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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Sam Roberts

Coronavirus Ireland updates: No further deaths as four new cases confirmed

No more deaths have been reported from coronavirus in Ireland as four new cases were confirmed this evening.

The announcement was made by the Department of Health.

It means a total of 1, 741 people have died from Covid-19 here.

While the number of confirmed cases now stands at 25,531.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, said; “If an environment does not feel safe, or it means you are unable to follow public health advice, do not risk it and go elsewhere.

“Between mid-May to the end of June, 35% of those identified as a close contact of a confirmed case did not take up the offer of a test.

"Every case has the potential to turn into a cluster, which in turn has the potential to spread through a community. If you are identified as a close contact, please take up the offer of a test without delay."

Dr Ronan Glynn. (Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)

Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, said; “If allowed to spread, COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm our health service. Our healthcare workers remain on the frontline of this pandemic, and it is each individuals choices that will determine what our health service will face in the coming weeks and months. Please continue to follow the guidelines; physically distance, wash your hands regularly, use cough/sneeze etiquette, wear a face covering appropriately.”

It comes after Micheal Martin warned that the reopening of all pubs in Ireland in two weeks' time could be delayed.

The Taoiseach's comments come after the first weekend bars across the country were allowed to reopen following the coronavirus lockdown.

Pubs are currently permitted to open if customers buy a "substantial meal" costing at least €9.

All pubs will be able to return to business from phase four, which will start on Monday, July 20.

However, Mr Martin said the Government is concerned after videos and pictures emerged over the weekend which showed large crowds in Dublin blatantly ignoring social distancing rules.

The Fianna Fail leader said: "We have to put public health first. That is the overarching issue.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin TD during Government talks at Government buildings on Merrion Street, Dublin (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

"The only way we can get the economy back is if we keep Covid-19 down. 

"Any change to this would be a disaster for the country.

"There is an obligation on everyone to behave." 

Mr Martin told Cork's 96FM that the issue would be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon.

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