71 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland, 54 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Meath
SEVENTEEN patients diagnosed with Covid-19 in Ireland have died. Eihght deaths were located in the east, three in the south, three in the north-west and three in the west of the country. The patients included four females and 13 males and the average age of yesterday's (Tuesday) reported deaths is 84. Eight patients were reported as having underlying health conditions
There have now been 71 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 325 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, as at 1pm, Tuesday 31 March. There are now 3,235 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. There are 54 cases confirmed in Meath which represents approximately two per cent of the national total of cases.
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.
To date, 30,213 tests have been carried out in laboratories across the country, as of midnight, Monday 30 March.
Over the past week, the positivity rate for tests carried out increased from 6% to 15%, as per the objective of our new case definition.
The National Public Health Emergency Team Recommendations have made the following recommendations:
- To focus contact tracing on suspect cases within prioritised groups. The HPSC to update guidance to GPs and contact tracing teams.
- Contact tracing to encompass the period from 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms given the risk of asymptomatic transmission
- In response to infections in long term residential care (nursing homes, disability and mental health) and homecare settings NPHET will work with the HSE to identify a number of measures which can be taken to strengthen support to staff and providers of nursing home care
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: "The measures that we have recommended today should significantly enhance the preparedness and response to cases and outbreaks in nursing homes and other residential settings.
“As we have said from the beginning our efforts must be focused on protecting the most vulnerable to COVID-19 and these recommendations announced today seek to achieve this.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: "As the number of cases increase we are getting a better picture of our experience of this virus in our community.
“Today we are providing more information on cases in healthcare workers and deaths. We will continue to provide more details as reliable data emerges.”