THE Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of five additional cases of Covid-19 in Clare and eight additional deaths related to Covid-19 nationally. Of the deaths notified today three occurred in May, two occurred in March and three occurred in February or earlier. The median age of those who died was 79 years and the age range was 55 to 97 years. There has been a total of 4,921* Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland.
As of midnight, Wednesday May 5, the HPSC has been notified of 393 confirmed cases of Covid-19. There is now a total of 251,474** confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
Of the cases notified today:
175 are men / 211 are women
79% are under 45 years of age
The median age is 28 years old
173 in Dublin, 42 in Cork, 34 in Kildare, 26 in Donegal, 15 in Meath and the remaining 103 cases are spread across 20 other counties***.
As of 8am today, 131 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 36 are in ICU. 16 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
As of Tuesday, May 4, 1,655,866 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland:
1,201,373 people have received their first dose
454,493 people have received their second dose
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: “We all want the easing of restrictions next week to be a significant turning point in this pandemic. We have worked so hard to reduce the spread of this disease. More than 30% of adults have now been vaccinated with one dose of Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland and it is time to feel hopeful and to start planning our summer.
“The choices we make now are vital to minimise the incidence of Covid-19 throughout May and June. Prioritise being outside and avoid crowds. Know the symptoms – self-isolate immediately and phone your GP if you have them. By protecting yourself, you are protecting everyone you know from infection.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.