AN alarming 57 new cases of coronavirus have been notified in Kerry in the past 24 hours as the virus continues to spread rapidly through the county.
There have been 422 cases confirmed in Kerry in the past 14 days and the total number of known infections here since last March is now 1,808.
Nationally, nine additional deaths and 1,546 new cases of Covid-19 were notified today ahead of a cabinet meeting tomorrow that is likely to see stricter lockdown rules implemented.
Early this afternoon, 411 patients were in hospital being treated for coronavirus related complications with 34 in intensive care.
There have been 47 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
Of the cases notified today, 788 are female and 757 are male with 66 per cent under 45 years of age. The median age is 34.
A worrying 444 of today’s newly confirmed cases were in Dublin, 203 in Cork, 111 in Louth, 87 in Limerick and 85 in Donegal with the remaining 616 cases spread across all other counties, including the 57 in Kerry.
Meanwhile, the cabinet will meet tomorrow to prepare a plan to tackle the rapid growth in infections with the number of people in hospitals with Covid-19 continuing to rise sharply.
Confirmed cases of the virus in hospitals are now at their highest level since May.
The National Public Health Emergency Team and the government said they are very concerned by the growth in case numbers and hospital admissions.
It is believed strict new restrictions will be considered as the current crisis is leading to fears that it will soon reach a stage where the hospitals will no longer be able to cope.
It is understood that the cabinet will consider a proposal to return to a full Level 5 lockdown with some senior ministers concerned that the number of new cases notified per day will pass 2,000 by the end of this week.
Department of Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said the country has reached a significant milestone in its collective response to the Covid-19 pandemic with the launch of a national vaccination programme.
“To see the first recipients of the vaccine gives us hope for better times ahead, particularly for those most vulnerable to the virus, including those over 70 and with underlying medical conditions,” he said.
Dr Holohan said given the increasing spread of the disease and the concerning rise in the number of hospitalisations, people must remain vigilant to the ongoing risk of the spread of Covid-19 and follow the public health advice.
KillarneyToday.com: Your only 24/7 local news service provider. Call 087-2229761
