Coronavirus: Six further deaths and 23 new cases
By William O'Connor
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of six people with COVID-19 have died.
There has now been a total of 1,743 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
As of midnight Wednesday 8th July, the HPSC has been notified of 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 25,565 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 National Public Health Emergency Team met today (Thursday 9 July) to review Ireland’s ongoing response and preparedness to COVID-19.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Today, NPHET has recommended that all visitors to healthcare settings including hospitals, GP practices and pharmacies, should wear face coverings.
“15 of today’s confirmed cases are directly or indirectly related to travel. NPHET today reiterates that all non-essential travel overseas should be avoided.
“In addition, 77% of cases reported today are under 25 years of age.
“COVID-19 is extremely infectious and none of us are immune.
“It is important that we all continue to follow public health advice and risk assess our actions.”
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said; “We are seeing an increase in the number of reported cases over the last 2 weeks and the R-number is now at or above 1.
“There is an immediate need for all of us to take care and caution in our decisions and actions.”
