The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting to consider if greater measures are needed to stop the spread of Covid-19.
There’s growing concern about the rise in fatalities as a result of the virus in the past 24 hours, and clusters of cases in nursing homes.
Here in Clare, the number of cases has more than doubled, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.
The National Public Health Emergency Team has been meeting for the third time this week, to consider if stricter measures are needed to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The country’s most senior health officials are worried about the doubling of deaths in just one day, and clusters of cases emerging in nursing homes and hospitals.
Daily increases in ICU admissions, the fact 23 per cent of total cases are healthcare workers, and the rise in community transmission are also causing concern.
The team is looking at what more can be done, and says if further measures are needed, recommendations will be made “without hesitation”.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said we won’t know if the measures put in place are working until next week at the earliest.
There are now 1,819 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the country, with the number here in Clare more than doubling in the past 24 hours to 25.
Ennis GP Dr Máire Finn thinks increases like this are the new norm.
Meanwhile, the Fianna Fáil leader has called for greater transparency around the locations of clusters of COVID-19 cases, particularly where healthcare facilities are concerned.
Speaking on Clare FM’s Morning Focus today, Micheál Martin issued this message of caution.
