Seven new Covid-19 cases in Mayo

SEVEN new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded in Co. Mayo.

The national trend of 44 new cases a day on average is 'clearly concerning', Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, said on the release of today's figures.

As of midnight Friday, July 31, the HPSC has been notified of 45 confirmed cases of the virus.

Nine cases are located in Limerick, eight in Kildare, seven in Mayo, six in Cavan, four in Dublin, with the remainder spread across five other counties.

There is now a total of 26,109 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

Of the new cases, 77% are under 45 years of age (50% aged 25 - 44 years). Eighteen are associated with outbreaks or close contacts of a confirmed case and 12 cases have been identified as community transmission.

Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: "Over the last five days we have seen an average of 44 cases a day. This trend is clearly concerning and now is the time to ensure you and your families are making every effort to keep each other safe.

"Ensure gatherings are kept to a minimum and invite no more than 10 others into your home.

"Do not organise or attend house parties.

"Restaurants must enforce a limit of 50 people (including staff) on their premises at any one time.

"All workplaces should again review their procedures and protocols.

"Avoid congregated settings or environments where safety precautions are not in place.

"Wash your hands regularly, carry hand sanitiser and wear a face covering where appropriate.

"Ensure you isolate immediately if you experience any flu like symptoms.

"It is our individual action that will stop the spread."