Latest news updates on Monday 22nd June.
Latest Figures:
One new case of coronavirus has been confirmed in the midlands.
That positive test has come in Laois, bringing the total there to 265.
There's no new cases in Offaly, leaving the figure there at 483.
Westmeath has seen no new patients confirmed but still has comfortably the highest number of cases in the region at 672.
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 1,717 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
As of midnight Sunday 21st June the HPSC has been notified of 4 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 25,383 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
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; “Yesterday, more than 183,000 new cases of COVID-19 were reported globally, the most in a single day according to the WHO.
“In Ireland, in the last 14 days over a third of new confirmed cases are in young people under the age of 35. This is not a disease that solely affects older people. No one is immune, everyone is responsible for limiting the spread of COVID-19.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “While it is encouraging to see an increase in the number of people wearing face coverings in public places, 41% is a significantly lower uptake when compared to our other recommended behaviours such as hand washing (92%) and physical distancing (91%). Face coverings should be worn when it is difficult to maintain physical distancing, for instance in shops and on public transport.”
ENDS
According to Amárach research, conducted on behalf of the Department of Health, there has been a further increase in the percentage of adults wearing face coverings, up from 34% last week to 41% this week, across all demographic groups.
- 48% of females and 33% of males report wearing a face covering in public places
- The majority (56%) of adults feel that the worst of the pandemic is behind us.
New tests:
New saliva tests for the coronavirus are to be trialled in the UK this week.
It's hoped they could become an alternative to the invasive and sometimes painful nasal and throat swabs currently used.
Results will be available within 48 hours.
Scotland:
Face coverings are now compulsory for most people using public transport in Scotland.
Children under five and those with certain medical conditions are exempt.
Figures:
183,000 cases of Covid-19 were recorded by World Health Organisation up to midnight yesterday - the largest in a single day.
Many of the new cases are in the Americas, South Asia and the Middle East.
There were no coronavirus deaths recorded on the island of Ireland yesterday.
Six new cases were confirmed in the Republic, while a further four tested positive in the North.
Dr Mary Favier from the Irish Council of General Practitioners is warning we still have to be on our guard despite the low numbers:
In the midlands,
Three new cases have been confirmed.
Laois has recorded a total of 264 with the virus, while 483 have tested positive in Offaly - an increase of one.
Westmeath has increased by two bringing the total to 672.
There's been a surge in cases of Covid-19 in Germany - with new cases reported in hospitals, care homes, refugee centres and following religious gatherings.
The infection rate - known as the R number - has risen to 2-point-88, meaning each person with the virus is passing it onto almost three others.
The country's death rate has so far been relatively low, at fewer than 9,000.
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