Coronavirus: Another 52 People Have Died

Latest news updates for 25th April 2020.

Figures:

Another 52 people have died from Covid-19 in the Republic.

It brings the death toll here to 1,063.

The National Public Health Emergency Team says there are 377 new confirmed cases, with a total of 18,561 people infected.

As of midnight on Thursday, 14 per cent of cases have been hospitalised and 344 patients have been admitted to ICU.

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Thursday 23rd April (17,420 cases), reveals:

· 57% are female and 43% are male

· the median age of confirmed cases is 49 years

· 2,536 cases (14%) have been hospitalised

· Of those hospitalised, 344 cases have been admitted to ICU

· 4,847 cases are associated with healthcare workers

· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 9,010 (50% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,103 cases (6%)

· Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 48%, close contact accounts for 48%, travel abroad accounts for 4%

421 patients in Westmeath have tested positive. 

There are 222 people with the illness in Offaly. 

Laois has 204 confirmed cases.

Testing:

A new testing criteria for Covid 19 testing will be brought in next week.

Currently, only people in at-risk groups with two symptoms are eligible.

That's being changed so anyone with a fever, cough or shortness of breath can be tested - but vulnerable groups will still be prioritised.

Dublin GP Mark Murphy says there needs to be a quick turnaround to get people's results:

Gardai:

Gardaí and health officials are urging people to stick with the Covid-19 restrictions this weekend.

The Chief Medical Officer says compliance over the next ten days is crucial to control the virus.

The death toll in the Republic has risen to over one thousand, including 5 healthcare workers who've lost their lives.

733 people are currently being treated in hospital with 118 in intensive care.

The HSE's Dr Sarah Doyle says people should continue following the guidelines:

Woodies:

The head of one of the country's biggest DIY chains says they're hopeful they will reopen in the next two weeks.

Woodies DIY employs 1,400 staff but have not sold anything since restrictions were introduced.

CEO Declan Ronayne says he's hopeful they can reopen the business soon:

UK:

In the UK it's claimed two-thirds of coronavirus patients who've needed ventilation have died. 

The Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre have been studying more than 6,700 critically-ill people who've been diagnosed with Covid-19. 

They were being treated at units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland until at least earlier this week.

New Criteria for Covid-19 Testing:

The HSE says testing capacity for Covid-19 will be closely monitored when new criteria is introduced next week.

Only people in at-risk groups who have two symptoms are currently able to get a test.

That'll be changed next week so anyone with a fever, cough or shortness of breath will be eligible.

Vulnerable people will still be prioritised.

The HSE's Dr Sarah Doyle says they'll need to make sure people get results without too much of a delay:

Junior Cert Exams:

The Department of Education's being criticised for a lack of clarity on Junior Cert exams.

Tests could now take place as early as next month, despite recent suggestions by the minister they'd be held in September.

The apparent roll-back follows decisions by Galway and Kilkenny schools to hold their own exams before then.

Labour Party education spokesperson Aodhán  Ó Ríordáin's calling on the minister to address the situation:

Northern Ireland:

The PSNI has welcomed clarity from the Northern Ireland executive on lockdown rules regarding travel and exercise.

The changes mean people can drive to a "safe space or facility" but can't go on a "long drive to a beach or resort" where large numbers of people could gather.

First Minister, Arlene Foster, says they're also lifting restrictions on access to graveyards:

WHO:

The World Health Organisation says people should only take advice about Covid-19 from expert medical practioners.

It's after U.S President, Donald Trump, suggested on Thursday that injecting disinfectant into the body could be a cure for coronavirus.

Spokesperson for the WHO, Dr.Margaret Harris, says people should only listen to those who are medically qualified.

Restrictions:

The virus needs to be suppressed further before any restrictions are lifted, according to the Health Minister.

Simon Harris says the next 10 days are vital:

US:

In America, the Food and Drug Administration has authorised the first "at-home test" for diagnosing Covid-19.

Health care workers who have potentially been exposed to the virus, or those showing symptoms will be given access first to the kits

Students:

Fianna Fail's calling on universities to immediately refund students who've already paid fees for campus accommodation.

TD Thomas Byrne says many are struggling financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic and they shouldn't have to wait months for refunds.

He says the payments mustn't be delayed.

Testing:

New criteria for Covid-19 testing is being introduced early next week.

Currently, only people in at-risk groups, with two symptoms, can be sent for testing.

From next week, if a person has a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, they can get a test, but vulnerable people will still be prioritised.

The Covid-19 death toll has risen to 1,014, including 185 probable deaths and 37 lab-confirmed fatalities.

Local figures:

There are now 828 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the midlands.

Westmeath continues to have the highest rate - now standing at 409.

In Offaly, that figure is 217.

And in Laois there are now 202 confirmed cases.

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