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The Department of Health has been notified today of 764 new cases of Covid-19 and four additional deaths.
Of the cases reported today, 403 were men, 355 women, and 67% were under 45 years of age.
The median age of the cases was 34 years, with 284 cases registered in Dublin, 70 in Limerick, 52 in Donegal, 44 in Cork and 37 in Wexford. The remaining 277 were spread over an additional 20 counties.
At 2:00 p.m. today, 233 patients were being treated in hospitals with Covid-19, 29 of which were in Intensive Care Units.
Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan commented on the cases saying, “Every indicator of disease severity is moving in the wrong direction, faster than we had anticipated.
“We have particularly strong concerns about the possibility of intergenerational mixing around the holiday season.”
Cases are increasing rapidly. We have few cases and deaths compared to the EU / UK / US This is at risk now, just as the vaccines arrive. To protect yourself and your loved ones: Stay home. Don’t get together. Stay away from restaurants / pubs. Avoid the crowds. Wear masks. Follow the health tips. @roinnslainte
– Dr. Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) December 20, 2020
Dr. Holohan added that on Dec. 11, the seven-day incidence rate for people ages 19 to 44 was 106 per 100,000, but yesterday this rate had more than doubled to 217.
“If these younger people come into contact with loved ones over 65, we could see an increase in infections in this most vulnerable group,” said Dr. Holohan.
“This would lead to a very serious pattern of illness, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and unnecessary deaths.”
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Dr. Holohan also urged people to reconsider their Christmas plans, as transmission of the virus has reached worrying levels.
“If you’ve been socializing in the last few weeks or this weekend, carefully consider your Christmas plans. Is it responsible to meet with your family over 65 later this week, if you have not kept your contacts low?
“Should you cancel your plans? We have the very real prospect of Covid-19 vaccines on the horizon. Make sure your loved ones stay alive to receive them, staying away from them if you haven’t restricted your movements to this point.”
“As difficult as it may sound, staying away from the older family this Christmas will protect them, and it would be an exceptional sacrifice made for the greater good,” said Dr. Holohan.
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