Ireland Coronavirus: Eight More Deaths and 922 New Confirmed Cases as Country Enters Level 5 Restrictions



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There have been eight more deaths of people with Covid-19 and 922 new cases of the disease confirmed today by the Department of Health.

Of the cases, 337 are in Dublin, 73 in Cork, 70 in Limerick, 56 in Wexford, 43 in Galway and the remaining 343 cases are distributed in all other counties.

At 8 a.m. today, 255 Covid-19 patients are hospitalized, of which 22 are in the ICU. 37 additional hospitalizations in the last 24 hours.

Dr. Tony Holohan asked the public to follow the guidelines during the Christmas period. “Unfortunately, none of the indicators of this disease show encouraging signs. Ireland now has the fastest growing incidence rate in the European Union. “

“This Christmas, the best gift you can give to your loved ones is to strictly comply with public health advice.”

Make your Christmas safe, meaningful, and memorable for the right reasons. Stay home, stay safe and be well. Limit contact as much as you can and make sure you and your loved ones have a safe and happy Christmas. “

Pubs and restaurants, as well as personal service businesses, were ordered to close at 3 p.m. this afternoon under new Level 5 restrictions announced by the government on Tuesday, as the virus profile is deteriorating faster. than in any other EU country, the HSE said. .

Taoiseach Micheál Martin admitted yesterday that it was “difficult” to imagine the hospitality sector reopening anytime soon with daily cases and community transmission rates as high as they are.

The R number has risen to between 1.5 and 1.8, Nphet predicted, meaning the virus is spreading exponentially in the community.

Nphet yesterday advised the government to shut down all non-essential retailers as of December 26 due to the worsening Covid-19 profile.

Inter-county travel will be prohibited beginning at midnight on St. Stephen’s Day and home visiting will be restricted to visitors from another home beginning December 27.

All home visits will be prohibited on January 1.

The current restrictions will be reviewed on January 12, with the expectation that they will be extended beyond this date.

More to follow …

Online editors

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