Ten further Irish Covid-19 deaths confirmed

The Department of Health has announced 255 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, as well as 10 further deaths.

It brings the total number of cases in Ireland to 1,819, and the total number of deaths to 19.

Nine patients were based in the east of the country and one in the south.

The median age of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who have died is 79 years, 68% are male and 32% are female.

There have now been 19 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 255 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, as at 1 p.m. today.

There are now 1,819 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is now working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Today’s data from HPSC, as of midnight, Tuesday 24th March (1,383 cases), reveals:

*55% are male and 45% are female, with 66 clusters involving 295 casesthe median age of confirmed cases is 46 years

*40 cases (25%) have been hospitalised.

*Of those hospitalised, 47 cases have been admitted to ICU.

*321 cases (23%) are associated with healthcare workers.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “We are only at the beginning of the curve. We need every citizen to heed the advice and measures put in place to protect all of us.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “We are aware COVID-19 is impacting and reshaping daily life for everyone.

"We can see from the data that people are most concerned about their family and friends. If you look after yourself, restrict movement and follow advice, you will ultimately protect them.”

Dr. Breda Smyth, HSE Director of Public Health, said: “Protection from COVID-19 is literally in our hands. It is important that we continue to wash our hands and practice cough and sneeze hygiene constantly.”

Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer, said: “While the HSE is engaged in extensive preparations for COVID-19, the more we as individuals take personal responsibility to interrupt the spread of the virus, the greater impact we can have on protecting our vulnerable people and saving lives.”