Latest national news on Wednesday 8th July.
Latest Figures:
No new cases of Covid-19 have been identified in the Midlands for the second day in succession.
That leaves the total at 1,425.
Westmeath has 674 confirmed cases, Offaly 486 and Laois 265 patients.
There have been no new deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today.
The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland is 1,738*.
As of midnight Tuesday 7th July, the HPSC has been notified of 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 25,542** 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.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “A key element of our response to COVID-19 is ensuring that any person experiencing symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever, loss of sense of smell or taste) comes forward for testing. Please do not adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, instead isolate yourself and contact your GP without delay.
“The National Public Health Emergency Team meets again tomorrow (Thursday 9 July) to continue its review of Ireland’s response and preparedness to COVID-19.”
The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.
Private bus sector:
Private bus and coach operators are calling for a 172 million euro bailout of the sector.
The Coach Tourism and Transport Council says the funds are needed to help them deal with the "profound impact" of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The representative body's also calling for the extension of a temporary moratorium on loan repayments and for operators to be allowed register for VAT.
CTTC spokesperson, Fergal Barton, says the issue needs urgent attention:
Brain condition:
Scientists say a rare brain inflammation which is usually triggered by viral infections could be linked to coronavirus.
ADEM is typically seen in children and often happens after a minor infection like a cold.
But researchers from University College London say there's been a "concerning increase" in cases among adults during the pandemic.
This is impressive from @hselive and @roinnslainte. They worked hard to deploy contact tracing technology that fully addresses questions of privacy and surveillance. We now have a world-class tool for public health. It’s gratifying to see the rapid and extensive uptake. Sign up! pic.twitter.com/HV3gkt8TYL
— Professor Philip Nolan (@President_MU) July 7, 2020
Serbia:
Riot police have been on the streets of the Serbian capital Belgrade after the president said it’ll be going back into lockdown.
A curfew will be imposed in the city on Friday and will 'probably' last until Monday, according to officials.
Another 13 patients died in 24 hours in the country, bringing the number of Covid-19 related deaths to 330.
Airborne:
The World Health Organisation has acknowledged evidence that coronavirus can be spread by tiny particles suspended in the air.
An official says airborne transmission can't be ruled out in crowded, closed or poorly ventilated settings.
If the evidence is confirmed, it may affect guidelines for indoor spaces.
There are now more than 11 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Covid-19 globally.
Dr Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO, fears there could be a sharp increase in coronavirus fatalities in the coming weeks:
Local figures:
No new cases were recorded in the midlands yesterday.
Offaly has 486 cases with 265 in Laois.
Westmeath has the highest in the region with 674.
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