28 MORE people have passed away after contracting coronavirus in Ireland, the Department of Health have confirmed.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) have reported that their passing brings Ireland's total of coronavirus-related deaths to 794, with three deaths having been de-notified from earlier figures.
May they all rest in peace.
An additional 936 cases of coronavirus cases have also been confirmed as of 6pm Thursday, 23 April, bringing Ireland's total number of confirmed cases to 16,671.
The Department of Health have stated that the rise in cases-- up from just 388 and 631 earlier in the week-- is mainly due to to a large rise in testing in community residential settings.
There remains huge concerns for those in residential settings such as nursing homes, as a total of 2960 cases of coronavirus have been identified in community residential settings so far-- 2231 of which have been in nursing homes.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
"Today, the World Health Organization Regional Director for Europe noted that up to half of those who have died of COVID-19 across Europe were living in residential care settings.
“Ireland continues to closely examine mortality so that we can understand it and do everything in our power to prevent it.
“We are now using our increased testing capacity to focus on staff and residents so that we can learn in real time about this virus and take actions informed by that evidence.”
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
"COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease. Modelling data shows us that the reproduction number remains below 1.0 and that we have achieved great progress through the action of staying apart.
“In order to continue protecting ourselves, our vulnerable groups and our healthcare workers, we must continue to practice physical distancing, respiratory etiquette and regular hand washing. These basic steps, if done by all, will save many lives.”
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of NPHET Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said:
"For the population at large, the growth rate is at zero and the transmission of the virus is effectively suppressed.
“Our R number is between 0.5 and 0.8. This success emphasises how vital it is to remain vigilant in our behaviours. If the R number moves above one, we are no longer in control of the disease.”
