Coronavirus: Taoiseach says “darkest days” may still be ahead, but that people are making a difference

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April 12, 2020

The official number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ireland rose to 8,928 yesterday after test results which were sent to Germany for testing were included in the figures.

The number of cases in Galway, as of midnight on Thursday, now stands at 169, after nine more people were diagnosed with the disease in yesterday’s data.

Behind every number in these statistics is a person with a disease caused by a virus with no cure. Every number has a name.

While keeping this in mind, statistics are important in order to analyse the current situation for the government and health experts and can offer insights into where countries stand, especially when making predictions.

One way which experts are looking at the number of cases and deaths is by calculating the number of confirmed cases or deaths per 100,000 people.

It is by using this calculation that the Spanish media is reporting that the country now has the world’s highest mortality rate, despite Italy reporting more deaths.

Crime rates are often calculated in this way to give a truer picture of the prevalence of crime in a city or area.

Using this formula, and ignoring microstates and other countries with very small populations, Ireland is the sixth worst affected country in the world in terms of confirmed cases, after Spain, Italy, France, Belgium and Switzerland.

Before looking at the numbers, however, it is important to remember one or two things.

Comparing the number of deaths per 100,000 population is not without its flaws. And it’s the same with confirmed cases.

Individual counties have their own methods of testing and reporting cases. Counties which have tested rigourously will report more cases than countries which are only testing people who are experiencing significant health problems.

Secondly, not every country is at the same stage of the crisis – Italy, for example, was reporting thousands of cases before the reality sank in for many European nations, which were at the time relatively unaffected by the virus.

Finally, the smallest countries in Europe in terms of population and size tend to have a much higher number of confirmed cases per 100,000 people than larger countries.

Andorra, Luxemburg, San Marino and the Vatican City make up the top four most affected countries using this formula. But these microstates have very small populations and are situated between or surrounded by other countries with a large number of COVID-19 cases. Built up areas also tend to have much more cases – big cities are more generally affected than rural areas.

While bearing all of this in mind, let’s see where we stand in comparison to other regions and countries.

The Republic now has 8,928 cases and an estimated population of just over 4.9 million.

That means that the state has 180 cases per 100,000 population.

The table below lists a selection of countries, cities and regions and the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people, using the latest data available.

City/Region/ Country	COVID-19 cases per 100k population
County Galway	65
Rep of Ireland	180
Northern Ireland	91.3
Island of Ireland	170
County Dublin	308
Lombardy, Italy	575
County Cavan	222
London	168
Brussels	258
Madrid	706
Andalucia, Spain	119
New York	923
USA	161
California	57.2
Sweden	100
County Cork	107
Germany	149
County Donegal	105
United Kingdom	116
Belgium	255

Coronavirus: Galway cases rise as Ireland records worst day so far

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April 11, 2020

Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

The number of people in Galway diagnosed with COVID-19 has risen to 169 in the latest figures, an increase of nine cases.

Other counties in the west have similar figures – Mayo has just one fewer case than Galway (168), while in Donegal there are currently two fewer cases (167).

Nationally, thirty-three more people have died after being diagnosed with the disease, with three of these deaths located in the West.

The remaining 30 COVID-19 related deaths were in the east.

The total number of people who have tested positive for the virus in the Republic is now 8,928, it has been confirmed.

This is an increase of 839 today, but this figure includes 286 older swab results returned from Germany as well as 553 new cases.

This is the highest number of deaths and new cases recorded so far in the Republic.

The total number of people to have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Republic is 320.

Housing rights must be central to EU’s Covid-19 response NUIG human rights expert says

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April 11, 2020

Galway Daily news Housing rights must be central to EU's Covid-19 response NUIG human rights expert says — Dr. Padraic Kenna Associate Head for Research School of Law, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, National University of Ireland, Galway Photograph by Aengus McMahon

The EU should avoid the mistakes of the 2009 crisis by ensuring that human rights, and particularly housing rights are embedded within its response to Covid-19.

That’s the view of Dr Padraic Kenna, Director of the Centre for Housing Law, Rights and Policy at NUIG, who said that many other human rights depend firstly on the existence of housing rights.

“Housing is a fundamental right and need on which so many other rights depend, like health, safety, privacy and home life, as Covid-19 has so clearly shown,” Dr Kenna said.

