The number of #COVID19 cases that we have now in Ireland is substantially more than we were seeing even just a few weeks ago.
On average over the past 5 days we have reported 96 new cases. Our 14 day incidence now stands at over 23 per 100,000. 1/12
On average over the past 5 days we have reported 96 new cases. Our 14 day incidence now stands at over 23 per 100,000. 1/12
While we are still in a relatively good position compared to many countries, our upward growth rate is now the 3rd highest among EU member states. 2/12
While there has been a particular focus on Kildare, Laois and Offaly in recent weeks, 11 other counties have a 14 day incidence above 10/100,000 – these are Carlow, Clare, Donegal, Dublin, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary and Wexford. 3/12
Workplace outbreaks have been well documented and the large ones in meat and other food businesses account for about 360 of the cases reported in recent weeks. 4/12
Another 40 cases have been linked to the construction sector recently. As you may be aware, we also had 6 clusters linked to direct provision over recent weeks, with about 90 cases linked to these clusters. 5/12
However, these outbreaks are just part of the story. For example, while they account for approximately 500 cases between them, we have had over 1,200 cases reported in the last 14 days alone. 6/12
So where are the rest of the cases coming from? Well last week we had approximately 75 clusters in families or extended families. 7/12
About 3% or 36 cases over the past 14 days have been travel related, over 200 have been confirmed as community transmission and a further 200 remain under investigation. 8/12
This is a collective problem that requires collective action. We also need employers and organisations all across society to step up once again and ensure that they have the proper measures in place to create a safe environment for their workers, customers and members alike. 9/12
But they can only continue if every household plays its part, if every workplace creates a safe environment and if each of us individually adapts our behaviours to live safely with #COVID19. 10/12
I know that what is being asked is difficult, especially when people have already given so much over the last six months. I know that for a nation which loves its sport and which loves to socialise, these measures feel incredibly unfair. 11/12
We have already shown what we can achieve by working together for the greater good. As we learn to live with this disease, we must continue to strike a balance between enjoying our lives and behaving in a way that protects one another. #HoldFirm 12/12
