Covid-19: 390 new cases, 209 in Dublin, but no further deaths

There have been no further deaths from Covid-19 recorded. The death toll remains at 1,802.

A quarter of all new cases of Covid-19 in the last two weeks have been among people aged between 15 and 24.

Of the new cases 209 are in Dublin, 27 in Cork and 22 in Donegal.

The county breakdown of cases is as follows:

• 209 in Dublin, 
• 27 in Cork, 
• 22 in Donegal, 
• 21 in Galway, 
• 14 in Kildare and Monaghan, 
• 7 Roscommon, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford, 
• 6 in Limerick and Longford, 
• 5 in Laois, Meath, Offaly, and Sligo.

Forty-five cases have been identified as community transmission, while 36% are associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.

Sixty-six percent are under 45 years of age.

Dr Ronan Glynn, acting chief medical officer, said 70 cases in Cork have been associated with pubs and restaurants over the past couple of weeks.

He also said there is a particularly high incidence of the virus in Donegal and in Dublin.

“I am asking everyone, but particularly those living and working in Cork, Galway, Monaghan and Roscommon, to adhere to the public health advice. 

"There is still time to get the virus back under control in these areas, break the chains of transmission and stop the spread of this highly infectious disease in these communities."

At the National Public Health Emergency Team briefing a healthcare worker has described his experience of Covid-19 and the "living hell" that his family went through.

Jerick Martin, 30s, described himself as "fit and healthy" when he was diagnosed with the coronavirus but within a week he was admitted to hospital where he spent 68 days in intensive care, much of it on a ventilator in an induced coma.

“I was a fit and healthy man in my thirties, working and enjoying my life.

"Within five days of experiencing my first symptoms of COVID-19, I was admitted to hospital, where I spent 68 days in intensive care, most of that time on a ventilator, in an induced coma."

He added: "This disease does not care that you are young, fit and healthy.

"It does not care that you have a family who are waiting for you to come home. Anyone can catch it, and anyone can become very sick.”

The President of the Union of Students in Ireland, Lorna Fitzpatrick, said research carried out over by the USI over the summer shows the effect the pandemic has had on students' mental health.

"Make sure you are reaching out to friends and family on the phone, online and in small, safe ways in person. 

"Remember that talking to others and asking for help when you need it is essential at the moment.”