The HPSC has today been informed that a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland has passed.
This is the first recorded death relating to COVID-19 reported in Ireland.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this patient.
I urge the media and the public to respect their privacy at this difficult time.
We continue our efforts to interrupt the transmission of this virus. It will take all of us, collectively to succeed. Please continue to follow public health advice.
The HPSC has also been informed of 9 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland;
· 4 males, from the south of the country, associated with travel
· 1 female, from the south of the country, contact with a confirmed case
· 1 male, south of the country, contact with a confirmed case
· 3 males, from the east of the country, two associated with travel, one associated with contact of a confirmed case
There are now 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
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.
The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a Pandemic.
We are now moving to enhancing our containment measures. These measures include 3 steps;
1) To the general public:
o Practice everyday preventive actions; Hand washing, cough/sneeze etiquette.
o Consider how to limit your social interactions; avoid indoor, crowded spaces.
o Shaking hands and close personal contact are to be avoided.
o Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Know the symptoms of Covid-19.
2) All healthcare workers are being asked to raise their index of suspicion for COVID-19.
3) The HSE will be substantially increasing its contact tracing and surveillance capacity in the coming days.