A man in the east of the country has become the fourth person to die from Coronavirus in Ireland.
The man had an underlying health condition.
The National Public Health Emergency Team also confirmed an additional 121 cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland, bringing the total to 906.
As of Friday, there were 9 confirmed cases in Waterford, an increase of 1 since Thursday.
Today’s data from Health Protection Surveillance Centre, as of midnight, Friday 20 March (712 cases), reveals;
· Of the 712 cases notified, 55% are male and 44% are female, with 35 clusters involving 190 cases
· The median age of confirmed cases is 44 years
· 211 cases (30%) have been hospitalised
· Of those hospitalised, 17 cases have been admitted to ICU
· 159 cases (22%) are associated with healthcare workers
· Dublin has the highest number of cases at 402, (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 101 cases (14%)
· There is now at least one confirmed case of Covid-19 in every county in Ireland
Of those for whom transmission status is known, community transmission accounts for 44%, close contact accounts for 23% and travel abroad accounts for 33%.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health ProtectionSurveillance Centre has today been informed that a patient diagnosed with #COVID19 in Ireland has died. The patient is a male, in the east of the country, with an underlying health condition.— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) March 22, 2020
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said;
“I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the patient who died today.
“Cases confirmed today were most likely exposed to Covid-19 prior to the introduction of the public health measures implemented on Friday, 13 March.
“It is vital that everyone complies with the public health advice on hand and cough hygiene, working from home where possible and practising social distancing of 2 metres.
“Public health doctors carrying out contact tracing are advising that confirmed cases are now reporting fewer contacts, which is an encouraging sign that people are following the public health guidance.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone adhering to public health advice. You are actively helping flatten the curve and limit the spread of Covid-19.
“Anyone waiting to be tested should act as though their test is positive and should self-isolate now, while they await testing and results.”
