The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has increased to 785, an increase of 102 since yesterday.
The HSE is now working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent the further spread of the virus.
The National Public Health Emergency Team also released updated case data from midnight on Thursday, March 19th.
Of the 584 cases notified, 55% are male and 44% are female, with 29 clusters involving 157 cases.
Dublin has the highest number of cases at 55%, followed by Cork on 15%. Waterford accounts for 1% of the total cases, as of Thursday there were 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Waterford, a increase of 1 since Wednesday.
30% of cases have been hospitalised.
· Of the 584 cases notified, 55% are male and 44% are female, with 29 clusters involving 157 cases.
· The median age of confirmed cases is 44 years
· 30% of cases have been hospitalised
· 13 cases admitted to ICU - representing 2% of all cases hospitalised
· 147 cases - 25% of cases are associated with healthcare workers
· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 55%, followed by Cork 15%
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “The Department is aware that pubs in some areas of the country are continuing to open, in contravention of existing public health advice.
"If any such premises become known to us, the Minister will be advised to use his regulatory powers to enforce the temporary closure of premises in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“We are also asking An Garda Siochana to assist in encouraging the public to abide by the public health advice on social distancing by encouraging any groups congregating in public to disperse.”
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “We must continue in our efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19 together, as a society, to protect our healthcare workers and our most vulnerable.”
