Publication
Updates on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) from January - March 2020
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
These are old updates. Access the most recent daily update.
17 deaths and 325 new cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has today been informed that 17 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have died.
There were:
- 8 deaths in the east of Ireland
- 3 deaths in the south of Ireland
- 6 deaths in the west of Ireland
The median age of those who died was 84.
71 people in total have died due to COVID-19 (52 male and19 female).
An additional 325 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed - bringing the total number of cases to 3,235.
8 deaths and 295 new cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has today been informed that 8 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have died: 5 females and 3 males. The median age of the deceased was 86.
Of those who died:
- 6 lived in the east of Ireland
- 1 lived in the south of Ireland
- 1 lived in the west of Ireland
6 of the 8 had underlying health conditions.
An additional 295 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed also - bringing the total to 2910.
10 deaths and 200 new cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has today been informed that 10 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have died, 8 male and 2 female.
6 deaths are located in the east of the country, 3 in the northwest of the country and 1 in the south. The median age of today’s reported deaths is 77. There have now been 46 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
There have been 200 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed today. There are now 2,615 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
14 deaths and 294 new cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 14 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have died.
All 14 deaths located in the east of the country. There have now been 36 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
There has also been 294 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are now 2,415 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
List of essential services published
The list of essential services whose workers can still attend work has been published. You can see the list here.
People urged not to leave their homes
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and Minister for Health, Simon Harris, have issued strict guidelines for people to stay at home from midnight tonight (Friday).
The main rule is to STAY AT HOME.
The only times you can leave your home are:
- to travel to or from work if you are providing an essential service. A list of essential retail outlets is available here. A full list of essential workers will be published on Saturday
- to shop for food
- to collect medical prescriptions and medical supplies and attend medical appointments
- to carry out vital services like caring (including family carers)
- for brief individual exercise - within 2 kilometres of your house. (You can bring children but must keep 2 metres away from others for social distancing)
- for farming
3 deaths and 302 cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that an additional three patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have died. One person in the north-west of the country and two females in the east.
There have now been 22 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 302 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
There are now 2,121 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
10 deaths and 255 cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 10 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have died. There have now been 19 COVID-19-related deaths in Ireland. Of those deaths, 13 were males and 6 females. The median age was 79.
There were 255 additional cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Ireland. There are now 1,819 cases of COVID 19 in Ireland.
2 deaths and 235 cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 2 patients diagnosed with COVID-49 have died. Both patients were in the east of the country.
There have now been 9 COVID-19-related deaths in Ireland.
There have also been an additional 235 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Ireland. There are now 1564 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
1 death and 204 cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland has died. The patient is a male and in the east of the country, with an underlying health condition.
There have now been 7 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
There have also been 204 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Ireland today. There are now 1,329 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
People urged to stay at home where possible
The government has today updated the public health guidelines.
It includes measures such as:
- all non-essential businesses should close
- places of worship are to restrict numbers visiting and no unnecessary travel should take place in the country or overseas, now or during the Easter break
- People should stay at home and only leave to: go to work, care for others, essential shopping
Government announces new COVID-19 Income Support Scheme
The government has announced a National COVID-19 Income Support Scheme.
This will provide financial support to Irish workers and companies affected by the crisis.
Measures include:
- a temporary wage subsidy of 70% of take home pay up to a maximum weekly tax free amount of €410 per week to help affected companies keep paying their employees. This is the equivalent of €500 per week before tax
- workers who have lost their jobs due to the crisis will receive an enhanced emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 per week (an increase from €203)
- the COVID-19 illness payment will also be increased to €350 per week
- the self-employed will be eligible for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 directly from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (rather than the Revenue scheme)
- enhanced protections for people facing difficulties with their mortgages, rent or utility bills
2 deaths and 219 new cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 2 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have died. Both patients are male and in the east of the country. There have now been 6 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
There were 219 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, as at 1pm, Monday 23 March.
There are now 1125 cases in Ireland.
4th death and 121 new cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed that a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland has died.
