HEALTH OFFICIALS HAVE confirmed a further seven patients diagnosed with Covid-19 have died and there are 28 new cases of the disease in Ireland.

There have now been a total 1,670 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland and 25,163 confirmed cases. 

A breakdown of 25,135 cases has found:

• 57% are female and 43% are male
• 3,312 cases (13%) have been hospitalised
• Of those hospitalised, 410 cases have been admitted to ICU
• 8,046 cases are associated with healthcare workers
• Dublin has the highest number of cases at 12,118 (48% of all cases) followed by Cork with 1,527 cases (6%) and then Kildare with 1,419 cases (6%)

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said that as the country moves out of lockdown, it is the actions of the people which will determine how the virus plays out.

He said: “It is our individual behaviours and personal choices that will ultimately influence what course this disease takes over the coming weeks and months.”

Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer for the HSE, added that Phase Two provides vulnerable groups scope for home visits of up to 6 people for a short period of time, however it is vitally important that all visits to homes of vulnerable people be compliant with hand hygiene practices, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing of 2 metres.

“It is hoped as we move through phases, that life becomes easier for severely impacted groups but that their safety is maintained at all times.”

Today, it was announced that the easing of restrictions will accelerate from the previous roadmap, with Leo Varadkar calling next week’s stage “Phase Two Plus”.

People can travel within their own county, or up to 20km from their home, whichever is further, from Monday. It is planned to remove these domestic travel restrictions completely on 29 June.

However, Dr Tony Holohan has warned that the disease is still a threat to the public. Politicians have also urged the public not to become complacent as the number of people with the disease lowers.