New Covid-19 data has pointed to supermarkets as the most likely source of infection in a worrying development.
The first comprehensive study of community transmission of the virus identified shops as an area where people are most likely to catch Covid-19.
The HSE this week said that as of March 31 contact tracers investigating confirmed cases have been going back seven days prior to the onset of symptoms.
According to the HSE the the objective of source investigation is to identify the source of infection and other contacts who might have been exposed at the time.
The latest data shows that of the 3,476 cases confirmed since March 31, source identification was required on 787 cases. Over 60% of the cases were people who lived in Dublin.
Sources of possible transmission included shopping which accounted for 55.8%. This was followed by the workplace which saw 15% say they possibly transmitted the virus while working.
This was followed by primary schools (3.8%), public transport or car sharing (3.5%), travel at home or abroad (2%), outdoor gatherings (1.9%), pre-school gatherings (1.8%) and outdoor sports activities (1.7%)
Almost 9% listed “other” as being a potential source not listed on the Health Service Executive (HSE) questionnaire and seven people said they knew no possible source of transmission.
The HSE's lead on test and trace Niamh O'Beirne has said this does not mean that there is any particular increased risk associated with shopping/supermarkets but rather it’s the most common thing people have been telling the contact tracers.