There have now been 4 deaths associated with COVID-19 in Ireland.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 121 new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
There are now 906 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
102 new confirmed cases
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 102 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
There are now 785 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
126 new confirmed cases
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 126 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
There are now 683 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
3rd death and 191 new cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed that a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland has died.
There have now been 3 deaths associated with COVID-19 in Ireland.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 191 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland as of midday Thursday, 19 March.
There are now 557 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
74 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 74 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
The cases are made up of 29 females and 45 males.
There have been 2 deaths associated with COVID-19 in Ireland.
There are now 366 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Government announces major new financial measures to help people cope with COVID-19
The Minister for Finance, Paschal Dohohue, today announced measures to help people deal with the financial strain of COVID-19.
These measures include:
- flexible arrangements for business and personal customers with their banks - including 3 month payment breaks where necessary (customers are advised to contact their bank)
- contactless payments to increase to €50 in the interests of public health policy
- making sure that people can continue to access banking services
69 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 69 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland - 29 males and 40 females.
- 48 associated with the east of the country
- 13 associated with the south
- 5 associated with the north/west
- 3 associated with the west
There have been 2 deaths associated with COVID-19 in Ireland.
There are now 292 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
54 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed
The HPSC has been informed of 54 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
The new cases are made up of 30 males and 24 females:
- 41 are associated with the east of the country
- 11 are associated with the south
- 2 are associated with the north/west of the country.
There have been 2 deaths associated with COVID-19 in Ireland. There are now 223 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
40 new COVID-19 cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of 40 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:
- 23 males, 17 females
- 25 are associated with the east of the country
- 9 are associated with the west
- 6 are associated with the south
There are now 169 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
All pubs advised to close until 29 March
The government has advised that all pubs should close until 29 March. It is also advised that people avoid having house parties in the interest of social distancing.
Second COVID-19 death and 39 new cases confirmed
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland has died. There have now been 2 deaths associated with COVID-19 in Ireland.
The HPSC has also been informed of 39 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. 29 males and 10 females are confirmed.
Of today's cases:
- 21 are associated with the east of the country
- 13 associated with the south
- 3 associated with the north-west
- 2 cases associated with the west of Ireland
There are now 129 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
20 new cases confirmed bringing total to 90
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 20 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:
- 6 cases are associated with travel
- 12 are associated with contacts of confirmed case; 4 of which are healthcare workers
- 2 cases are associated with community transmission
There are now 90 cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
27 new cases confirmed bringing total to 70
27 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed.
The new cases are made up of:
- 22 cases associated with contact with already confirmed cases
- 2 cases associated wiith community transmission
- 3 cases associated with travel
The total number of cases in Ireland is 70.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The National Public Health Emergency Team met last night (Wednesday 11 March) to review latest evidence of the spread of COVID-19.
NPHET has made a recommendation that Ireland move to Delay Phase.
Statement by the Taoiseach
The following measures will come into effect from tomorrow until 29 March:
- schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow (Friday)
- indoor mass gatherings of 100 people or more and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled
- all State-run cultural institutions will close
Where it is possible to work remotely people should do so. Public transport will continue and shops will continue to remain open.
Mr Varadkar said we need the public and businesses to take a sensible approach.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland has passed away.
This is the first recorded death relating to COVID-19 reported in Ireland.
The HPSC has also been informed of 9 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:
- 4 males, from the south of the country, associated with travel
- 1 female, from the south of the country, contact with a confirmed case
- 1 male, south of the country, contact with a confirmed case
- 3 males, from the east of the country, two associated with travel, one associated with contact of a confirmed case
There are now 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:
- 1 male, a healthcare worker, in the south of the country, associated with hospital transmission
- 1 female, a healthcare worker, in the east of the country, possible hospital transmission
- 3 males, in the south of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
- 1 male, in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
- 1 female, in the west of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
- 1 female, in the south of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
- 1 male, in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
- 1 female, in the east of the country, associated with travel from an affected area
There are now 34 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of 3 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:
- 1 case, a female, in the south of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
- 1 case, a female, in the West of the country, associated with close contact with a confirmed case
- 1 case, a female, in the south of Ireland, a healthcare worker is associated with close contact with a confirmed case
There are now 24 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
St Patrick's Festival cancelled as government announces new measures
Today saw the launch of major national actions agreed across government.