“Access to adequate and affordable housing for all is becoming a key test of the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Union.”

Housing is a continent wide issue, with over 80 million Europeans overburdened by housing costs he added.

One quarter of Europeans are living in overcrowded housing, while there were an estimated 700,000 homeless in 2019.

Dr Kenna warned that housing is already the “wobbly pillar” of EU banking stability, and that this will be exacerbated coming out of the Covid-19 crisis.

In three briefing papers prepared for the EU Commission, Dr Kenna says that member states responses to this crisis must apply the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, especially in economic governance and financial supervision.

He said that nowhere was this more important than in the way in which housing is treated.

The three Briefing Papers will form the basis for a significant submission to the European Commission on a New Strategy for the Implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, now part of Treaty law for 10 years.

Dr Kenna also commented that a ‘business as usual’ attitude by EU institutions when it comes to responding to the Covid-19 tragedy was no longer good enough for EU citizens.

“Maintaining the legitimacy of all our EU institutions is now a vital part of the recovery we need. To do this, we all need to see a real human and housing based-reboot.”

New plans submitted for all weather pitch in Clifden

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April 11, 2020

Galway Daily sport Planning permission refused for Oughterard sports facilities

Though people are currently stuck at home, the time will come when sports and other outdoor activities flourish again, and Clifden could have a new all weather pitch to help them enjoy getting out again.

The St. Joseph’s Park Community Association is seeking planning permission for a single all weather pitch at Hospital Hill with associated fencing and floodlights.

Plans had previously been submitted to the county council for two all weather pitches at this location in 2018, but that number has been reduced to one in this fresh application.

That application, made by Naomh Feichin GAA Club, resulted in a split decision by the county council.

Permission was granted for the two pitches themselves, but the council refused to grant permission for the floodlights, saying that they would damage the residential amenity of nearby homes.

The application states that the proposed flood light are a “critical” piece of equipment to enable training at the pitch in winter.

“Without the flood lights the artificial pitch will not be usable during the winter months – which is what the development is designed for.”

The application also stated that with the number of proposed pitches reduced to one, the overall flood lighting glare as a result will be cut in half.

It also notes that there has been no objection made by the neighbouring housing estate, and that the council has granted approval for floodlighting at similar developments in the area recently.

The planning application was submitted on March 9, and Galway County Council is due to make a decision by May 3.

Bishop of Galway urges people to obey medical leadership in Easter address

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April 11, 2020

Galway Daily news TikTok videos cause Bishop to place Galway priest on leave — Bishop Brendan Kelly (pictured) placed Fr Michael King on indefinite leave after a series of TikTok posts

Bishop of Galway Brendan Kelly has urged people to obey social distancing guidelines, and follow the leadership of medical professionals this Easter.

In an Easter address Bishop Kelly said that as the country moves through its current “valley of darkness”, it needs guides and leadership.

In the current crisis caused by the “relentless spread” of Covid-19 it is critical the people listen to guidance from the country’s medical leaders, he said.

Bishop Kelly added that the best way that people can show their love for one another this Easter is by keeping our distance.

“Life is out destiny, our fulfilment. Calvary and the tomb give way, year after year, and to the end of time, to the dawn that is Easter Sunday. Resurrection, new light, new life

“So will Covid-19 give way. It’s doing so even as we speak. Something new is beginning to be born.

“Look round, listen. See how people are appreciating one another; looking out for one another; creatively, ingeniously supporting one another, and coming together. In faith, in hope, and in love.”

Bishop Kelly concluded with an appeal for the “light of Easter” to bring healing and new health to people.

There were 26 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Galway by the Department of Health on Friday evening, bringing the total number of cases here to 160.

This jump came a day after the county had no new confirmed cases.

The total number of coronavirus cases in Ireland now stands at 8,089, and a further 25 lives were lost to the disease in yesterday’s figures.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced yesterday that the nationwide lockdown brought in on March 27 will continue for another three weeks until May 5, after which restrictions may begin to lift depending on the situation.

Heaps of praise for Galway’s heroic ‘Army of Volunteers’

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April 11, 2020

A heartfelt tribute has been paid to community organisations and volunteers in Galway providing invaluable assistance to those in need during the emergency.

Community Champion Steve Dolan praised everyone involved in the heroic county-wide effort, and said that Galway stands as ‘a beacon’ to other counties in terms of the initiatives set up to help people in the crisis.

