ONE FIFTH of all new cases of coronavirus identified in Ireland in the past two weeks are related to travel.
Speaking yesterday at a Public Health press briefing, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn warned against complacency as the daily numbers of new coronavirus cases have been on the rise in recent weeks.
New daily cases have risen from single figures up to the 20s and 30s in the past two weeks, with 270 cases reported to the HSPC in the last 14 days.
Of these new cases, 20% relate to travel from abroad: this could mean Irish people returning from holidays or people entering the country from overseas.
The Green List of countries deemed safe to travel to, which had been due to be released earlier this week, has been delayed, and Irish people are urged not to travel abroad this year and to spend holidays in Ireland instead.
02/07/2020. Covid-19 Pandemic , Ireland. Pictured Passengers at a near Empty Dublin Airport this morning as it opens again for travel with mixed advice whether to do so or not. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieAnyone entering Ireland from abroad are urged to restrict their movements for 14 days and must fill out a Passenger Locator Form at airports.
Yesterday there were no deaths announced and just six new cases-- a significant drop from previous days, but with the country still in danger of a second wave.
Speaking yesterday, Dr Ronan Glynn said that supermarket workers are the new frontline staff, with clusters of coronavirus outbreaks being reported in work places.
"We can’t underestimate how quickly clusters develop," Dr Glynn said.
"We have come so far together, but we need to stay vigilant to prevent a resurgence across the whole country in the coming weeks.
"Many workplaces have introduced the new regimes and safety measures necessary to reopen their businesses. I would remind all employers that the workplace and, most particularly, shops, services and supermarkets, are the new front line.
"We are asking you to do everything you can to put the safety of your staff and customers first."
70% of Irish people now say they are wearing face masks or coverings in public spaces to help slow the transmission of the disease within the community.
1,753 are reported to have passed away after contracting Covid-19 in Ireland since the pandemic began.
25,760 confirmed cases of the virus have been identified across the country.
