Fifty-six confirmed Coronavirus cases in Cavan and Monaghan

Thirteen more people have lost their lives i n Ireland as a result of Coronavirus – bringing the total death toll in the Republic to 98 people.
The figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show there were 402 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed as of 1pm Today (Thursday), April 2 – bringing the total to date for Ireland to 3,849 positive cases. 
The number of cases in County Cavan has grown to 39; while there have been 17 positive cases in County Monaghan – though limited testing has been available in these counties this week due to a lack of testing kits.
Of the latest deaths, nine victims were from the east, one in the south and three in the west of the country. The patients included four females and nine males. Ten of the 13 fatalities were reported as having underlying health conditions.
The median age of deaths in Ireland remains at 82 years. 
The HSE is now 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: “We have a more detailed ICU report available this evening. Of 148 cases admitted to ICU, 25 of those cases have been discharged, sadly there have been 14 deaths from ICU and 109 remain in ICU. The median age of ICU admission is 62. 
“I would also like to highlight a worrying scene I witnessed during my visit to hospital on Tuesday evening - empty waiting rooms and empty beds. While protecting yourself from COVID-19 is a priority, no one should ignore signs that they may need medical attention for other ailments such as lumps, chest pain or other concerns. Please do not ignore any symptom outside of COVID-19. The hospitals are there for all ailments, not just COVID-19.” 
Today’s data from HPSC, as of midnight, Tuesday 31st March 2020 (3,282 cases), reveals: 
·        48% are male and 50% are female, with 160 clusters involving 659 cases 
·        Median age of confirmed cases is 48 years 
·        932 cases (28%) have been hospitalised 
·        Of those hospitalised, 134 cases have been admitted to ICU 
·        841 cases (26%) are associated with healthcare workers 
·        Dublin has the highest number of cases at 1,838 (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 272 cases (8%) 
·        Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 60%, close contact accounts for 23%, travel abroad accounts for 17%.