Covid-19 latest: 25 more deaths in Ireland; more than 430 cases in Cork

There were 365 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland as of 1pm today, bringing the total number of cases in the Republic to 6,074. 

The Department of Health confirmed this evening that 25 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 in Ireland have died today.

Of those deaths, 13 were located in the east, eight in the north, two in the south and two in the west of the country The patients included 10 females and 15 males. 18 patients were reported as having underlying health conditions.

The National Public Health Emergency Team noted today’s guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) that the risk of severe disease associated with COVID-19 in the EU and UK is considered moderate for the general population and very high for vulnerable groups.

The ECDC also advised that it is currently too early to start lifting community and physical distancing measures and that Member States should continue to adopt a public health based approach of testing and contact tracing.

Speaking at the press briefing this evening, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, stated that the National Public Health Emergency Team is due to meet again on Friday.

“Ireland continues to follow ECDC guidance with regards to testing, contact tracing and the implementation of community measures such as physical distancing and cocooning. This is the most effective way we have of slowing down the spread of this virus and saving lives. Our public health guidance is under constant review and the National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again on Friday morning to review the impact of ongoing measures,” he said.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre revealed that as of midnight on Monday 1,472 people have been hospitalised as a result of Covid-19. Of those hospitalised, 224 people have been admitted to ICU. 

Dublin had the highest number of cases at 3,268 as of midnight on Monday, followed by Cork with 431 cases. Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 67%, close contact accounts for 23%, travel abroad accounts for 10%.

So far, there have now been 235 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland. The median age of deaths in Ireland is 81.