The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of 17 people with COVID-19 have died.
There have now been a total 1,631 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland*.
As of midnight Tuesday 26 May the HPSC has been notified of 73 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 24,803 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
The HSE is 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 the HPSC, as of midnight, Monday 25 May (24,730 cases), reveals:
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “To date, 90% of confirmed cases diagnosed with COVID-19 have recovered. But we cannot afford to stop the hard work involved in suppressing this virus.
“COVID-19 is a new disease. Ireland and the world understand more about the virus now than we did at the outset of this crisis. What we do know is that hand washing, social distancing and knowing when to self-isolate do work.
“These measures are the most effective tool we have to keep this virus suppressed and keep up this recovery rate. We know that the vast majority of Irish people understand this, and that they are staying the course with us as we continue to keep case numbers as low as possible.”
Dr, Siobhán Kennelly, HSE National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Older Persons: “COVID-19 is having an impact on everyone in Ireland. We understand that as the country reopens in phases, people may be anxious. If we all maintain social distance, wash our hands well and often and know when to self-isolate, together we will keep this virus suppressed.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “What we do today has a direct effect on tomorrow. In order to prevent any second wave of COVID-19 from occurring, we need to remain vigilant and cautious. Continuing to follow the core public health advice is the best way to protect our most vulnerable now and in future.”
*Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 1 death. The figure of 1,631 deaths reflects this.
** Amarach public opinion research carried out on behalf of the Department of Health, published on Monday 25 May, shows that:
The majority of Irish adults believe their knowledge on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is ‘very good’
61% of adults believe Ireland experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infections is ‘likely to very likely’
