'Shops, services and supermarkets are the new frontline'

There has now been a total of 1,753 related deaths in Ireland, and 25,766 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Shops, services and supermarkets have been described as the “new frontline” in the ongoing fight to attempt to curb the further spread of Covid-19.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: “We are now seeing outbreaks of the virus in a range of work settings, including in construction, in fast food outlets and in supermarkets.

“We can’t underestimate how quickly clusters develop. We have come so far together, but we need to stay vigilant to prevent a resurgence across the whole country in the coming weeks.”

There were no new deaths reported, and only six more confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection according to the latest report from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

The details are valid as of Sunday, July 19.

There has now been a total of 1,753 related deaths in Ireland, and 25,766 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

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

However, over the past 14 days, the total number of confirmed cases notified to the HPSC is 270, with more than half of those being women (57%) and a median age of 34-years.

Some 69% of these new cases are under 45 years.

Many workplaces have introduced the new regimes and safety measures necessary to reopen their businesses, and Dr Glynn is reminded employers that the workplace and most particularly, shops, services and supermarkets, are the “new frontline”.

“We are asking you to do everything you can to put the safety of your staff and customers first,” said Dr Glynn.

“With the increase in outbreaks in our communities, I would urge everyone to wear face coverings in healthcare settings and when shopping, including in the supermarket and other indoor retail services.”

Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, added: “Our healthcare workers have been at the front line since March and they deserve our best efforts to continue to minimise the spread of this virus.

“The impact of any increase in cases will be hard on healthcare workers, who have already given so much to keep us safe this year.

“Let’s reward their dedicated and unwavering service by holding firm on COVID-19.”

Dr Sumi Dunne, ICGP, also stated that COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease – “it thrives in crowds. There is no blame in contracting the virus.”

But it was asked that people “stay alert” and look out for common symptoms such as a cough or a high temperature. “If you suspect you have the symptoms, isolate yourself from other people to contain the virus and come forward for testing by contacting your GP as quickly as possible.

“Testing helps us identify, isolate and contain the virus. It helps to keep the numbers low in our communities. If you haven’t done so already, download the COVID-19 Tracker App – it’s an easy way to keep track of your contacts.”