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Dubliners have been urged to keep their social contacts to a minimum, after more than 130 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the city in 24 hours.<\/p>\nDubliners have been urged to keep their social contacts to a minimum, after more than 130 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the city in 24 hours.<\/p>\n
The 133 cases were among 231 positive tests nationwide reported on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Micheal Martin and acting chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn both emphasized the need for people in Dublin to limit their social contacts.<\/p>\n
In response to the increase in infections, the HSE opened two new pop-up testing facilities in the city on Saturday, at Croke Park and at Castleknock Health Center.<\/p>\n
There were no further deaths linked to the virus reported on Saturday, with Ireland\u2019s death toll remaining at 1,777.<\/p>\n
Commenting on the situation in Dublin, Dr Glynn stressed the importance of social distancing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there is a significant number of cases in Dublin today, it is important to look at the day\u2019s figures in the context of our seven and 14-day incidence rates,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNPHET (National Public Health Emergency Team) pays close attention to trends and patterns in the data over time in order to analyse the progression of Covid-19 both across the country and in particular areas or settings.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, it is now really important that people in Dublin keep their social contacts as low as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
He urged anyone with symptoms to self-isolate immediately and contact their GP.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven the increase in the number of cases in Dublin, the HSE has opened two pop-up Covid-19 swabbing centers in Dublin this weekend, at Croke Park and at Castleknock Health Center,\u201d Dr Glynn added.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease come forward for testing if you have any concerns. Remember that if you do need a test, it will be free.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Martin later tweeted: \u201cIt is crucially important that we all heed the words of @ronan_glynn this evening. Please limit your social contacts and if you have any of the #COVID19 symptoms please phone your GP.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 231 new cases take to 29,534 the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases since the outbreak began.<\/p>\n
Across the border in Northern Ireland there were 118 new confirmed cases of coronavirus reported by the region\u2019s Department of Health on Saturday.<\/p>\n
While the department\u2019s statistical dashboard provides updates on the number of positive test results over the weekend, it does not relay up-to-date information on coronavirus fatalities on Saturdays and Sundays.<\/p>\n
The latest death toll reported by the department on Friday stood at 564.<\/p>\n