More than one in three people feel worst is yet to come

There have been no new COVID-19 cases in Offaly for the most recent eight days, according to latest figures published tonight.

The figures, as of midnight Saturday, July 11, indicate that there were 486 confirmed cases to date for Offaly, the same figure for the eighth successive day.

Meanwhile, research shows that 38% of the Irish population now believe the worst of the pandemic is ahead.

Research conducted on behalf of the Department of Health also shows 55% of the population now self-report to wearing face coverings.

The details emerged as figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) today, revealed no new deaths due to Covid-19. To date there has been a total of 1,746 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of midnight Sunday, July 12, the HPSC has been notified of 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

There is now a total of 25,638 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Over the past 14 days, the total number of confirmed cases notified to the HPSC is 165. This includes Males 41% and Females 59%, with a median age of 31 years old. Some 74% of these cases were under 45 years of age.

In total 20 counties have reported new cases- Dublin 47%, Kildare 16%; Wicklow 6%, with 12% of all all new cases travel related.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Simple measures like hand washing, physical distancing, face coverings in appropriate settings, cough/sneeze etiquette and watching out for symptoms are the crucial elements in suppressing COVID-19.”

Almost 1.25 million people in Ireland have downloaded the COVID App, and Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, added: “That represents 34% of the adult population. This has already served as a support to contact tracers. If you have not done so to date, please download the app.”

Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist and Integrated Care Lead, HSE, meanwhile noted: “As we see more cases and clusters emerge it is important that anyone experiencing symptoms isolates and contacts their GP. The aim is to find all cases of COVID-19 in Ireland and to isolate and contact trace them. Early reporting of symptoms and prompt testing helps us achieve this.”