COVID 19: Health Officials Report A Further 1,818 Cases

244 patients are in hospital with the virus, down five from yesterday, while 52 are in intensive care.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says over 12,000 cases have been reported in the past week, and the incidence rate is rising rapidly.

Health officials are advising everyone to be aware of the risk factors for getting COVID-19:

·Distance – the risk of getting COVID-19 increases as the distance between you and others gets smaller. Keep 2 metres apart where possible

·Activity – How you spend time with people and what you do with them can increase your risk. Follow the government’s Stay Safe Guidelines when spending time with others

·Time – The more time you spend in close contact with other people can increase your risk of getting COVID-19. Keep track of who you spend time with and how

·Environment – Being outdoors is safer than being indoors. Where possible, meet with others outdoors. If this is not possible, keep windows and doors open when meeting others inside

·Symptoms – Know the symptoms. If you have them self-isolate and contact your GP immediately

They are:

·a fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above)

·a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry

·shortness of breath or breathing difficulties

·loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

·flu like symptoms

“If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you must self isolate and phone your GP for further advice. 

If you have been referred for a test or are awaiting a test result, you must self isolate.

If you are a confirmed case of COVID-19 you must self isolate for 10 days.

If you are identified or have identified yourself as a close contact of a confirmed case, you must restrict your movements.

Department of Health’s COVID-19 Information Dashboard; providing latest case information.