People were asked to redouble their efforts to suppress the virus, as 217 new cases were confirmed



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The interim medical director is asking people to redouble their efforts after the highest daily number of new Covid-19 cases in more than three months.

Yesterday it was announced that 217 new infections had been reported, but for the 10th day in a row no patient died with the virus.

There were 103 positive tests in Dublin, 25 in Kildare and 17 each in Limerick and Tipperary.

Ronan Glynn says that while the number of cases is substantial, the five-day moving average remains relatively stable at 115 cases per day.

Dr. Ronan Glynn said: “While the number of cases today is the highest daily figure reported since May, the five-day moving average remains relatively stable at 115 cases per day.

“However, this is still a considerable number of cases and I urge everyone to redouble their efforts now: wash their hands regularly, physically move away from others, wear face covers when appropriate, avoid crowded areas, know symptoms, isolate yourself and contact your GPs if you have any concerns. “

Anthony Staines, a professor of health systems at DCU, says it won’t be clear how reopening schools will affect the numbers for some time to come.

“The opening of schools had no effect on what happened. The effect of that, if there is one, will not be visible for five to 10 days,” said Professor Staines.

“But the more transmission there is in the community, the more difficult it is to keep schools open.

“I think it is a very high priority for everyone to keep the schools open, so that they continue to function without interruptions.”

Of the cases reported yesterday, 70% were in people under 45 years of age.

DCU Professor Anthony Staines says we need to better communicate with young people about the dangers of Covid.

“The GAA, for example, has done a great job with how many GAA players have been affected by themselves or their families.

“I think that kind of direct outreach from young people who know what is happening with other young people can be very powerful.”

Professor Staines said he has great admiration for Ronan Glynn, but said the audience for his press conferences among 16-25 year olds would not be very high.

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