![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/2.55929324.jpg\")
Outbreaks linked to funerals and workplaces are contributing to a \u201cworrying\u201d rise in Covid-19 infection rates the Chief Medical Officer has said.<\/p>\nOutbreaks linked to funerals and workplaces are contributing to a \u201cworrying\u201d rise in Covid-19 infection rates the Chief Medical Officer has said.<\/p>\n
Dr Tony Holohan said there was also evidence of small numbers of people gathering for social purposes and ignoring public health messages.<\/p>\n
Dr Holohan said higher case numbers had persisted for a number of days as he warned again that progress to suppress the virus was at risk.<\/p>\n
Another 378 cases were confirmed on Sunday, along with one further Covid-19 linked death.<\/p>\n
The death toll in the Republic now stands at 1,979, with 67,903 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.<\/p>\n
The five-day moving average of case numbers has increased from 354 to more than 400 in recent days.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a worrying development which has persisted for the last few days,\u201d said Dr Holohan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are seeing a number of things which concern us. There are examples of small numbers of people congregating for social purposes and simply ignoring the important public health messages.<\/p>\n
“They are putting our collective progress at risk,” said Dr Holohan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are also seeing number of outbreaks across the country. These include outbreaks in association with funerals.<\/p>\n
“We understand that this is a difficult time for families but it is really important that we do everything we can to avoid the circumstances which promote transmission of the virus,” he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere have also been outbreaks associated with workplace settings. As we head into a new working week, we need to stay at home other than for essential reasons and for personal exercise within 5km. Anyone who can work from home should work from home.\u201d<\/p>\n