Details of new confirmed Coronavirus cases

 

Seven new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Ireland.

The Department of Health's National Public Health Emergency Team has confirmed:

· Four of the cases are males from the east of the country and are travel related from Northern Italy.

· Two females, in the west of the country, are associated with close contact with a previious confirmed case.

The seventh cases, is a male from the south of the country, and was a patient at Cork University Hospital, prior to the diagnosis.

This, at this moment, is being considered a case of community transmission (where there is no link between travel or other local cases).

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, with the Department of Health, said they “hadn't been able to identify either a travel experiene or a contact with a confirmed case thus far.”

Due to possible contact between this person and hospital staff and other patients a risk assessment is being carried out in Cork University Hospital.

The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Dr Holohan said: “Ireland remains in containment phase with just one case of community transmission. This is, however, a rapidly evolving situation. Public health doctors are working hard to ensure our containment measures are operating effectively.

“Most people who become infected with Covid-19 experience a mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some.

“However, this will need a national effort. Every individual needs to be aware of how to protect their own health and the health of others.

“The most important way they can do this is by following public health advice. Central to this are the protective measures we can all take against Covid-19, which include:

·        Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

·        Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing/sneezing.

·        Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

·        Practice cough and sneeze hygiene - covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough/sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately.

·        Stay informed: keep up to date on latest Covid-19 information on www.hse.ie.  

“At Tuesday’s meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team, we established a sub-group to look at health and social care workers’ protection.

“This will remain a priority as part of our response to Covid-19 in Ireland. We also need the public to play their role in preventing the spread of this new disease and protecting themselves and their loved ones.”

Dr. Colm Henry, the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, said: “We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our frontline healthcare workers, who are essential to the Irish healthcare system as we deal with this emerging situation.

“Their ongoing commitment and professionalism will help us withstand the threat posed by Covid-19.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:

“There are actions every single worker in our healthcare system can and should take now:
·        Refocus your attention on handwashing and respiratory hygiene.  

·        Make sure you are trained in the appropriate use of Personal Protection Equipment

·        Most importantly, if you have been a contact of a confirmed case or if you have recently travelled back from an affected region, be alert to signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for a period of 14 days and do not go to work without first discussing with your local Department of Public Health.”

The general public is advised to follow advice from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to protect their health.

Any person who has travelled from an affected region in the last 14 days, or who has come in contact with a confirmed case  in the last 14 days, and is concerned that they may have symptoms of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) should immediately isolate themselves from others and phone their GP