Major increase in COVID-19 cases

 

Another 27 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Ireland, the Department of Health has confirmed in its latest daily update.

The rapid rise in the number of cases comes in the day that the Government ramped up its response to the virus, by announcing the closure of all schools, colleges and childcare facilities from 6pm this evening (Thursday).

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made the announcement in Washington stating: “I know that I am asking people to make enormous sacrifices. We're doing it for each other. Together we can slow the virus in its tracs and push in back.”

Three of the 27 cases are in intensive care. Two of the 27 cases are healthcare workers.

The majority of the new cases, 22, are related to local transmission, three are associated with travel and two with community transmission.

Speaking at the press conference, the Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said there may be more cases in the country than they are aware of.

Asked whether he shared the UK Government's view that school closures would have to be in place for 15/16 weeks in order to be effective (this is the reason the UK Government said prompted it not to close schools), Dr Holohan said he was satisfied that the decisions made in Ireland were correct.

However, he indicated that some of the restrictions may have to be in place for an extended period of time, but said he would not speculate further.