Central to these efforts, Dolan said, is the ‘army of volunteers on the ground’ across the county.

“Galway has never seen anything like this before – the teamwork, particularly among volunteers has been remarkable,” said Steve Dolan.

“The linkages between organisations, old and newly-formed, and the work being done across the county with those who are struggling with the isolation, employment, or other issues has been inspiring.

“Galway stands as a beacon to other counties in terms of the initiatives being undertaken.”

Dolan said DEASP-funded schemes are deserving of special praise.

“Every day the Rural Social Scheme and Tús Participants, and indeed their Supervisors, are out delivering groceries and medication, checking-in on the isolated, providing meals on wheels, printing-off and delivering the revenue and hardship forms, and more. It’s just remarkable.”

Coronavirus: Galway’s community groups to receive over €150k funding

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April 11, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway winner claims €50,000 in prize bonds draw

Over €150,000 in funding has been allocated to assist Galway’s community groups’ response efforts to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that €2.5 million is being delivered to groups participating in the government’s Community Call for the coronavirus crisis.

The money from the Covid-19 Emergency Fund will be distributed to local authorities for them to deliver directly to community groups.

“Local community and voluntary groups have risen to the challenge of helping significant numbers of vulnerable people but they are facing funding issues as a result of the crisis,” Sean Canney said.

The Independent TD added that he was delighted that his department has responded to their needs in the time that it has.

Galway County Council will receive €85,789 from the fund and Galway City Council will receive €65,694.

Groups which are delivering frontline services such as meal deliveries for vulnerable people will be prioritised for support.

Canney said that the councils will be contacting groups taking part in the Community Call with more details about the fund in the near future.

Moycullen restaurant helping people cocoon with a taste of Galway

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April 11, 2020

Galway Daily news Moycullen restaurant helping people cocoon with a taste of Galway

White Gables have been in business in Moycullen for almost 30 years. They’ve seen many changes and adapted their business to meet all of them.

Anne and Kevin Dunne, owners of the White Gables Moycullen restaurant and artisan food store, have been thinking in recent days about how they can reach out to their customers in this time of crisis.

This is something of particular importance to those people asked to cocoon, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

When one door closes one has to find another one to open, hence the beginning of the Cocooning Hampers from White Gables.

Items are handpicked from their store in Moycullen and selected with the over 70’s in mind to bring them a little joy as they spend time away from their loved ones.

“We wanted to reach out to our customers who cannot visit us and this is a perfect way to do so,” Anne Dunne said.

“As our food shop & bakery continues to stay open it enables us to keep working away while the restaurant is closed.”

“We are delighted to be here for our community who have always been there for us for the past 29 years.”

“We feel it brings a bit of normality into people’s lives in this uncertain time,” explained Anne Dunne.

Hampers cost from just €50 each and can be purchased online at whitegables.com/events/coocooning-hamper.

Coronavirus: Significant rise in Galway cases

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April 10, 2020

In Galway, 26 new cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in the latest breakdown of COVID-19 cases across the state.

As of midnight, 8 April, there are now 160 confirmed cases in the county.

This increase of 20% in new cases comes after no additional cases were reported in the previous 24 hours.

Nationally, 25 more people have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

There were also 480 new confirmed cases in the Republic, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 8,089.

Of today’s reported deaths, 23 are located in the east of the country and two in the west.

There were 14 males and 11 females and the median age of today’s deaths is 85.

Coronavirus: people must not “flaunt” travel restrictions just to visit holiday home

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April 10, 2020

Galway Daily news Exemption for farmers on burning green waste welcomed

People must not “flaunt” travel restrictions imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus just to visit holiday homes this weekend a Galway TD has said.

Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice acknowledged the significant effort made by Irish people to adhere to the restrictions in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

He said that it has been “heart-warming” to see communities pulling together to fight the spread of the virus.

“The vast majority of people have put their shoulder to the wheel in these uncertain times are following the social distancing rules outlined by the experts”.

“It has been great to see people volunteering to support others in their communities who may have to cocoon for a period of time.”

But he added that we cannot let the efforts undertaken so far slip, adding that some people may be tempted to “flaunt” the rules with the bank holiday weekend ahead.

“It is important for people to adhere to the travel restrictions. People who own holiday homes or traditionally visit caravan parks etc must refrain from travelling this weekend.”

