News updates for Friday 25th December 2020.
Latest figures:
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 2 additional deaths related to COVID-19.
There has been a total of 2,194 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
As of midnight Thursday 24th December, the HPSC has been notified of 1,025 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 84,098 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: “I can confirm that we have detected the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2 by whole genome sequencing at the National Virus Reference Laboratory in UCD.”
“Further testing in the coming days and weeks will establish the extent to which it is present here. In the meantime, it is vitally important that we each stay at home, avoid social contact and avoid all forms of non-essential travel.”
“It is particularly important that those who have arrived from the UK strictly self-isolate for a full 14 days following arrival. They should not interact with others, visit others, socialise or go shopping. The HSE is making arrangements to test recent arrivals from the UK. Full details of advice and procedures are available atwww.hse.ie.”
The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community
Vaccine:
Minister Stephen Donnelly has signed the regulation allowing the use of the Pfizer Covid vaccine here in Ireland.
He says he's 'delighted' to report that the first delivery is due to arrive here tomorrow.
While the first jab will be administered on the 30th of this month, four days later.
Over 600,000 people have already received their first dose of this vaccine in the UK.
Marts:
Agricultural marts will still be able to operate in-person sales during level 5 restrictions.
They were forced to close during the last lockdown and had to trade online.
But the government says they can continue to operate as normal this time - but farmers are being asked to continue to trade online if possible.
Independent Roscommon Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice says it's a welcome decision:
Local figures:
Ireland has the fastest growing incidence rate of Covid 19 in the EU.
A further 922 new cases of the virus have been confirmed today along with 8 deaths.
The 14 day incidence rate is now 166 per 100,000.
33 of the new cases are in the midlands, Westmeath, which has the lowest incidence rate in the region, had 15 new cases, 12 were reported in Laois which has rate of 207 while Offaly recorded 6 cases and has a rate of 74.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says none of the indicators of this disease are showing encouraging signs. He has reminded people to rigidly adhere to public health advice.
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