LATEST: Kilkenny among 434 new cases of virus as four further deaths confirmed
A further four people have died after contracting the coronavirus as 434 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.
The overall death toll as a result of the virus has now reached 4,921. There have now been 251,904 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The breakdown of the latest cases is as follows: 197 in Dublin, 44 in Cork, 34 in Kildare, 20 in Limerick, 20 in Meath and the remaining 119 cases are spread across 16 other counties. Less than five new cases of the virus were recorded in Kilkenny.
Commenting on today’s figures, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “Next week we will see many more business open which means employees and customers will return to work and our economy will begin to restart in earnest.
“This is a very positive sign and a testament to the hard work of the vast majority in supressing incidence of disease in our communities.
“It is extremely important that business owners, employees and customers take great care and review safety protocols and practices and ensure to consider all the actions we can all take as individuals to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“Only return to the workplace if it is necessary to do so. Continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, good hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
“If you feel unsafe in a crowded environment feel empowered to turn around and go home.
“If you are a business owner or an employer, remember that you have a duty of care to those that work for you.
“Reopening responsibly will help to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 spreading amongst your staff in the workplace and ensure we all have the opportunity to enjoy the new social and economic activities available to us from May 10,” Dr Holohan concluded.