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced today that restrictions brought in to combat the spread of the virus will not be lifted on Easter Sunday, but will continue until May 5.

The government will review the situation after that three week extension, and restrictions may begin to be lifted in a rolling fashion after that period.

But, depending on the number of cases which continue, they could be reimposed just as quickly.

New powers given to the Gardaí to enforce these restrictions will also be extended by order of the Health Minister.

“We cannot afford to give this virus any more opportunities to spread,” Michael Fitzmaurice said.

“People working in the health service are valiantly placing themselves in the line of fire in order to save lives; the least the rest of us can do is stay put.”

“Once we have beaten the virus, there will be plenty more bank holiday weekends to enjoy with family and friends. But we must be willing to make the sacrifice now.”

Should you do CPR during COVID-19 crisis?

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April 10, 2020

cpr galway daily croi heart stroke cariac arrest

Heart and stroke charity Croí answer questions about CPR during the COVID-19 crisis

Local heart and stroke charity Croí has issued advice based on best practice guidelines on how to respond to a collapse in cardiac arrest at home or in the community during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Croí CEO, Neil Johnson says that the charity has received a number of calls from the public on this and that they have consulted with the most up-to-date expert opinion and guidelines.

In the event of a cardiac emergency, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) could mean the difference between life and death.

Performing effective CPR helps keep blood and oxygen flowing and dramatically increases the chances of survival in those who suffer a cardiac arrest.

However, the COVID-19 outbreak has generated many questions and concerns about potential exposure from mouth-to-mouth CPR.

The best protection from infection is to follow the recommended procedures and guidance as follows:

Can I get COVID-19 from performing CPR?

Yes, you can get COVID-19 from performing mouth-to-mouth CPR. We strongly advise anyone in the community to do COMPRESSION- ONLY CPR. Studies have shown that compression-only CPR in adults may be as effective as combined rescue breaths and chest compression in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest. It is still important to call 112 or 999 and apply an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) as normal. For Compression-Only CPR, push hard and fast in the centre of the person’s chest, on the lower half of breast bone, until advanced help arrives. If you think the person may have COVID-19, please mention your concerns to the emergency response dispatcher so that those who respond can be aware of the potential for COVID-19 transmission. It is at your discretion to perform or not to perform mouth-to-mouth on a loved one or family member. If you choose to perform breaths, it is recommended you use a barrier device, such as a pocket mask or face shield, to help protect yourself.

Should I still do the breaths for CPR in a suspected/confirmed COVID-19 case?

No, in a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case use compression-only CPR and apply an AED as soon as possible.

What about children – should I still do the breaths for CPR?

Yes, consider performing compressions and breaths, especially if you know the child/infant. For a child or an infant, the cause of the heart stopping is likely to be due to a respiratory issue, so breaths are really important. If you do not feel comfortable giving breaths, or are concerned for COVID-19, you can perform compression-only CPR until help arrives and apply the AED as normal.

After performing resuscitation – are there any precautions I should take?

Yes, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand gel is a convenient alternative.

I have given mouth-to-mouth. What should I do?

No additional actions can be taken other than to monitor yourself for symptoms of possible COVID- 19 over the following 14 days. Should you develop such symptoms, please contact your GP.

Lockdown extended for 3 weeks, Leaving Cert postponed

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April 10, 2020

Galway Daily news Taoiseach Varadkar meeting with local businesses in Ballinasloe visit

The lockdown has been extended by three weeks, the government has announced, meaning people must stay at home until May 5th at the earliest.

The Taoiseach said he hopes that after this date, the government can begin to unwind the restrictions, but could not guarantee that this will happen.

The Leaving Cert exams have been postponed until late July or August and the Junior Cert exams have been cancelled, Minister Joe McHugh has confirmed.

Discussions will take place with teachers’ unions and school management bodies on a response to the national crisis.

The new Leaving Cert timetable will be confirmed in early June.

Minister Joe McHugh says all decisions are being taken on public health advice and that he hopes this confirmation ‘helps to alleviate some stress being experienced by students and their families at this time’.

Schools are to remain closed until further notice.

The Taoiseach said that nobody knows for certain when things will return to normal but that people’s decisions will save lives.

“What will be an inconvenience for some will be life-saving for others,” he said.

More to follow..

