Two further coronavirus cases linked to a Clare family have arisen.
On Thursday night, seven new cases of coronavirus were confirmed. Two women in this latest announcement are associated with close contact from a member of the Clare family that had been holidaying in Northern Italy.
As previously reported by The Clare Echo, a member of this family from North-West Clare works in the health sector.
All underage Gaelic football games in Clare have been postponed for an unspecified period of time, The Clare Echo has learned. This is due to “weather, pitch conditions and other issues”.
Of concern in the latest series of cases is that one has occurred to someone who had not been abroad. The Cork man is being treated at Cork University Hospital which has warned visitors are not allowed within specific sections of the hospital.
Senior health officials believe that widespread community transmission of Covid-19 can be avoided. However the amount of cases in Ireland is expected to rise sharply over the coming days, the figure is currently 13 across the Republic of Ireland.
Government Ministers have been briefed about the possible widespread closures of schools and businesses plus the postponement of mass gatherings and sporting events.
School closures remain in place for four education providers in North-West Clare.
COVID-19 is spread through close contact with an infected person’s body fluids (for example, droplets from coughing or sneezing). It is also spread by touching surfaces that an infected person has coughed or sneezed on, which is one of the reasons why it is so important that people wash their hands regularly, practice respiratory etiquette, and try to avoid touching their face. The general public is advised to follow advice from the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre to protect their health.
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to show. Symptoms may include a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, fever (high temperature). COVID-19 (Coronavirus) can also cause more severe illness, including pneumonia
