Press release
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team - Friday 13 March
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
The HPSC has been informed of 20 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:
There has been one confirmed death of COVID-19 in Ireland.
There are now 90 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
The HSE is now working to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.
The National Public Health Emergency Team met last night (Thursday 12 March) to review Ireland’s response to COVID-19 preparedness.
The following decisions were made:
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
“The National Public Health Emergency Team will continue to monitor the ongoing threat of this virus and will take actions where necessary.
“For people returning from areas affected by COVID-19, we strongly encourage the individual to restrict their movements."
The National Public Health Emergency Team recommended new measures this week in response to the change in Ireland’s evolving experience with COVID-19 and in consideration of medical guidance from the ECDC and the WHO. One of these measures was to recommend the closure of schools until 29 March, pending further review.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
"We appreciate these measures have a significant impact on the daily lives of families. However, they are necessary for the public good.
“Parents should try and avoid arranging play dates for groups of young children at this early stage of the outbreak.
“However, rather than staying indoors, consider outdoor activities such as playing football in the open in small groups of 3 or 4 while maintaining social distancing of 2 metres.
“This is a time to be mindful of the public health guidelines and apply these measures to your daily lives.”
ENDS