Holohan advises shopworkers to wear masks

TONY Holohan has praised the commitment of the Irish people to beating Covid but warned that people are not wearing face masks correctly as it was revealed a further five people have died of the virus in Ireland, with another 335 cases announced yesterday.

Among the cases, 64% were under 45, with a median age of 37.

Dublin accounted for 72 of the cases, followed by 41 in Donegal, 26 in Mayo, 25 in Cork, 23 in Kerry, and the remaining 148 cases were spread across 19 other counties.

Dr Holohan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, said: ‘The commitment to the spirit of the public health advice shown by people across Ireland since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic is to be commended.

‘This includes wearing a face mask where social distancing is difficult, in shops and on public transport.

‘However, it is also vital that they are worn correctly and safely.

Ensure you are fully covering both your mouth and nose with the face mask. Remember, visors do not offer the same benefits.

‘I want to particularly highlight that it is very important that those who work in settings such as retail avoid the use of visors and instead use face masks.

‘Face masks are a key element of our defence against this virus, alongside staying at home and avoiding meeting people outside your household.’

The Covid-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of Covid-19 in the community.

Donegal has the highest 14-day incidence of the disease, at 291.5 per 100,000 of population, with Leitrim the lowest at 28.1.