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Coronavirus: Four new deaths and 98 new cases as face coverings confirmed for secondary school

There have been four new Coronavirus death reported today – meaning 1,772 is the death toll in Ireland still.

While there has been a total of 98 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed in Ireland today.

That means there is now a total of 26,470 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

Of the cases notified today, 57 are men and 38 are women.

68% are under 45 years of age. 67 are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.

4 cases have been identified as community transmission.

35 cases are located in Kildare, 26 in Offaly, 6 in Wexford, 5 in Laois, 5 in Dublin, and 21 are spread across ten other counties – Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath and Wicklow.

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

Face coverings in secondary school 

The Government has recommended that teachers and secondary school students wear face coverings when a physical distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.

The updated recommendations were published by the Department of Education following engagement with teachers, principals, and other key education stakeholders.

The updated advice was provided by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

Minister for Education Norma Foley said she had been working with the public health authorities to ensure that the advice underpinning the safe reopening of schools is fully up to date.

Teachers unions have welcomed the updated advice.

Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for getting COVID-19:

  • Distance – the risk of getting COVID-19 increases as the distance between you and others gets smaller. Keep 2 metres apart where possible
  • Activity – How you spend time with people and what you do with them can increase your risk. Follow the government’s Stay Safe Guidelines when spending time with others
  • Time – The more time you spend in close contact with other people can increase your risk of getting COVID-19. Keep track of who you spend time with and how
  • Environment – Being outdoors is safer than being indoors. Where possible, meet with others outdoors. If this is not possible, keep windows and doors open when meeting others inside
  • Symptoms – Know the symptoms. If you have them self-isolate and contact your GP immediately

Public Health Advice for all citizens available here: 

Know the symptoms of COVID-19

SEE ALSO – Laois GAA championship games postponed following positive Coronavirus case