Irish leader’s ‘deep’ Covid concern

The Irish premier has expressed “deep concern” at an upsurge in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin’s comments come after Ireland recorded 200 new cases on Saturday – the highest daily rise since the start of May.

Mr Martin, deputy premier Leo Varadkar, Green Party leader and government minister Eamon Ryan, health minister Stephen Donnelly and acting chief medical officer Ronan Glynn met yesterday morning to discuss the situation.

“Yesterday’s #COVID19 numbers were deeply concerning and this morning I discussed the evolving situation with the Tanaiste, Green Party leader, health minister and acting CMO,” Mr Martin tweeted.

He said the government and the national public health emergency team would continue to monitor the situation closely.

“It’s essential that we adhere to the public health guidance and maintain social distancing to suppress this virus #Holdfirm,” he said.

The total number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland since the outbreak began now stands at 27,191. There were no further deaths reported on Saturday, with Ireland’s toll remaining at 1,774. Of the new cases reported, 68 per cent are people below the age of 45.

Sixty-eight of the cases are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case, while 25 cases have been identified as having been contracted through community transmission.

Kildare, which is one of three counties subjected to localised lockdowns, saw the highest number of new infections at 81. Dublin had 56.

A government spokesman said of those at the emergency meeting: “They expressed deep concern at yesterday’s figures. There will be a further analysis of the situation ahead.”