37 more people have dieafter contracting Covid-19 in the Republic, with the death toll now passing 1,000. In total, 1,014 people have died after getting the disease in this country.
577 new cases have been detected, with the total number of positive tests now standing at 18,184. The total death toll includes 185 probable deaths, after two deaths that had previously been reported are no longer classified as related to Covid-19.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre says a probable death is a death where a lab test has not been done but where a doctor believes a death is associated with current Covid-19. The figure of 1,014 deaths reflects this.
Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Wednesday 22nd April (17,420 cases), reveals:
· 57% are female and 43% are male
· the median age of confirmed cases is 49 years
· 2,486 cases (14%) have been hospitalised
· Of those hospitalised, 338 cases have been admitted to ICU
· 4,713 cases are associated with healthcare workers
· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 8,729 (50% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,096 cases (6%)
· Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 49%, close contact accounts for 47%, travel abroad accounts for 4%
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has revealed a new case definition for testing that will be introduced early next week.
If you have any one of the Covid-19 symptoms you can request a test from your GP but he added priority will be given to vulnerable people.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Every indicator to date suggests that the growth of this disease has either stabilised or suppressed. This is a testament to the efforts made by every individual across Ireland over recent weeks. There is no doubt that your efforts have saved many lives.
“It shows that when public health advice is followed, we can suppress this virus in the long term. Keep going.”
Dr Holohan has said they are working with the HSE to commence a new case definition for testing next week.
He says this definition will be ‘any of the symptoms of fever, recent onset of cough or shortness of breath’
Earlier today Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said breaking current movement restrictions could result in lockdown being extended “by two or three weeks.”
“Anyone who’s thinking of breaking those restrictions, even for a few hours or an afternoon or an evening, bear in mind the consequences,” he said.
“It could be having to extend the current lockdown by two or three weeks, and that’s not worth just for a few hours of breach.
