Coronavirus: 147 Cases Confirmed Today

Latest news updates for Monday 24th August 2020.

Latest figures:

147 cases have been confirmed by the Department of Health today. 

It brings the total number of positive tests to 28,116.

No new deaths have been reported, so the death toll from Covid 19 remains at 1,777. 

As of midnight Sunday 23rd August, the HPSC has been notified of 147 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 28,116 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

Of the cases notified today;

• 80 are men / 67 are women

• 71% are under 45 years of age

• 60 are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case

• 14 cases have been identified as community transmission

• 73 in Dublin, 17 in Kildare, 12 in Offaly, 11 in Wicklow, 9 in Limerick and the remaining 25 cases are in Carlow, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Laois, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary and Wexford.

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

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Evidence from the ECDC and international experience to date suggests that children do not commonly transmit COVID-19 to other children or adults in school settings.

“Internationally, where schools have been reopened, schools have not been a significant driver of community transmission.

“We all have a role to play in keeping this virus at low levels – this is key to protecting our education system over the coming weeks.”

Dr. Cillian DeGascun, Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, said: “We know that children can get multiple respiratory tract infections over the winter period and as a result could require repeated swab tests. Therefore, NPHET, HSE and NVRL are continuing to assess alternative testing methods for children.”

Dr Siobhán Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and Integrated Care Lead HSE, said; “There will be cases in school aged children just as there have been throughout the pandemic. When these occur, our public health teams will lead the response to limit further transmission- as has been the case in other settings throughout this pandemic.”

Dr. Mary Favier, President of the Irish College of General Practitioners, said; “Parents should remain vigilant around symptoms and keep their children isolated at home if they are experiencing fever, cough, shortness of breath, flu like symptoms, loss of taste or smell. Parents should also remain aware of asymptomatic transmission - like some adults, children may not present symptoms but can still carry the virus. If you have vulnerable people in your limited network, ensure physical distancing is adhered to and encourage regular hand washing habits with your child.”

373 people in Laois have tested positive for the virus, with Offaly recording 607 cases and Westmeath's total stands at 684. These figures are provided by the Department of Health and were measured at midnight on Saturday 22 August.

Meanwhile, four patients with Covid 19 are being treated at Midlands hospitals.

Two people are being cared for in the facility in Portlaoise, while Tullamore and Mullingar both looking after one patient. 

There are eight suspected cases in hospitals across the region. 

Face masks:

The World Health Organisation says face shields do not provide the same protection from Covid-19 as masks. 

It says the open gaps between the visor and face are a 'disadvantage'. 

In new guidance, the WHO also says kids under five shouldn't wear face masks. 

It says masks should only be used by children in school as part of a comprehensive strategy to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Northern Ireland:

There are ten new cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland, but no more deaths. 

The total number of cases is now 6,776 - with 359 in the past week. 

The death toll remains at 559. 

Residential care:

Some children in residential care have been spitting and coughing at other kids and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Some children have gone missing from care and haven’t been social-distancing. 

There are 395 children in 164 residential care settings in Ireland, with most centres accommodating between two and four kids. 

Children are placed in these settings if they can’t live at home or in an alternative family environment.  

New documents from the Department of Children reveal some of the challenges these kids have presented during the Covid crisis.  

Some children haven’t been social-distancing or adhering to other key health measures.  

A small number of children have been spitting and coughing at staff and other children.  

Some kids have gone missing from care and weren’t social distancing.  

The documents also reveal that last year there were six children in specialist residential treatment facilities abroad.  

This cost nearly 46,000 euro a week, or nearly 2.4 million euro a year.

Children:

Four in ten teachers say they're worried about how play and play lessons for kids will be impacted by steps to curb Covid-19 in schools, according to a new DCU survey.

Development experts say play helps support children during the pandemic by reducing stress and building resilience in the face of anxiety and uncertainty.

Tens of thousands of primary school children are set to return to the classroom this coming week.

DCU's Institute of Education's Dr. Sinead McNally says most teachers believe play helps pupils:

USA:

Donald Trump has announced the emergency authorisation of plasma transfusions for Covid-19 patients.

The US President's issued the order, which will make it easier for some people to access the treatment.

Scientists say the evidence hasn't yet shown whether it works, when to administer it, or what dose is needed.

But Mr Trump says this could provide some benefits to those with the illness:

Schools:

Labour TD Aodhan O'Riordain says the Government's move to recall the Dail after schools reopen doesn't make any sense.

Almost a million primary and secondary students are set to return to the classroom this coming week.

It comes as golf-gate rumbles on - EU Commissioner Phil Hogan admits he stopped at his apartment in Kildare on his way to Clifden for the controversial golf dinner.

Deputy O'Riordain says discussing the controversy after schools re-open is too late:

The new Dail term had been scheduled to start on September 15th.

Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou Mc Donald says the coalition needs to get its act together:

Property:

Two thirds of estate agents say property values have stayed unchanged compared to before Covid-19.

A new Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland survey shows 28 per cent believe the worth of property had dropped and 6 per cent say it had gone up.

Findings also reveal 8 per cent of tenants failed to pay their monthly rent as a result of Covid.

Vice President of the Society, TJ Cronin says demand for homes has held up during the pandemic:

Local figures:

61 new cases of Covid 19 were confirmed and no new deaths were reported by the Department of Health yesterday evening. 

The death toll remains at 1,777 while the total number of infections reported in the Republic has reached 27, 969.

67% of today's cases are in people under the age of 45.

39 were in Dublin, 13 in Kildare and the remaining cases were in Cork, Kerry, Laois, Limerick, Longford and Wicklow.

370 people in Laois have tested positive for the virus, Offaly has had a total of 607 cases confirmed, meanwhile in Westmeath 684 patients have had the illness. These figures are from the Department of Health and are measured at midnight on Friday 21 August.