University Hospital Limerick discharges four individuals treated for coronavirus

FOUR people who were being treated for confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been discharged from University Hospital Limerick. 

A University of Limerick Hospitals Group spokesperson confirmed that four individuals were in isolation in UHL on March 6, with the cases confirmed on March 4. 

As of this Friday, March 13, there were no patients being treated for coronavirus in UHL. 

The national figure for confirmed cases now stands at 90. 

Of the 20 new cases announced last night:

• 6 cases are associated with travel
• 12 are associated with contacts of confirmed case; 4 of which are healthcare workers
• 2 cases are associated with community transmission

There has been one confirmed death of COVID-19 in Ireland.

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

The National Public Health Emergency Team met on Thursday, March 12 to review Ireland’s response to Covid-19 preparedness.

The following decisions were made:

• Case Definition Updated: Symptoms of new onset fever of 38 degrees or more, or chills and/or symptoms of respiratory tract infections including cough will be considered when assessing the requirement for testing.
• All people returning from areas identified on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website for avoidance of non-essential travel, should restrict their movements for 14 days.
• Discharge criteria for self-isolating confirmed cases, as recommended by the Expert Advisory Group, has been approved for implementation.
• EAG will consider travel restrictions for healthcare workers

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “The National Public Health Emergency Team will continue to monitor the ongoing threat of this virus and will take actions where necessary.

“For people returning from areas affected by COVID-19, we strongly encourage the individual to restrict their movements."

The National Public Health Emergency Team recommended new measures this week in response to the change in Ireland’s evolving experience with COVID-19 and in consideration of medical guidance from the ECDC and the WHO. One of these measures was to recommend the closure of schools until March 29th, pending further review.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “We appreciate these measures have a significant impact on the daily lives of families. However, they are necessary for the public good.

“Parents should try and avoid arranging play dates for groups of young children at this early stage of the outbreak.

“However, rather than staying indoors, consider outdoor activities such as playing football in the open in small groups of 3 or 4 while maintaining social distancing of 2 metres.

“This is a time to be mindful of the public health guidelines and apply these measures to your daily lives.”

For updates and advice on Covid-19, visit the HSE website or the dedicated coronavirus section of our website.