Health advice issued for holiday weekend as Covid cases rise by 38

THIS weekend, the six key things people need to do are limit the size of your network and time you spend with them, keep your distance, meet up outside if possible, wash your hands, wear a face covering and download the Covid Tracker App.

That's the advice from Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, as a further 38 cases of coronavirus were confirmed nationally today. There have been no new deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

Of today’s 38 cases, the median age is 30 years and 82% are under 45.

None of the cases are in Co. Mayo.

Dr. Glynn said mass testing has now taken place in relation to a number of known outbreaks.

"We may be beginning to see more cases which we cannot link to outbreaks or close contacts. The National Public Health Emergency Team will continue to monitor this situation closely over the coming days," he said.

A survey of GPs has indicated that the vast majority of patients who had contacted them with Covid-like symptoms in the past week had not been self-isolating since the onset of their symptoms.

Said Dr. Glynn: “The importance of isolating as soon as you have any flu like symptoms cannot be overstated. Without this individual action we simply will not break the chains of transmission and we will put many people at risk of infection.

“It is important that people know that there is no charge for GP or testing services relating to Covid-19. Please do not hesitate to contact your GP if you have any concerns.

“This weekend, the six key things people need to do are limit the size of your network & time you spend with them, keep your distance, meet up outside if possible, wash your hands, wear a face covering and download the Covid Tracker App.”