‘We are beginning to flatten the curve’

“We are beginning to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection,” says Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, whilst warning about potential ‘super-spreader’ events such as birthdays or funerals.

“We are beginning to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection,” says Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, whilst warning about potential ‘super-spreader’ events such as birthdays or funerals.

Stating that the fall in new infections is down to “solidarity” shown by families and communities across the country in recent weeks, Dr Holohan stated: “Each individual effort to follow the public health advice is making an impact, but we can only continue this positive trend and drive down incidence in the community by continuing to stay at home and avoid meeting or mixing with others in our social circle, including for any close family gatherings, such as birthdays or funerals, as these can be ‘super-spreader’ events.”

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 77 additional deaths related to COVID-19, all but one of which occurred in January.

The median age of those who died is 84 years and the age range is 43-98 years, bringing the total death toll to date from the virus to 2,947.

As of 2pm today, 1,892 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 217 are in ICU.

There have been 59 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

“We know it is possible to have COVID-19 without displaying symptoms, so we all need to behave as though we are infectious and minimise our close contacts with others,” said Dr Holohan. “If you suspect that you might be ill, isolate away from others in your household, let your close contacts know and come forward for testing as soon as possible.”