Ireland's top medic has issued a stark warning following a worrying rise in coronavirus cases.
A total of 85 new infections were announced today - the biggest spike in months, bringing the overall number of COVID-19 cases to 26,027.
Sadly one more person has lost their life to the fatal virus as the death toll now stands at 1,763.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Today’s figures demonstrate how quickly COVID-19 can remerge in our country.
“We are now at a crucial point in our response to COVID-19.
"Over the coming days it is vital that everyone continues to avoid large crowds, physically distance, wear face coverings where appropriate and wash hands regularly.
"COVID-19 is extremely infectious and no one is immune. Follow public health advice and stay vigilant.”
He added that at least 18 of the cases reported were connected to a cluster at a factory in Co Kildare.
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said: “Over a two-day period Ireland moved from a relatively stable epidemiology to a significant pattern connected to outbreaks.
"We now need to be really careful and adhere to public health advice so we do not further spread the virus. We must remain vigilant to the disease if we are to control it at this point.”
Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and Integrated Care Lead, HSE: “In order to maintain health services in areas outside of COVID-19, suppression of the disease in the community is paramount.
"By protecting yourself from the disease you are contributing to a patient’s ability to access other services. Protect our health service by following public health advice and stay safe from COVID-19.”
Of the cases notified today;
- 53 cases are men / 32 are women
- 68% are under 45 years of age
- 26 cases are located in Kildare, 18 in Dublin, 11 in Clare, 9 in Laois, 7 in Limerick, 4 in Meath and the remainder are spread across 7 other counties.
- 39% of today’s cases are associated with close contacts of a confirmed case
- Half are associated with outbreaks
