70 cases linked to Cork pubs and restaurants such as Roscommon, Galway and Monaghan were also put on high alert

SOME 70 COVID-19 cases have been linked to pubs and restaurants in Cork over the past two weeks.

Dr. Ronan Glynn revealed the shocking figure tonight when he confirmed that Rebel County, along with Roscommon, Galway and Monaghan, were being closely watched by health chiefs due to spikes in cases.

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The acting medical director also said a large outbreak in Galway has been linked to a house party.

He said: “In Cork, there have been around 70 cases associated with pubs and restaurants in the last two weeks.

“That’s in the context of 350 cases in Cork over the last fortnight, so that’s a slice, but it points to the fact that there are certain settings that are high risk.

“Similarly, in Galway we have had a significant group associated with a house party and again this is in no way an attempt to demonize, but the reality is that it is a large group associated with younger people.”

SOME SETTINGS ‘DRIVE THE VIRUS FORWARD’

NPHET will meet again on Thursday where they will discuss the current situation, however, Dr. Glynn said that the cases involving pubs and restaurants will not necessarily dictate their thinking.

Responding to a reporter, he said: “No in particular, no (report NPHET thinking). It’s a bit more evidence of what we’ve seen internationally and what we’ve been talking about.

“I am pointing them out simply because they are part of the problem, but not the whole of the problem and let’s be very clear here that ultimately the path of disease in Cork or Galway or elsewhere in the country will be dictated by what individuals and families do.

“Yes, there will be events and environments that will push it forward, but ultimately, I am calling on the people in your families to act like you are around them and stay safe.”

‘STILL TIME TO CONTROL THE VIRUS’

A further 390 cases were confirmed tonight, with 21 confirmed cases in both Cork and Galway.

Monaghan’s total cases increased by 14, while Roscommon saw another seven positive tests.

In a separate statement issued tonight, Dr. Glynn said there is “still time” to get the virus under control in those four counties.

He said: “I am asking everyone, but particularly those who live and work in Cork, Galway, Monaghan and Roscommon, to join the public health councils.

“There is still time to get the virus back under control in these areas, break the chains of transmission and stop the spread of this highly infectious disease in these communities.

“We know the key actions you need to take to stay safe: keep a distance of 2 m, reduce your social contacts, wear a mask, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home and contact your GP if you start to feel wrong, you are doing everything you can to take care of yourself and those around you. “

STUNNING GRAPH

Dr. Glynn also shared a shocking scenario in which a virus case led to a group of 56 cases.

He said in the briefing: “The first case in this group was the black dot in the middle square. It was a person who had symptoms but felt that they were not very important symptoms, so he did not isolate himself, he did not get contacted his GP and met with a group of friends.

“Unfortunately, from that meeting they took another 13 cases directly. One of those cases, top left, despite knowing that they were a contact of a case, did not restrict their movements, despite having had a test, was met with other friends, that led to another nine cases.

“If you look down to the right, another case came across extended family, went to a sporting activity, and overall that case resulted in another 56 cases.”

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‘TOO EARLY’ FOR HALLOWEEN TIPS

Meanwhile, the nation’s top doctor said it was still too early to offer advice on Halloween and Christmas.

He added: “Halloween, Christmas, these are really important events for children and families.

“I think it is too early to say at this point what will or will not need to happen within a month, but we will take a closer look and if recommendations need to be made, they will be made.”

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has called for “additional focus” for the next two weeks.

Speaking at the launch of a national brochure of the National Framework for Living with Covid-19, he said: “The launch of this brochure, a copy of which will be sent to every household in the country, is an important moment.

“It is an opportunity to remind the country of the choice we face for next winter.

“Each of us has the power to slow and suppress the spread of this virus; it is up to each of us to choose what we are going to do in the face of the threat.”

“By following the advice on hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing, and respecting the restrictions that exist in the place where we live, we can get it back under control.

“The next two weeks are critical and I ask everyone to focus more on homework for the next fifteen days.”

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