Coronavirus: Two further deaths and 54 new cases
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that two people with COVID-19 in Ireland have died.
There has now been a total of 1,775 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
As of midnight Tuesday 18 August, the HPSC has been notified of 54 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
There is now a total of 27,547 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Of the cases notified today:
- 67% are under 45 years of age
- 27 are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
- 8 cases have been identified as community transmission
- 19 are in Dublin, 8 in Kildare, 5 in Tipperary and the rest of the cases are in Carlow, Clare, Donegal, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Waterford and Wexford
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: “To save lives and suppress this virus we need everyone to reduce the number of people they meet over the next three weeks.
“A collective effort by households and by employers and organisations can make a huge impact on community transmission, and help to protect our families and communities from COVID-19.
“You can still play sport, go to a restaurant and meet friends, but we are asking you to do this in as safe a way as possible.
“Specifically focus on two numbers – 6 and 15.
“Do not have more than 6 people over to your house and garden, and outside, no more than 15 people should meet up, and even then you should remain socially distanced from one another.”
