THE NUMBER of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Republic of Ireland has surpassed 15,000.
The Department of Health have confirmed that as of 6pm Sunday, 19 April, a total of 15,251 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the country following an additional 445 cases reported in Ireland and 48 from a laboratory in Germany.
A further 39 people have passed away after contracting the virus, bringing the total to 610.
Of the 39 who have sadly passed away, 19 women and 20 men, 29 are reported as having had underlying health conditions.
37 were being treated in the east of the country and two in the west.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre report that the median age of those who have died was 84.
Of all those who have lost their lives from the virus since the pandemic began, the National Health Protection Centre (HSPC) reports that 347 (58%) deaths took place in hospitals and 42 (8%) in Intensive Care Units.
May they rest in peace.
The HSE is working rapidly to trace any close contacts the newly confirmed cases may have had, in order to advise the and further spread the slow of the virus.
Last month, modelling had projected that Ireland could be facing 15,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 by the end of March.
Strict guidelines regarding social distancing and effective lockdown measures have successfully slowed the spread of the virus, with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan stating over the weekend that Ireland may have flattened the curve so much there is no further peak coming.
However, Minister for Health Simon Harris warned against any complacency, saying "we're not yet where we need to be".
"My message tonight is do not allow complacency to set in," Minister Harris said yesterday.
"That would be disastrous. It could potentially be fatal."
