A total of 365 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.
This is an increase on the 5,709 cases from yesterday and takes the overall total to 6,074.
While now 235 people have died from the disease – an increase of 25 from yesterday.
10 of the patients who died are female while 15 are male. 13 deaths are located in the east, 8 in the north, 2 in the south and 2 in the west of the country.
The median age of those who died today is 80 with 18 of those having underlying health conditions.
The National Public Health Emergency Team noted today’s guidance from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) that the risk of severe disease associated with COVID-19 in the EU and UK is considered moderate for the general population and very high for vulnerable groups.
The ECDC also advised that it is currently too early to start lifting community and physical distancing measures and that Member States should continue to adopt a public health based approach of testing and contact tracing.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Ireland continues to follow ECDC guidance with regards to testing, contact tracing and the implementation of community measures such as physical distancing and cocooning. This is the most effective way we have of slowing down the spread of this virus and saving lives.
“Our public health guidance is under constant review and the National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again on Friday morning to review the impact of ongoing measures.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “The ECDC has said that the probability of continued spread of COVID-19 is very high. The risk of exceeding the capacity of the health system remains high even in countries like Ireland where significant public health restrictions have been put in place.
“It is for these reasons that we continue to ask people to stay at home and to follow public health advice. While we know these measures are difficult especially as we approach a sunny, bank holiday weekend, the efforts we are seeing from the public are having an impact and making a real difference.”
People have been asking for the stats on recovered patients but as yet, the HSE have not released these.
However, a website giving stats on worldwide figures of Coronavirus, says that 25 people have recovered in Ireland.
Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, 6th April (5,981 cases), reveals:
· 47% are male and 53% are female, with 299 clusters involving 1,288 cases
· the median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
· 1,472 cases (25%) have been hospitalised
· Of those hospitalised, 224 cases have been admitted to ICU
· 1,568 cases are associated with healthcare workers
· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 3,268, (55% of all cases) followed by Cork with 431 cases (7%)
· Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 67%, close contact accounts for 23%, travel abroad accounts for 10%
Links to today’s other Coronavirus stories
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Electric Picnic promoter hopeful that 2020 festival can go ahead
Laois GAA clubs launch fundraisers for little Dan Donoher
Northern Ireland, the UK and globally
There have been 5 further deaths as result of Coronavirus in Northern Ireland, bringing the total to 78.
There have been 84 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total figure to 1,339. To date, 9,564 people have been tested.
938 more people have died from Coronavirus in the UK in a 24 period. The Department of Health says the total number of deaths now stands at 7,097.
The European Commission has urged EU member states to maintain a ban on non-essential travel into the bloc’s passport-free zone until at least 15 May, to slow the Coronavirus epidemic.
There is “no indication” that peak of the coronavirus epidemic in Europe has been reached, according to the latest “rapid risk assessment” from the European Centre for Disease Control.
The death toll from an outbreak of coronavirus in the northern region of Lombardy, which has borne the brunt of Italy’s contagion, has risen by 238 in a day to 9,722.
There are now more than 1,467,000 cases globally with at least one in almost every country on the planet. Almost 86,000 people have died. While 316,000 have recovered.
Vaccine trial
Novavax Inc said it had identified a novel Coronavirus vaccine candidate and would start human trials in mid-May.
The Maryland-based late-stage biotechnology company said its Matrix-M adjuvant would be used with the vaccine candidate -NVX-CoV2373 – to enhance immune responses.
Adjuvants are mainly used to enable a vaccine to induce a strong immune response including a greater production of antibodies and longer-lasting protection against viral and bacterial infections.
Novavax said preliminary immunogenicity and safety results from the trial were expected in July.
ICU at Dublin’s Mater Hospital at full capacity
The Director of Critical Care Medicine at the Mater Hospital in Dublin has said the intensive care unit there is full and some patients, who have been ventilated, have been moved to the high dependency unit for care.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Dr Colman O’Loughlin said that most of the patients in the 18 ICU beds are Covid-19 patients.
Bernie Sanders and Maurice Robinson
Bernie Sanders has suspended his campaign for the Democratic Party nomination for the Presidential Election.
That means that it is very likely that Joe Biden is going to be the Democratic Party candidate for president.
Meanwhile, Armagh lorry driver Maurice Robinson has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 39 people.
They were found dead in a refrigerated truck in Essex last October.
Coronavirus Myths
As yet, there is no cure currently for COVID-19.
So people suggesting/selling special remedies like vitamin C, garlic, home cures, drinking bleach, or putting half an onion in rooms around the house are – well you know don’t you?
The World Health Organisation has advice on some of these urban legends.
Cuisle Centre
The Coronavirus outbreak has led to the Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise closing.
They said: “The Covid-19 restrictions mean that we have had to temporarily close our doors, but we are still here to support you and your family.
“As we know this is a confusing time for our patients as chemotherapy and surgery are been rescheduled – we will be continuing to give you support and guidance over the phone.
“Just call 0578681492 and leave your name, number and a brief message and we will get back to you. You can also contact us on email: info@cuislecancersupportcentre.ie or messenger us through facebook.
“Stay safe everyone, wash your hands and take a little exercise.”
Important information
Symptoms of Covid-19 include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Breathing difficulties.
Further resources:
- The HSE: Official advice on the coronavirus in Ireland. This is being updated based on the number of confirmed cases and how the virus spreads in Ireland.
- The Department of Foreign Affairs: Official advice on where to avoid travelling to. Also a resource for those who are abroad.
- The World Health Organization (WHO): The UN agency on global public health publishes statements and daily situation reports based on the latest data.
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): The EU agency on the number of cases, deaths and how it’s spreading in Europe.
- The Johns Hopkins University map: A heat map of the confirmed cases across the world.
A helpline for older people who are concerned about the coronavirus has been launched by Alone. The number is 0818 222 024, and it’s open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm.
SEE ALSO – For more Coronavirus stories click here
