21 more deaths from Covid-19

Twenty one more patients who tested positive for Covid-19 have died bringing the total deaths in the country from the virus to 158, the National Public Health Emergency Team has confirmed.

Of the latest deaths, 17 were in the east, two in the south and two in the west. The patients included nine females and 12 males and 12 patients were reported as having underlying health conditions. The median age of today’s reported deaths is 81.

There were 390 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland as at 1pm this Sunday bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4,994.

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.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said this past week has proven that the nation is working hard, together, by staying at home to flatten the curve.

Today’s data also reveals that there are 236 clusters involving 903 cases, that 1,203 cases (27%) have been hospitalised and of those hospitalised, 165 cases have been admitted to ICU.

A total of 1,163 cases (26%) are associated with healthcare workers. Dublin has the highest number of cases at 2,490 (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 343 cases (8%)

Of those for whom transmission status is known, community transmission accounts for 63%, close contact accounts for 24% and travel abroad accounts for 13%.