Seventy-seven more die from Coronavirus in Ireland

Seventy-seven people diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have lost their lives today – in what is the single largest death toll in a 24-hour period since the virus reached our shores on March 1.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today said that there were 401 new confirmed cases in the Republic as of 1pm today (Monday), April 20, bringing the total of positive cases to 15,652.
The latest date for which a county by county breakdown of cases is available is midnight on Saturday, April 18. At that stage, there were 401 confirmed cases of the virus in County Cavan and 187 positive tests in County Monaghan.
The breakdown of the latest fatalities shows 67 deaths in the east of the country, four in the west, four in the north west and two in the south of Ireland. Fifty-four of the deceased had underlying health conditions.
The victims included 32 males and 44 females – one not specified. 
There have now been 687 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. 
 The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread. 
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, Department of Health, said: “Nursing homes and long-term residential facilities are a testing priority. 
“In facilities with an existing cluster, all residents and staff are to be tested. In the event of a facility reporting its first case, testing of all staff and residents will take place. 
 “This sector remains a priority for NPHET, along with other vulnerable persons, and we will continue to implement supports and guidance on infection prevention control where required.” 
Dr Kathleen Mac Lellan, assistant secretary, Department of Health and Chair of NPHET Vulnerable People Subgroup, said; “There are 18 COVID-19 response teams across the country, each one led by senior nursing support, assisting nursing homes and long-term residential facilities. These teams have senior clinical expertise, infection prevention and control and public health input in preventing and managing clusters.”   
Dr Siobhan Kennelly, HSE national clinical advisor and group lead for older persons, said; “There has been an ongoing process of engagement and support with the nursing home sector since the start of February. 
 “We know from international and domestic experience that this disease disproportionately targets vulnerable groups such as older people and those with underlying health conditions. But we also know that the Irish experience in relation to deaths in nursing homes is not an outlier in relation to the European experience. 
“We continue in our efforts to support our population through this pandemic.” 
Dr Ronan Glynn, deputy chief medical officer, Department of Health, said; “Today marks the start of European Immunisation Week. In combatting the spread of COVID-19 we must not forget the impact that other infectious diseases can have on our communities. 

“Vaccines have saved more lives and prevented more serious diseases - like measles and meningitis - than any advance in recent medical history. 

“If your baby is due a routine immunisation, please phone your GP practice and arrange for them to be seen. The national immunisation programme is continuing during the COVID-19 outbreak and is vital to protect individual babies and to avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease.”