Fourth person dies from Covid-19, 11 confirmed cases in Meath
A fourth patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland has died. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that the patient is a male, in the east of the country, and had an underlying health condition.
There have now been 4 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has also been informed of 121 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, as at 1pm, Sunday 22 March.
There are now 906 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. There are 11 conformed cases in Co Meath.
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.
Data from HPSC, 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%
travel abroad accounts for 33%
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.”