LATEST: No deaths but 38 new cases, Taoiseach says schools will reopen next month despite upsurge
No new deaths have been reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, but 38 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.
It means the death toll as a result of the virus remains at 1,763. There are now a total of 26,065 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, according to the latst daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The number of cases in Kilkenny has risen by one in recent days to 357, around one percent of the overall total.
Despite the worrying increase in cases, Taoiseach Micheál Martin today insisted the Government would not be rowing back on its plans to get children back in the country’s school next month.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said any spike in Covid-19 cases is concerning and the situation has to be watched and monitored very carefully over the next couple of days.
Speaking as he arrived at Dublin Castle for a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, the Taoiseach said the spike in Covid-19 cases is “concerning” and that the situation has to be watched and monitored very carefully over the next couple of days.
Mr Martin said the Government will be looking to see if the rise is part of a “pattern” or related to specific clusters that have emerged in recent days.
Meanewhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier announced that planned reopenings in the UK for tomorrow will now be postponed for another two weeks.
Mr Johnson said: “With those numbers creeping up, our assessment is that we should squeeze that brake pedal… in order to keep the virus under control.
“On Saturday August 1, you’ll remember we had hoped to reopen a number of the higher-risk settings that had remained closed and today I’m saying we’re postponing those changes for at least a fortnight.
“That means until August 15 at the earliest casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and the remaining close-contact services must remain closed.
“Indoor performances will not resume, pilots of larger gatherings in sports venues and conference centres will not take place, and wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted.”
