Covid 'R-number' at 1.4 but could rise further

As of Wednesday last, July 15, there are now 25,698 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

“The cases which we will report next week have already been seeded, however we have the power to limit the spread and impact of this disease beyond that; the way we do so is through following public health advice, avoiding high risk situations and encouraging our friends and family to do the same.”

That was the assessment given by Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health after 21 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in the country.

As of Wednesday last, July 15, there are now 25,698 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

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

One more person has also died, bringing the total to 1,749 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland to date.

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said; “Our best estimate of the R-number currently stands at 1.4 but it could be as high as 1.8. We have an opportunity now to maintain suppression of the virus.”