There have been no deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team today, but 38 new cases have been confirmed.
There have no been a total of 26,065 cases confirmed in the state, and the pandemic has claimed 1,763 lives.
In Galway the number of cases remained steady at 495 according to the latest figures from midnight on Wednesday, July 29, with no change from what was reported yesterday.
Today’s figures, while still high, mark a sharp drop from the 85 new cases which were reported on Thursday, the largest single day increase since late May.
Of today’s cases 26 are associated with outbreaks or close contact with other confirmed cases, and the vast majority, 32 cases, are in Dublin and Kildare.
“Mass testing has now taken place in relation to a number of known outbreaks,” Dr Ronan Glynn said.
“We may be beginning to see more cases which we cannot link to outbreaks or close contacts.”
The NPHET will continue to monitor this situation closely in the coming days he added.
A survey of GP’s has indicated that the vast majority of patients who had contacted them with COVID-like symptoms in the past week had not been self-isolating since the onset of their symptoms.
Dr. Ronan Glynn said; “The importance of isolating as soon as you have any flu like symptoms cannot be overstated.”
“Without this individual action we simply will not break the chains of transmission and we will put many people at risk of infection.”
“It is important that people know that there is no charge for GP or testing services relating to COVID-19. Please do not hesitate to contact your GP if you have any concerns.”
“This weekend, the six key things people need to do are limit the size of your network & time you spend with them, keep your distance, meet up outside if possible, wash your hands, wear a face covering and download the COVID Tracker App.”
The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.