Coronavirus: 2 More Patients Have Died

Latest news updates on Friday 19th June.

Latest figures:

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of 2 people with COVID-19 have died.
 There have now been a total of 1,714* COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
As of midnight Thursday 18 June the HPSC has been notified of 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 25,368 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
There's been no increase in cases in the midlands.
Westmeath remains on 670, 482 in Offaly, and 264 in Laois.
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. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “The importance of people exercising their own judgement and taking personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others cannot be overstated at this crucial point in the pandemic.
“Hand washing, physical distancing, cough/sneeze etiquette, face coverings and knowing the symptoms of COVID-19 - and what to immediately when experiencing symptoms - is how every individual can equip themselves to live safely as restrictions are eased.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Gov.ie/health and HSE.ie should continue to be the key sources of information on public health measures for COVID-19.
“Additionally, the new COVID-19 dashboard is a useful tool for anyone who wants to more about the disease in the community around them. Great progress has been made but the virus is still circulating and, as the World Health Organisation has said, the biggest threat now is complacency."
*Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 2 deaths. The figure of 1,714 deaths reflects this.

Hairdressers:

Hairdressers and barbers could be allowed to re-open sooner than planned.

The government is considering new advice today on whether to allow them open on June 29th, three weeks earlier than planned.

Ministers are also looking at guidance from the National Public Health Emergency Team in relation to weddings and cinemas.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says even as the lockdown is lifted, people will need to get used to a new normal:

Dylan Bradshaw, from Dylan Bradshaw Hair Salon in Dublin, believes people won't be too reluctant to come back to hairdressers after the Covid-19 crisis:

Mental Health:

One in three people say they felt sadder under lockdown than before it.

A survey from Ulster Bank has found older people are most affected.

While 70 percent of people say they're worried about the future of their health and financial security.

CEO of St Patrick's Mental Health Services Paul Gilligan says they're working to help the public deal with that anxiety:

Face masks:

A bookshop owner says reaction to a mask-wearing policy has been mostly positive, despite calls for a boycott of the store.

Joan Lucey, who owns Vibes And Scribes in Cork City, is asking customers bring their own masks or to make a charity donation to pick one up in store.

Some replies to a social media post called for people to boycott the shop.

Joan Lucey says it hasn't had much of an impact, but adds she would still be wary:

Schools in Northern Ireland:

Principals in Northern Ireland are expected to get guidance today on how schools will operate when they fully reopen in August.

Yesterday it was announced that social distancing rules will be relaxed from two metres to one for pupils.

Graham Gault is a principal of a primary school in Co. Antrim and says he still has some things he needs to get cleared-up:

Scotland:

Anyone who's been shielding from coronavirus can go outside to exercise in Scotland, from today.

Those most vulnerable have been told to completely self-isolate for more than three months.

It's part of a series of announcements to slowly ease lockdown restrictions.

People are also able to meet other households at the same time while outdoors.

Local figures:

One new case has been cofirmed in the midlands.

That's in Offaly and brings the county's total to 482.

Westmeath remains on 680 and Laois on 264.

The total number of confirmed cases in the midlands stands at 1,416.

 

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