No Covid-19 related deaths reported for 24 hours

There have been no new deaths related to Covid-19 reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in the last 24 hours.

The total number of Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland now stands at 1,606.

59 additional cases have been reported to the HSPC as of this morning, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to 24,698.

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Saturday 23 May, or 24,593 cases, reveals that 57% of those with Covid-19 are female and 43% are male.

The median age of confirmed cases is 48 years 3,225 cases have been hospitalised, and of those 394 cases have been admitted to ICU.

Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,876, which re[resents 48% of all cases, followed by Cork with 1,438 cases and then Kildare with 1,390 cases.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “The number of new cases and reported deaths over the past week indicates that we have suppressed Covid-19 as a country. It has taken strict measures to achieve this. It will take another week to see any effect on disease incidence that might arise from the easing of measures in Phase 1.” 

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “According to research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health, 61% of people think it likely that Ireland will experience a second wave of Covid-19.

“While NPHET continues to monitor the spread of Covid-19, both here in Ireland and internationally, ultimately it is the collective behaviours of each individual which will determine the course of this disease. The importance of regular hand washing, physical distance and cough/sneeze etiquette cannot be underestimated.” 

Dr Siobhán Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and HSE Integrated Care Lead, said: “If a person is experiencing symptoms of any condition, including symptoms associated with conditions for which there are screening programmes, it is important to make early contact with you doctor and not await a routine screening appointment. GP clinics have remained open throughout the pandemic and will continue to be available to the public in these circumstances.”