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A total of 307 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Ireland yesterday, the highest number in nearly four months.
May 14 was the last day it saw so many new Covid-19 infections, when the Health Department announced 426 new cases.
The biggest difference between then and now is the number of deaths. Last night, health officials sadly confirmed that one more person with Covid-19 had died. On May 14, ten more deaths were reported.
However, there was more than meets the eye when it comes to the high case count reported nearly four months ago.
(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)
The number of new infections reported on May 14 was substantially higher than in the days before and after.
At the time, Dr. Tony Holohan was still the medical director and explained that not all of those cases were new.
He said many of the 426 cases were cumulative cases from a hospital that were all reported at once.
Dr. Holohan explained, “So a large number of cases over an extended period of time that are not recent cases are added, so to speak, artificially to the number of 426.”
And just one day later, on May 15, the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that the country would officially come out of the blockade.
Outdoor workers returned to work, DIY stores and garden centers were able to reopen, and golf and tennis courts were able to be used again.
Unfortunately, there is no indication that the figures reported on Tuesday were artificially inflated as they were in May.
And indeed, there is no indication that the outlook is as rosy as it was four months ago, with discussions taking place to determine whether further local closures will need to be enforced.
Dublin and Limerick have seen an increase in new infections in recent days, and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar suggested this morning that if more measures are put in place, it could be similar to Glasgow, which saw a restriction on home visits.
Speaking at Newstalk Breakfast, the Tanaiste said: “If we have to act, we will act … but we will not act without good cause.”
“I have a real concern about the impact on businesses and jobs of the new restrictions.
“The idea of restricting home visits in Dublin and other cities is an option that we will have to consider if the numbers continue as they are.”
And in reaction to yesterday’s large increase in cases, Acting Medical Director Dr. Ronan Glynn highlighted a large number of community-transmitted infections.
He said last night: “182 of today’s cases are in Dublin and at least 44 of them are associated with community transmission.
“I urge everyone to follow public health advice and stay away.
“Don’t underestimate the risks associated with any of your interactions, even with your family, friends, or coworkers.
“Now is not the time to let your guard down; assume that you or those you know can be contagious and act accordingly.”
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