First Death Linked To Coronavirus In Ireland Has Been Confirmed

The woman who contracted the virus died in a hospital in the east of the country.

A woman with an underlying health condition is the first person diagnosed with COVID 19 to die in Ireland.

She was one of 34 people to have been confirmed to have contracted the virus here.

The elderly woman was initially being treated in hospital for respiratory problems, when she was diagnosed with the virus.

In a statement, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health Tony Holohan extended his condolences to the family and friends of the patient.

He also asked that the media and the public to respect their privacy at this difficult time.

The HPSC has also been informed of 9 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland;

·        4 males, from the south of the country, associated with travel

·        1 female, from the south of the country, contact with a confirmed case

·        1 male, south of the country, contact with a confirmed case

·        3 males, from the east of the country, two associated with travel, one associated with contact of a confirmed case

There are now 43 confirmed cases in Ireland.

The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a pandemic.

We are now moving to enhancing our containment measures. These measures include 3 steps;

1)        To the general public:

o        Practice everyday preventive actions; Hand washing, cough/sneeze etiquette.

o        Consider how to limit your social interactions; avoid indoor, crowded spaces.

o        Shaking hands and close personal contact are to be avoided.

o        Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Know the symptoms of Covid-19.

2)        All healthcare workers are being asked to raise their index of suspicion for COVID-19.

3)        The HSE will be substantially increasing its contact tracing and surveillance capacity in the coming days.