Three more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Kerry – bringing the total to 12.

This evening the Health Protection Surveillance Centre revealed that there’s 219 new confirmed cases in Ireland as of 1pm, today (Monday) – and that community transmission accounts for 45% of cases.

Two more patients diagnosed with the virus in Ireland have died, both male from the east of the country. Six have now died in the country to date, and there are now 1,125 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

Today’s data from HPSC, as of midnight, Saturday (March 21) (836 cases), reveals:

• 55% are male and 44% are female, with 37 clusters involving 210 cases
• the median age of confirmed cases is 44 years
• 239 cases (29%) have been hospitalised
• Of those hospitalised, 25 cases have been admitted to ICU
• 208 cases (25%) are associated with healthcare workers
• Dublin has the highest number of cases at 471 (56% of all cases) followed by Cork with 104 cases (12%)
• Of those for whom transmission status is known: community transmission accounts for 45%, close contact accounts for 23%, travel abroad accounts for 31%

Research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health shows that more than 93% of the population are washing their hands more often as a result of Coronavirus.

The nationally representative online survey of 1,270 adults conducted today, and which will be conducted twice weekly, reveals;

• 88% of people say they are staying at home, rather than going out
• 84% of people say they are practicing social distance in a queue
• 71% of people say they are sitting further apart from others
• 75% are confident they would know what steps to take if they developed symptoms and 90% know the two most common symptoms (fever and/or cough)

If you are experiencing symptoms, such as fever and cough, self-isolate and call your GP who will guide you.

“We understand the anxiety this outbreak may be causing people,” Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, today said.

“All aspects of our public health advice are constantly reviewed by the National Public Health Emergency Team and we will not hesitate to take more measures where necessary, based on epidemiological evidence and in proportion with Ireland’s experience of this outbreak. The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again tomorrow morning, where we will continue to review Ireland’s response and make further recommendations where appropriate.”