BREATHE EASIER...
HSE orders millions of masks in virus fight 102 new cases bring total confirmed to 785
€90MILLION CASH BOOST
THE HSE has ordered millions of masks and protective gear for health workers on the front line fighting the coronavirus.
Surgical masks, respirator masks, goggles and face shields are due for delivery in the next two weeks as the campaign to contain Covid-19 ramps up.
The HSE said in a statement yesterday they have adequate stock of critical supplies across the country and that €90million has been invested in extra equipment. It said despite market volatility and some export bans, the first batch order is due in the next two weeks. A spokesperson said: “It includes 6.5 million surgical masks, 4.5 million respirator masks, one million goggles and one million face shields.” Medical journal the Lancet reported that more than 3,300 healthcare workers have been infected as of early March and by the end of February at least 22 had died. The leading publication said as the pandemic Dr Tony Holohan accelerates, access to personal protective equipment for health workers is a key concern.
Last night, the HSE confirmed 102 new cases of coronavirus had been diagnosed here, bringing the total in the Republic to 785 and the all-island number to 893.
The HSE is now working to identify contacts the patients may have had to provide them with advice to curb further spread.
Cases up to Thursday show that of the 584 total, 55% are male.
One in three cases has been hospitalised and the median age is 44. Some 29 clusters involving 157 cases have been detected. In all, 13 cases have been admitted to ICU, which is 2% of all cases hospitalised.
One in four cases is associated with healthcare workers.
In cases where transmission status is known, community transmission accounts for 42%, travel
abroad 35%, and close contact 23%. Dublin has the highest number of cases at 55%, followed by Cork at 15%.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan yesterday urged the public to continue to heed Government measures to stop the spread of the deadly bug.
He warned: “The department is aware that pubs in some areas of the country are continuing to open in contravention of existing public health advice. If any become known to us, the minister will be advised to use his regulatory powers to enforce the temporary closure of premises.
“We are also asking An Garda Siochana to assist in encouraging the public to abide by advice on social distancing by encouraging any groups congregating to disperse.” More than 10,000 people have so far been tested for Covid-19 as more testing centres are readied.
The Irish naval vessel LE Samuel Beckett has been transformed into a facility to operate from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin.
Meanwhile, construction has started on a new drive-thru testing centre in the heart of the midlands in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Another 35,000 testing kits will be available from today with a further 20,000 due to arrive next week, according to the HSE.
IN BATTLE AGAINST DEADLY BUG