Covid-19 Friday: 6 more deaths, 39 new cases

THE Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of 6 people with Covid-19 have died.
There have now been a total 1,645 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
As of midnight Thursday 28th May the HPSC has been notified of 39 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 24,876 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.
Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Wednesday 27 May (24,837 cases), reveals:

· 57% are female and 43% are male
· the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
· 3,270 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
· Of those hospitalised, 404 cases have been admitted to ICU
· 7,943 cases are associated with healthcare workers
· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,023 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,464 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,416 cases (6%)
· Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 40%, close contact accounts for 58%, travel abroad accounts for 2%

Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, Department of Health, said: ‘As we approach the last week of Phase 1 it is encouraging to see ICU and hospital admissions declining, the number of new cases remaining stable and a 90% recovery rate in the community.

‘Moving into next week, I would urge everyone to look back at the progress we have made over the past number of weeks and maintain our efforts to suppress Covid-19 into the future.’

Dr Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer, Department of Health, said: ‘Over the bank holiday weekend, we encourage everyone to enjoy the warm weather within recommended guidelines. Public health advice currently recommends outdoor meetings of up to 4 people outside of your household, at a physical distance of 2m and within 5km of your home.’

Dr Siobhán Ni Bhriain, consultant psychiatrist and HSE integrated care lead, said: ‘As we emerge out of our homes social distancing can pose real challenges for all, especially those in our vulnerable groups who may be enjoying the outdoors for the first time in weeks. Protect each other by keeping a 2m distance.’

The Department of Health’s COVID-19 Information Dashboard (click here) provides the latest case information.

• To watch or listen to the Southern Star Coronavirus Podcast, please search Coronavirus Podcast at the top of this page or see the Southern Star on YouTube.

• You can subscribe to the Southern Star Coronavirus podcast which is available on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts.