COVID-19 cases in Offaly remain at five or less

There remains five or less COVID-19 cases in Offaly, the Department of Health has confirmed.
The latest figures show there were five or less cases in the county at midnight on Wednesday - which is no change since the first daily figures were released on Wednesday night, for Monday.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health also confirmed this evening at its daily update that there another 126 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. 
This brings the total of confirmed cases to 683 in Ireland. Some of the rise can be attributed to a higher volume of testing.
The HSE is now working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients may have had, to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread. 
A analysis of the cases as of midnight Wednesday, (438) shows that 55% are male and 43% are female, with 27 clusters involving 142 cases.
32% of cases have been hospitalised. 2.7% (12 cases) admitted to ICU.
114 cases are associated with Healthcare workers, 36 of whom are associated with foreign travel 
 Dublin has the highest number of cases at 51%, followed by Cork 15% and Limerick and Wicklow have 3% of cases each 
Of those for whom transmission status is known, community transmission accounts for 40%, local transmission/ close contact accounts for 21%, travel abroad accounts for 39%; 96 cases remain under investigation. 
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, said: “Now is not the time for complacency. Every citizen who is practicing social distancing, who is taking precautions to limit the spread of this virus, is doing their country a service. 
“The Department of Health has issued outdoor social distancing guidelines for everyone to follow. While we encourage people to exercise outside and maintain a healthy lifestyle, social distancing measures will continue to be paramount.” 
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “We are aware that the actions we must take as a nation can lead to individuals feeling isolated and anxious. Be mindful of your mental health during this time, try to keep to a routine, maintain a healthy, balanced diet, and remember social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation – stay in touch with family & friends, use technology to stay connected. There are resources to help you mind your mental health on HSE.ie.” 
Dr. Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health Medicine, HSE said; “One in four cases relate to healthcare workers. We must reinforce the importance of appropriate personal protection measures in hospitals. A healthcare workers sub-group, established under NPHET, will continue to support frontline healthcare workers.”