Two more deaths and a big jump in Tipperary COVID-19 cases, according to latest figures

MaryAnn Vaughan

23rd March 2020

Two more people have died as a result of the coronavirus in Ireland and 219 new cases have been confirmed.

That’s according to the latest statistics by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre this evening.

The figures were correct as of midnight on Saturday.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country is now 1,125.

In Tipperary, there were 8 cases as of midnight on Friday, but that has now more than doubled to 20.

This makes up 2% of the overall number.

Naturally, Dublin is by far the worst affected county with 471 cases.

The average age of those who’ve contracted COVID-19 is 44.

Here’s this evening’s full statement:

Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team on Monday, 23 March

Published: 23 March 2020
From: Department of Health

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 2 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have died. Both patients are male and in the east of the country. There have now been 6 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 219 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, as at 1pm, Monday 23 March. There are now 1,125 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

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

Today’s data from HPSC, as of midnight, Saturday 21 March (836 cases), reveals:

55% are male and 44% are female, with 37 clusters involving 210 cases
the median age of confirmed cases is 44 years
239 cases (29%) have been hospitalised
of those hospitalised, 25 cases have been admitted to ICU
208 cases (25%) are associated with healthcare workers
Dublin has the highest number of cases at 471, (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 104 cases (12%)
of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 45%, close contact accounts for 23%, travel abroad accounts for 31%

Research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health shows that more than 93% of the population are washing their hands more often as a result of Coronavirus.

The nationally representative online survey of 1,270 adults conducted today, and which will be conducted twice weekly, reveals;

88% of people say they are staying at home, rather than going out
84% of people say they are practicing social distancing in queue s
71% of people say they are sitting further apart from others
75% are confident they would know what steps to take if they developed symptoms and 90% know the two most common symptoms (fever and/or cough)

If you are experiencing symptoms, such as fever and cough, self isolate and call your GP who will guide you.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “We understand the anxiety this outbreak may be causing people. All aspects of our public health advice are constantly reviewed by the National Public Health Emergency Team and we will not hesitate to take more measures where necessary, based on epidemiological evidence and in proportion with Ireland’s experience of this outbreak.

“The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again tomorrow morning, where we will continue to review Ireland’s response and make further recommendations where appropriate.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health; “The key response that every individual can make if they are experiencing symptoms is to self isolate. While we continue to increase testing in Ireland, in line with WHO guidelines, the most important action that can be taken against this virus is isolation and social distancing.”

ENDS