Covid-19 Friday: no deaths, 38 new cases

THERE have been no new deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today.

There has now been a total of 1,763 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight Thursday 30th July, the HPSC has been notified of 38 confirmed cases. There is now a total of 26,065 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.

Of today’s 38 cases:

• 22 males/ 16 females
• Median age 30 years
• 82% are under 45 years of age
• 32 cases are located in Dublin or Kildare
• 26 are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of confirmed cases

Over the past two days a total of 123 cases have been reported. Of these:

• 84 cases are linked to known outbreaks or are close contacts of other confirmed cases.
• At least 19 cases have been identified as community transmission while 20 cases remain under investigation
• 44 cases are located in Kildare, 33 in Dublin, 11 in Clare, 10 in Laois, 8 in Limerick and the remaining 17 are located across 10 counties.

Dr Ronan Glynn, acting chief medical officer, Department of Health, said: ‘Mass testing has now taken place in relation to a number of known outbreaks. We may be beginning to see more cases which we cannot link to outbreaks or close contacts. The National Public Health Emergency Team will continue to monitor this situation closely over the coming days.’

A survey of GPs has indicated that the vast majority of patients who had contacted them with Covid-like symptoms in the past week had not been self-isolating since the onset of their symptoms.

Dr Ronan Glynn said: ‘The importance of isolating as soon as you have any flu like symptoms cannot be overstated. Without this individual action we simply will not break the chains of transmission and we will put many people at risk of infection. It is important that people know that there is no charge for GP or testing services relating to Covid-19. Please do not hesitate to contact your GP if you have any concerns.

‘This weekend, the six key things people need to do are limit the size of your network and time you spent with them, keep your distance, meet up outside if possible, wash your hands, wear a face covering and download the Covid Tracker App.’

NPHET says everyone should be aware of the risk factors for getting Covid-19:

• Distance– the risk increases as the distance between you and others gets smaller. Keep 2m apart where possible
• Activity– How you spend time with people and what you do with them can increase your risk. Follow the government’s Stay Safe Guidelines when spending time with others
• Time– The more time you spend in close contact with other people can increase your risk. Keep track of who you spend time with and how
• Environment– Being outdoors is safer than being indoors. Where possible, meet with others outdoors. If this is not possible, keep windows and doors open when meeting others inside
• Symptoms– Know the symptoms. If you have them, self-isolate and contact your GP immediately

Public Health Advice for all citizens available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/

Know the symptoms:

• a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)
• a cough- this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
• shortness of breathor breathing difficulties
• loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• flu-like symptoms
• 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. This week’s podcast includes a review of this week’s newspaper, music from Ardfield singer Alan Tobin, and an interview with Seven Oceans swimmer Steve Redmond, who swam to the Fastnet Rock and back recently.

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