'This cannot continue': Dr Glynn warns of reckless behaviour as 66 new Covid-19 cases reported
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) confirmed 66 new coronavirus cases in Ireland today.
The Department of Health also confirmed no new deaths from Covid-19 in the country.
The latest figures released by health authorities bring the total number of Covid-19 cases in Ireland since the outbreak began to 27,257.
The number of deaths from the virus remains unchanged at 1,774.
Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) August 16, 2020
There have been no new deaths reported to @hpscireland today.
There has now been a total of 1,774 #COVID19 related deaths in Ireland.
From today's confirmed new cases 34 are men and 29 are women and 67% of confirmed cases were identified in people under the age of 45.
12 cases are associated with outbreaks or confirmed cases while 3 cases have been identified as community transmission.
The HPSC said the remainder of the cases are still under investigation.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn, commenting on today's latest virus figures said reckless behaviour when socialising was undermining the public's compliance with health guidelines.
Dr Glynn also said the National Public Health Emergency Team would be meeting again tomorrow to make recommendations if necessary to the government.
"NPHET will meet tomorrow to review and discuss the case figures that have been reported in recent days and will make any necessary recommendations to Government which are required to protect the vulnerable, continue with the resumption of healthcare services and ensure the safe reopening of our schools.
"The phased reopening of the country has afforded people the opportunity to socialise with each other again.
"However, some are doing this recklessly and undermining the efforts of the majority of people around the country who are following public health advice.
The country's chief medic appealed to the public to observe social distancing, wear facemasks and wash their hands.
"We must all learn to behave and interact in a new way over the coming months so that Covid-19 cannot take root again in our communities.
"Please avoid crowds, reduce your social contacts, keep your distance from others, wash your hands and wear face coverings," Dr Glynn said.
The geographic distribution of today's cases is diverse with 21 in Kildare, 16 in Dublin, 6 in Limerick, and the remainder of the 23 cases in Clare, Donegal, Laois, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Wicklow.
The latest figures follow yesterday's confirmation of 200 new cases.
This is the largest daily total reported since May and was described by Dr Ronan Glynn as "deeply concerning."
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin also expressed his "deep concern" the increase in cases.
“Yesterday’s #COVID19 numbers were deeply concerning and this morning I discussed the evolving situation with the Tanaiste, Green Party Leader, Health Minister and acting CMO,” Mr Martin tweeted.
Yesterday’s #COVID19 numbers were deeply concerning and this morning I discussed the evolving situation with the Tánaiste, Green Party Leader, Health Minister and acting CMO. The Govt and NPHET will continue to monitor the situation closely.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 16, 2020
In Northern Ireland, 27 further Covid-19 cases have been confirmed.
The cases take the total in the region since the outbreak began to 6,391.
The Department of Health dashboard that collates the coronavirus statistics in the North does not update the death toll over the weekend.
When last updated on Friday, the toll stood at 558.