77 PEOPLE have lost their lives to coronavirus in what is Ireland's largest daily rise in deaths since the pandemic began.
The Department fo Health have confirmed that as of 6pm on Monday, 20 April, a further 77 people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Ireland have died, bringing the total to 687.
Of those who died, 67 were being treated in the east of the country, 4 in the west, 4 in the north-west and two in the south.
The victims are 42 women and 34 men, with one having not been fully reported.
54 are reported as having had underlying health conditions, and the median age of those who have sadly passed was 84.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre have also reported a further 401 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus, a steep drop from previous days, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland to 15,652.
The HSE is working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
There remains high fears regarding the safety and welfare of those in nursing homes after a number of clusters were identified in facilities across the country.
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.”
(Picture: iStock)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:
