Today the HPSC confirms a further 54 cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to 27,547.

2 further deaths are being reported today.

Statement from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre:

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that 2 people with COVID-19 in Ireland have died.

There has now been a total of 1,775* COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight Tuesday 18th August, the HPSC has been notified of 54 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 27,547** confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

Of the cases notified today;                                                                                                                                                                                

• 24 are men / 29 are women
• 67% are under 45 years of age
• 27 are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
• 8 cases have been identified as community transmission
• 19 in Dublin, 8 in Kildare, 5 in Tipperary and the rest of the cases are in Carlow, Clare, Donegal, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois,Limerick, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Waterford and Wexford.

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “To save lives and suppress this virus we need everyone to reduce the number of people they meet over the next three weeks. A collective effort by households and by employers and organisations can make a huge impact on community transmission, and help to protect our families and communities from COVID-19.

“You can still play sport, go to a restaurant and meet friends, but we are asking you to do this in as safe a way as possible. Specifically focus on two numbers – 6 and 15. Do not have more than 6 people over to your house and garden, and outside, no more than 15 people should meet up, and even then you should remain socially distanced from one another.”

*Validation of data at the HPSC led to the denotification of 2 deaths. The figure of 1,775 reflects this.

**Validation of data at the HPSC led to the denotification of 6 confirmed cases. The figure of 27,547 reflects this.

Want to get €5, absolutely free? Sign up to the ‘Smart’ Debit Card – Curve today, and earn a fiver on us! Find out more here.