Advertisement

COVID-19: Four more deaths in Ireland

There have been four more deaths from the coronavirus in Ireland. The latest figures show there a...
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

17.42 18 May 2020


Share this article


COVID-19: Four more deaths in...

COVID-19: Four more deaths in Ireland

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

17.42 18 May 2020


Share this article


There have been four more deaths from the coronavirus in Ireland.

The latest figures show there are also 88 new cases of the virus.

This brings the overall death toll to 1,547 - while the number of cases stands at 24,200.

Advertisement

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

Data of all cases, as of midnight on Saturday, reveals:

  • 57% are women and 43% are men
  • The median age of confirmed cases is 48 years
  • 3,127 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
  • Of those hospitalised, 391 cases have been admitted to ICU
  • 7,615 cases are associated with healthcare workers

Dublin has the highest number of cases at 11,693 (49% of all cases) - followed by Kildare with 1,367 cases (6%) and then Cork with 1,361 cases (5%).

Of those for whom transmission status is known community transmission accounts for 60%, close contact accounts for 37% and travel abroad is 3%.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: "On the first day of Ireland moving into phase one of re-opening we have experienced the lowest number of deaths since March 27th.

"We have suppressed the virus and limited its impact on public health. We need to sustain this in the weeks and phases ahead."

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: "Every death is one too many, but the collective effort to date has saved many lives.

"We must save more by practicing physical distancing, especially in queues and public spaces, respiratory etiquette and hand washing."

And Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain, consultant psychiatrist and HSE integrated care lead, added: "Moving into a new phase in Ireland’s response to COVID-19, we now have an opportunity to increase our exercise activity up to five kilometres and participate with a friend outside of the household.

"I would urge anyone who can, to take advantage of this in order to improve mental health and well-being."

It comes on the first day of the easing of restrictions here.

Outdoor workers - including constructions workers, landscapers and gardeners - have returned to work with hardware stores, DIY shops and garden centres re-opening their doors.

Car and bike repair shops have also re-opening, alongside IT and phone shops, office suppliers, electrical stores and a number of others.

Optometrists and hearing aid testing service have also been given the green light.

But the Government has said people should only visit the newly re-opened shops for essential supplies.

Meanwhile the total death toll in the UK stands at 34,796 - still the highest in Europe.

Another 160 people with the coronavirus died there on Monday.

In England a further 122 people died - bringing the total number of deaths there to 24,739.

Six more deaths were reported in Northern Ireland, bringing its death toll to 482.

In Wales a further four people died, and there were two further deaths in Scotland.

Main image: Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, arriving at the daily briefing from the Department of Health in Dublin. Picture by: Leah Farrell/Rollingnews.ie

Share this article


Read more about

Coronavirus Covid-19 Deaths Dr Tony Holahan Ireland New Cases Re-opening Restrictions

Most Popular