Fifteen more people lost their battle with Coronavirus

The deaths of 15 more people as a result of COVID-19 have been confirmed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

It brings to 1,467* the total number of Coronavirus related deaths in Ireland to date.

The figures are valid as of 11am today (Monday), May 11. They show that the HPSC has been notified of 139 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed positive cases here to date to 23,135.

The latest date for which county figures are available is May 9. They show 753 confirmed cases in County Cavan and 449 in neighbouring County Monaghan. It represents a daily increase of just one and two cases respectively in each of the counties.

As always, the HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Saturday, May 9 (22,894 cases), reveals:

·        57% are female and 43% are male

·        the median age of confirmed cases is 49 years

·        2,998 cases (13%) have been hospitalised

·        Of those hospitalised, 383 cases have been admitted to ICU

·        6,834 cases are associated with healthcare workers

·        Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,175 (49% of all cases) followed by Kildare with 1,331 cases (6%) and then Cork with 1,232 cases (5%)

·        Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 61%, close contact accounts for 36%, travel abroad accounts for 3%

Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, Department of Health, said: “As we approach May 18th, the next date highlighted in the Government’s Roadmap, we continue to monitor key parameters associated with COVID-19. These include the number of new cases, numbers admitted to hospital and currently in ICU and the number of deaths.

“While 43% of the population believe the worst of this pandemic is behind us, the virus is still circulating, the risk is still there in our communities. The health service will continue to prepare and respond to the virus, the public are asked to stay the course and keep up the progress we have made.”

*Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of six deaths. The figure of 1,467 deaths reflects this.