As death toll rises to 85, survey shows three out of four people worried for friends and family

The death toll in Ireland from COVID-19 has risen to 85 with today's announcement of the virus claiming a further 14 lives. 
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has revealed that 10 of the deaths were located in the east, and four in the South. The patients were evenly split between females and males; and eight had what were described as "underlying health conditions". The median age of deaths in Ireland is 82.
There were 212 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic as at 1pm today (Wednesday  April 1) bringing the total of confirmed cases to 3,447. 
Breakdown of data as of March 29 showed that there were 36 confirmed cases in County Cavan. The HSE however has confirmed that there have been problems in accessing the kits in recent days to conduct tests. In terms of neighbouring counties, Leitrim continues to fare best with just 10 cases; Longford has 12; Monaghan 13; Meath 66; and Westmeath has 80. 
Meanwhile research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health shows that 65% of people in Ireland are engaging in digital interactions with family and friends. The nationally representative online survey of 1,270 adults conducted today, and which will be conducted twice weekly, reveals:
·        89% believe current social distancing measures are appropriate
·        94% are confident in their ability to adhere to new restrictions
·        85% feel they have adapted to changes since COVID-19 and know the steps to take if they develop symptoms
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “Our research suggests that one in three people are worried about their health, with three out of four worried about the health of their families and friends.
“People are taking action to look after their wellbeing. Two thirds of people are conversing with family and friend’s by using phone and internet.
“Restrictions do not mean you stop maintaining your relationships or your health. Adapt your hobbies; go for walks, exercise and do the things that maintain wellbeing within the limits of physical distancing and public health advice.
“I can confirm that expanded contact tracing for all confirmed cases for the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms, as decided by National Public Health Emergency Team will commence this week. This will reduce transmission of the virus.”
Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE said; “The public health messaging remains the same for all patients awaiting testing. Assume you have COVID19 and isolate. Each and everyone of you can break the chain of transmission of the virus, save lives and reduce illness among vulnerable groups.”