.

    Speaking last night, Health Minister Simon Harris says he expects more clarity today:

    09.46 - Fires:

    An orange fire warning has been issued.

    The Department of Agriculture says setting fires on open ground during the public health emergency would be particularly reckless.

    The alert will last until Tuesday.

    09.33 - Intensive Care:

    Intensive care units are currently coping well with the volume of Covid-19 cases as a result of people following the restrictions. 

    That's according to the Intensive Care Society of Ireland, which says the public's efforts have so far have helped to keep the outbreak under control. 

    President Catherine Motherway is hopeful the population will continue to listen to the public health advice:

    09.20 - Disease expert:

    A much stricter but shorter lockdown could be a better option for containing the coronavirus, according to an infectious disease specialist. 

    The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting today to discuss the current restrictions, which are due to expire on Sunday. 

    The Health Minister says he expects them to remain in place for the next few weeks. 

    The RCSI's Professor Sam McConkey says changing to a stricter approach could help the economy to bounce back quicker:

    09.11 - Children:

    There will be an influx of traumatised children and teenagers in the future if parents don't handle the pandemic properly.

    That's the warning from a family therapist amid the strict government restrictions.

    Families are being advised to stick to their usual Easter traditions as much as possible this weekend.

    Registered family therapist Ruth McMahon says stability is key:

    09.00 - Flights:

    Airline passengers may not be offered refunds for flights cancelled due to the coronavirus travel restrictions.

    Eoghan Corry, editor of Travel Extra.ie, says airlines are trying to change the rules to allow them to give flight vouchers instead: 

    08.52 - Recycling:

    The recycling rate of drink cans, beer and wine bottles has hit near Christmas levels since the coronavirus lockdown began. 

    According to Glassco Recycling, which operates 1,300 bring bank locations, it's preparing for an unprecedented increase in the number of bottles and jars being presented over the coming days. 

    The company says it's getting ready for one of its busiest weekends, with many collecting teams working a new full capacity.

    The recycling firm says there's also been a reduction in the number of spirit bottles being recycled, according to the Irish Examiner. 

    08.39 - Restrictions update:

    The Health Minister says the current restrictions on travel, work and movement will remain in place for the next few weeks. 

    Health officials will formally make a recommendation to the government today, as the current measures are due to end on Sunday.  

    Yesterday, 28 more patients lost their lives because of the coronavirus, while 500 new cases were diagnosed. 

    Simon Harris says the rate of growth of the virus has slowed, but the restrictions will have to remain in place:

    08.24 - European Union:

    European Union finance ministers last night agreed a rescue package of half-a-trillion euro for economies affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

    The agreement follows an earlier stalemate due to opposition to the plan from Germany and the Netherlands.

    Last night's agreement is a record amount for Eurozone countries whose economies face a worse financial fallout from the coronavirus outbreak than the 2008 banking crash.

    The plan will provide for a combination of cash incentives from the European Stability Mechanism, the European Investment Bank as well as loans from the EU Commission.

    EU powerhouses Germany an France, put their feet down to end opposition from the Netherlands over attaching economic conditions to emergency credit. 

    The French Finance Minister said it is the most important economic plan in the history of the EU.

    It remains to be seen though if even half a trillion is enough for what the IMF last night said could be the worst crisis since the Great Depression of 1930s.

    08.13 - New Words:

    Covid-19, self-isolate and elbow bump are all now in the Oxford English Dictionary.

    A number of words and terms have been added as part of a "significant update" to the dictionary - prompted by the outbreak.

    Social distancing, infodemic and to flatten the curve have also been included.

    08.01 - Northern Ireland:

    Deaths of Covid-19 patients in care homes may not be included in officials figures in Northern Ireland. 

    First Minister Arlene Foster says the region is still only registering coronavirus deaths in hospitals. 

    The issue of deaths in care homes is due to be discussed at a Stormont executive meeting today.

    07.50 - Worldwide:

    There are now more than 1.6 million cases of Covid-19 in the world, and nearly 96,000 people have died. 

    The US has by far the most cases, at 466,000, and its death toll has risen to nearly 17,000. 

    In New York City alone, more than 5,000 people have died of the virus. 

    As it has now spread to 184 countries, Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation, is calling for unit:

    07.39 - Healthcare messages:

    Messages of thanks to healthcare staff will be projected on to the wall of a Dublin Hospital from tonight.

    The campaign called Hashtag-Dear-Heroes wants people to say 'thank you' for all the work frontline workers have been doing over the past couple of weeks in the fight against Covid-19.

    The messages will be on the wall of the Mater Hospital, while also being streamed online every night until Monday.

    07.30 - Research:

    Researchers in Galway have designed a ventilator that would allow two people be treated at once.

    The system uses the technology that is already in hospitals and allows it to be easily adapted, with the design to be made available online for everyone to see how it works.

    It is now to be tested over the next couple of weeks, with the hopes it can ease pressure on ICUs throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

    07.25 - Restrictions:

    The Health Minister says the current restrictions on travel, work and movement will remain in place for the next few weeks. 

    Health officials will formally make a recommendation to the government today, as the current measures are due to end on Sunday.  

    Yesterday, 28 more patients lost their lives because of the coronavirus, while 500 new cases were diagnosed. 

    Simon Harris says the rate of growth of the virus has slowed, but the restrictions will have to remain in place:

    07.11 - British Prime Minister:

    Boris Johnson was moved out of the intensive care unit last night.

    The British Prime Minister is still being treated in a London hospital for Covid-19.

    Downing Street say his conditions continues to improve. 

    07.00 - Ryanair:

    Ryanair says it cannot rule out extended lay-offs or job loses beyond May as most of its fleet remains grounded due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    In a memo to staff, Director of Operations, Neal McMahon, says the company will pay wages will paid for April and May with contribution from the government's Covid-19 support scheme.

    With uncertainty over a full return to service after May, he added that further measures, including possible job losses, may have to be taken to protect the future of the airline.

    06.45 - Presidential Message:

    In an Easter message to Irish people at home and abroad, President Michael D.Higgins says the severity and magnitude of Covid-19 is in 'our hands'.

    The President says the days ahead may continue to be difficult but we will leave a lasting legacy by sticking to current restrictions to save lives.

    Michael D.Higgins also extends his thanks to those who continue to work in essential jobs such as healthcare and retail:

    06.30 - Latest figures:

    28 more people have died after contracting Covid-19 with the death toll now standing at 263.

    500 new cases have also been detected in the past 24 hours - the largest number in a single day since the outbreak began.

    The total number of positive tests in the Republic is now 6,574.

    In the midlands, Westmeath continues to have the highest number of confirmed cases - now at 142, 8 more since yesterday.

    That's followed by 81 now in Offaly, up from 4 yesterday.

    And Laois has confirmed three further cases bringing the total to 37.

 

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