Just 932 positives out of 36,818 tests in last week

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been informed that a total of 16 more people with COVID-19 have died.

There have now been a total 1,561* COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.

As of 11am Tuesday 19 May the HPSC has been notified of 51 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 24,251 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.

Today’s data from the HPSC, as of midnight, Sunday 17 May (24,176 cases), reveals:

As of midnight Monday 18 May, 295,626 tests have been carried out.

Over the past week, 36,818 tests were carried out and of these 932 were positive, giving a positivity rate of 2.5%.

Dr. Cillian De Gascun, Chair of the NPHET Expert Advisory Group, said:

"Despite broadening the case definition and increases in referrals the positivity rate has continued to decline. This indicates a consistent suppression of COVID-19 in the community."

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:

"The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again this week. Given the decreasing positivity rate and that testing capacity has been expanded, we will be examining the case definition further."

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:

"Today is World Family Doctor Day. GPs continue to play a key role in Ireland’s response to this pandemic. General Practice is open and has continued to be a vital point of access to healthcare for all during this pandemic."

Cases by county

Note: The Health Protection Surveillance Centre have advised that in the process of validating data and reviewing addresses, cases may be reassigned to another county.

County

Number of cases

% of total

Carlow

148

0.6

Cavan

800

3.3

Clare

315

1.3

Cork

1372

5.7

Donegal

477

2

Dublin

11759

48.6

Galway

438

1.8

Kerry

308

1.3

Kildare

1379

5.7

Kilkenny

302

1.2

Laois

254

1.1

Leitrim

80

0.3

Limerick

603

2.5

Longford

279

1.2

Louth

743

3.1

Mayo

556

2.3

Meath

782

3.2

Monaghan

485

2

Offaly

461

1.9

Roscommon

307

1.3

Sligo

129

0.5

Tipperary

525

2.2

Waterford

147

0.6

Westmeath

656

2.7

Wexford

212

0.9

Wicklow

659

2.7