Public warned not to travel over Easter holidays as COVID-19 deaths climb

As the deaths from COVID-19 and confirmed cases continue to rise, people have been urged to observe the travel restrictions over the Easter holiday weekend.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 36 people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Republic have died, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths to 210. Of the latest people (17 females and 19 males) who passed away, 27 deaths were located in the east, six in the north and three in the south of the country. Of the 36 who passed away, 24 people were reported as having underlying health conditions.
There were also 345 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic as at 1pm today, Tuesday, April 7, bringing to 5,709 the total number of confirmed cases.
The latest analysis of the figures published today (as of Sunday, April 5 at midnight) show that in County Cavan there are 123 confirmed cases, up from 115 published yesterday; while in County Monaghan the number has climed just six to 58. Dublin's total of 3061, accounts for 55% of all cases.
Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 67%, close contact accounts for 22%, travel abroad accounts for 10%.
The number of positive cases to tests conducted is becoming more efficient. Of the 12,271 tests carried out in laboratories in the week to midnight, Monday 6 April, there were 2,374 positive tests - giving a positivity of 19%. This is an increase of 4% from last week.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “The increase is a result of a more sensitive case definition, testing people who are more likely to have the disease, including healthcare workers and those hospitalised.”

Isolation fatigue
Meanwhile a spokesperson for the National Public Health Emergency Team might flaunt the travel restictions this weekend and travel to travel to holiday destinations.
“An Garda Síochána has been visibly present on the roads this past week assisting the public with compliance and to them NPHET is grateful.
“Given the mass community transmission of COVID19 across Europe, the European Centre for Disease Control is expected to advise of the importance of continuing public health restrictions.
“While current restrictions have reduced the number of people becoming infected by one confirmed case, this depends on people staying at home and following public health advice.
“There has been unprecedented sacrifices made across society in recent weeks to protect all people on this island from COVID-19. We urge the public, on this Easter holiday with sunshine and isolation fatigue, to stay the course and comply with the recommendations and measures in place. Stay at home and keep Ireland safe. 
“COVID-19 is in our households, not only our nursing homes. It is in our community. Do the right thing. Spread the message not the virus.”