Two more deaths as COVID-19 cases rise by 235

Two more patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have died, bringing to nine the total number of deaths related to the virus in the Republic.
The patients are a female and in the east of the country, with an underlying health condition and a male, in the east of the country.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 235 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, as at 1pm, Wednesday 25 March. There are now 1,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic.

Today’s data from HPSC, as of midnight, Monday 23nd March (1,164 cases), reveals that 55% are male and 45% are female, with 63 clusters involving 289 cases. Of the 305 cases (26%) that have been hospitalised, 39 cases have been admitted to ICU. 283 cases (24%) are associated with healthcare workers

It appears from the latest figures that there are five confirmed cases in Co Cavan, less than five in Counties Monaghan, Leitrim and Longford. Of Cavan's neighbouring counties in the Republic Meath and Westmeath has the greatest incidence of COVID-19 with 24 and 25 respectively.

Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 49%, close contact accounts for 23%, travel abroad accounts for 28%
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Our data showed yesterday that only 6% of our tests so far returned positive; so for every 100 people we test we are only finding six people with COVID-19. In light of this, our case definition changed.
“Changing case definition is a standard practice in managing pandemics. Ultimately, we want our 6% detected rate to increase, we want to find as many people as possible with COVID-19, isolate them and contain the spread.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “We are seeking to prioritise those who are to be tested with a focus in the short-term on those who are vulnerable and those who are at the highest risk to exposure.”
Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE said; “There has been ongoing engagement with GPs over the past 24 hours. GPs are best placed to advise individuals with symptoms whether they need a test or not. Ultimately, the test has no impact on the clinical course of this disease and the priority for anyone with symptoms is to isolate themselves.”
Information is available on HSE.ie or by calling the HSE helpline 1850 24 1850.
The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again on Thursday, March 26, to review Ireland’s ongoing preparedness and response to COVID-19.
Department of Health’s COVID-19 Information Dashboard; providing latest case information.