As well as announcing a range of new supports for health service, workers and business, it was also announced that the national St Patrick’s Festival will be cancelled.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been informed of two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland:
- 1 case of community transmission, a female in the east of the country
- 1 case of community transmission, a male in the south of the country, is associated with the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork, and a risk assessment is underway
There are now 21 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been informed of 1 new confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.
The case is a male in the east of Ireland associated with travel from northern Italy.
This brings the total number of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases to 19.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
5 new cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have been confirmed. All 5 cases are linked to contact with patients who were diagnosed already or to travel.
This brings the total number of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cases to 18.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been informed of 7 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland:
- 4 are travel related from Northern Italy, 4 males from the east country
- 2 are associated with close contact with a confirmed case, 2 females in the west of the country
- 1 case of community transmission, a male from the south of the country, is associated with Cork University Hospital and a risk assessment is underway
There are now 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has this evening been informed of four new confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.
The patients are all associated with travel from the same affected area in Northern Italy.
There are two male and two female patients, from the western part of the country.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of two confirmed cases of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) in Northern Ireland. Both patients are in isolation in Northern Ireland and are receiving treatment. One patient is associated with travel from an affected area in Northern Italy. The other patient is associated with close contact with a confirmed case in the UK.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
There has been a second confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. The patient, a female in the eastern part of the country, travelled to Ireland from Northern Italy and is currently receiving appropriate medical care.
The patient was identified and tested in line with established protocols for the investigation of suspect cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) has today confirmed the risk of widespread sustained transmission of COVID-19 in the EU and UK in the coming weeks is moderate to high.
Ireland remains in a containment phase, with one confirmed case currently in isolation and contact tracing is underway.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
Contact Tracing of the confirmed COVID-19 case, in the East of Ireland, has identified and made contact with a secondary school. The principal, staff and parents of pupils of this school have been notified. Following risk assessment, all pupils and teachers are being treated as close contacts of the confirmed case. The school will close for the duration of the incubation period, which is 14 days.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. The patient, a male in the eastern part of the country, is currently receiving appropriate medical care. The patient was identified and tested in line with established protocols for the investigation of suspect cases of COVID-19.
Minister for Health Statement on confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland
The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, issued a statement which confirmed a case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. The statement urges people to follow the Item was unpublished or removed
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed of a presumptive case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Northern Ireland. The patient is in isolation in Northern Ireland and is receiving treatment.
Public Health authorities have activated contact tracing protocols.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The National Public Health Emergency Team has today recommended that:
Algorithms be updated to reflect an expanded list of affected regions to include Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Iran, four regions in northern Italy (Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont) alongside mainland China.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
Following on from the increased number of COVID-19 cases in Italy, the National Public Health Emergency Team has noted that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control now rates the risk of the occurrence of similar clusters of cases in other EU countries as moderate to high.
Minister for Health signs regulations to make COVID-19 a Notifiable Disease
This will oblige doctors to routinely notify the HSE if a case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is diagnosed. This is common practice when dealing with an emerging infectious disease.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
78 suspected cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have been tested in Ireland. To date, there are no confirmed cases.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
65 suspected cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have been tested in Ireland. To date, there are no confirmed cases.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
As of Monday 3 February, 15 suspected cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) have been tested in the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL). To date, there are no confirmed cases.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team - First meeting of the Expert Advisory Group takes place
The first meeting of the Coronavirus Expert Advisory Group took place on Wednesday 5 February at the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) in Dublin 1.
To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
The National Public Health Emergency Team met on Tuesday 4 February in the Department of Health.
As yet, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
Ireland has advanced plans in place as part of its comprehensive preparedness to deal with public health emergencies such as COVID-19 (Coronavirus). These plans have helped us to respond to previous incidents such as pandemic influenza, SARS and MERS.
To date, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
As of 1 February 2020, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
Ireland is well positioned to detect and respond to a case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) that might arise here. As yet, there have been no confirmed cases in Ireland.