Second death and biggest rise in daily cases of Coronavirus in Ireland

Dr Cillian de Gascun and Dr Tony Holohan at the briefing today.

Ireland has experienced the greatest daily rate in COVID-19 cases.

The Department of Health announced that 39 new cases have been identified and that a second death, that of a male in the east of the country, has been confirmed.

29 of the new cases are male, and 10 are female. There were 21 in the east, 13 in the south, three in the north west and two in the west.

At a media briefing, representatives of the National Public Health Emergency Team also expressed concern that the social distancing guidelines were not being followed.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “Today’s increase in cases reinforces the necessity of the measures put in place last week, including hand and respiratory hygiene, social distancing, school closures and limiting the size of mass gatherings.

“I urge every citizen to follow these measures to protect our people, especially the most vulnerable in our society.

Whilst pointing out that there were pubs and restaurants which in innovative ways were ensuring that the social distancing guidelines were being respected, Dr Holohan also said the guidelines presented a challenge for many businesses.

Directing his message at individuals, particularly young adults, he said: “It is important that individual behaviour is consistent with the message that we are giving. Individuals must listen to the message and must take personal responsibility.

“This is a significant message, it is a serious message, it is something that people should take heed of.”

However, the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan also stressed: “Our message does not mean stay at home and hide.”

He said reducing discretionary social activities did not mean in every respect that people must hide at home.

And he said it was possible that reducing discretionary social activities as much as possible did not rule out, from time to time, visiting a pub whilst maintaining social distance.

The briefing also outlined that hospitalised patients would be prioritised in the testing regime.

People who are mildly infected in the community could face a 48-96 hour wait for the results of COVID-19 test.

The NPHET also encouraged individuals to stay self isolated at home if they felt it necessary to have a test.

Dr Holohan also said the emergency services phonelines were under pressure today.

“112/999 should only be used for emergencies, when an ambulance is required. This is not an advice line.

“If you have flu like symptoms, self isolate at home until Monday and visit hse.ie for advice. You can call your GP on Monday morning and they will decide if you need a test. Please only call 999 or GP out of hours for emergencies.