Vigilance needed to stop second wave says medic
A further 17 people with COVID-19 have died, it was reported today, bringing the death toll to 1,631 in the Republic.
As of midnight Tuesday, May 26 the authorities have been notified of 73 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which means there is now a total of 24,803 confirmed cases in the state.
Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Monday, May 25 (24,730 cases), reveals there have been 829 cases in Co Cavan (increase of two); and 503 cases in Co Monaghan (no change).
Looking nationally, of those 24,730 cases 57% are female and 43% are male; the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years; 3,251 cases (13%) have been hospitalised; of those hospitalised, 399 cases have been admitted to ICU. Also, 7,891 cases are associated with healthcare workers.
Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 40%, close contact accounts for 58%, travel abroad accounts for 2%.
“To date, 90% of confirmed cases diagnosed with COVID-19 have recovered," said Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer. "But we cannot afford to stop the hard work involved in suppressing this virus.
“COVID-19 is a new disease. Ireland and the world understand more about the virus now than we did at the outset of this crisis. What we do know is that hand washing, social distancing and knowing when to self-isolate do work.
“These measures are the most effective tool we have to keep this virus suppressed and keep up this recovery rate. We know that the vast majority of Irish people understand this, and that they are staying the course with us as we continue to keep case numbers as low as possible.”
Suppressed
Dr, Siobhán Kennelly, HSE National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Older Persons: “COVID-19 is having an impact on everyone in Ireland. We understand that as the country reopens in phases, people may be anxious. If we all maintain social distance, wash our hands well and often and know when to self-isolate, together we will keep this virus suppressed.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “What we do today has a direct effect on tomorrow. In order to prevent any second wave of COVID-19 from occurring, we need to remain vigilant and cautious. Continuing to follow the core public health advice is the best way to protect our most vulnerable now and in future.”