Coronavirus update: 2 new cases confirmed in Republic of Ireland

Two new cases of Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland were confirmed yesterday evening by health officials

Two new cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland bringing the number of infected individuals to 21 and a total of 33 cases on the entire island. Health officials confirmed the news yesterday evening.

Both cases are a result of community transmission.

Of the two new confirmations, one is a female in the east of the country and one male in the south of the country. The latter is linked with the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, which is the second hospital in Cork now dealing with the virus. The female reportedly has an underlying illness and is seriously ill.

While the majority of cases are dealing with those returning from infected areas such as Northern Italy, there are now a total of three cases related to community transmission.

According to RTÉ, the male case was admitted to the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork with suspected pneumonia and was then transferred to the hospital’s intensive care unit where he is being treated in isolation in a single bed room.

Two staff members at the hospital are self-isolating and being tested, however, these tests are currently negative.

Future projections

Earlier yesterday, the HSE said it “can’t dispute” projections that indicate 1.9 million people may become infected with the virus in the Republic of Ireland. These figures were revealed by the Sunday Business Post and suggest around 40% of the population will contract the virus.

The estimates come after health officials said trends in Italy suggest a large number of cases may become apparent.

However, the HSE has said a full modelling summary has not yet been completed.

Over 100 countries have reported cases bringing the total number to over 109,600 with more than 3,800 fatalities. Italy has the highest number outside of China with plans now in place to quarantine 16 million of its citizens.

According to the World Health Organisation, 80% of Covid-19 cases are mild to moderate in their severity, 14% have severe diseases and around 6% are critical. The global mortality rate is now 3.4%.

Read more: HSE ‘cannot dispute’ Coronavirus projections but emphasise ‘significant’ containment plans

Read more: ‘Stop telling me I’ve nothing to worry about’: why I’m scared of the coronavirus

Read more: Coronavirus: It is time to do our civic duty