Galway team create system that lets two people be treated with one ventilator simultaneously

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April 10, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway team create system that lets two people be treated with one ventilator simultaneously

Researchers in Galway have designed a new ventilation system that allows two patients to be treated at once using just a single ventilator.

In what is hoped to be a breakthrough that could help tackle any ventilator shortage in hospitals, clinicians and medtech researchers at NUIG have created a system that lets ventilation be split between two patients, while able to individualize the breath size and the pressure levels required by each.

With health systems globally coming under significant pressure to ventilate COVID-19 patients, it is hoped this new system can help alleviate the pressure on resources in hospitals.

The system is being made available to health services globally on the website www.galwayventshare.com.

It has been designed specifically so that it can be replicated using ventilator materials which are already in most hospitals.

The correct settings needed for each patient can be monitored through a tablet connected to the system, allowing greater confidence for doctors monitoring patients.

Ventilators have become on the single most sought after pieces of medical equipment in the world in recent weeks, with countries stocking up massive supplies for the Covid-19 pandemic, a dangerous respiratory diseases.

The group behind this project at NUIG is known as the Inspire Team, alumni of the BioInnovate medical device training programme at the university.

Commenting on the potential benefits to hospitals Professor John Laffey, NUIG Professor and Consultant at Galway University Hospitals, said that this idea is very much a last resort.

“Unfortunately, we have heard some reports of intensive care colleagues in other countries in the tragic situation of having to choose which one of two COVID-19 patients to offer ventilator support to.”

“This innovation will change that decision from one of having to decide which patient to provide this life supporting technology to allowing one to provide ventilatory support to both patients, buying time to allow one source additional ventilators.”

“This solution developed in Galway is an important advance over others because it allows one to control key ventilatory parameters for each patient separately, which is really important for a severe lung disease like COVID-19, and it monitors each patient separately.”

Speaking today, President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that experts in the Galway medtech sector are playing an active part in the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

GoFundMe fundraising campaign set up to support COPE Galway

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April 10, 2020

A GoFundMe fundraising campaign has been launched to support COPE Galway during the COVID-19 crisis.

Galway Hooker Sailing Club, in association with Galway Bay Seafoods, set up the page to raise funds for the vulnerable in the community during the crisis.

The campaign aims to raise 1,000 euro for the local charity, and has so far raised almost a quarter of that amount.

Galway Hooker Sailing Clubis a non-profit community group that typically runs training courses to recruit new crew for our community-based Galway Hooker restoration projects.

The main objective of the club is to preserve these iconic symbols of Galway and to share with a wider audience the rich maritime history and Wild Atlantic way of life.

The club’s volunteers and professional crew members are from all over the world and are dedicated to the local community. They want to offer their assistance by turning the tide and raising enough funds for Galway COPE Meals on Wheels to ensure that nobody in the city or county goes hungry.

COPE is currently running additional services to assist the elderly, and those most at risk.

On the official GoFundMe page, Galway Hooker Sailing Club says: “We invite you to support their valuable work with a donation that will go toward helping the most needy during this unprecedented crisis.

“Not only will it provide meals to people who may otherwise find themselves very vulnerable, it will also enable staff to check in and make sure that everyone is safe and well.

“Our partner, Galway Bay Seafoods,is a local business dedicated to supporting Ireland’s fishermen/women and helping to sustain the Irish fishing industry. Galway Bay Seafoodshas kindly offered to supply Meals on Wheels with fish.”

Visit the GoFundMe page to support COPE by clicking here.

RNLI and Coast Guard ask people to stay away from the sea

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April 10, 2020

Galway Daily news Safety warnings issued ahead of Storms Dudley and Eunice

The Irish Coast Guard and RNLI are urging people to stay home, and not to head to the sea for recreation or exercise during the current emergency.

Under normal circumstances people would be flocking to the coast for the Bank Holiday weekend for a splash in the sea as Ireland basks in its first spell of sunshine this year.

But given the current coronavirus pandemic, the RNLI and Coast Guard are asking people not to take part in any water based activity to avoid endangering their personnel.

Both organisations are highlighting the importance of minimising the risk to Search and Rescue volunteer crews, helicopter crew and other front line emergency services, through being unintentionally exposed to COVID-19.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI, said: ‘We know people who live near the coast still want to exercise by the sea, but when you do this, please think of the potential impact of your actions on RNLI lifeboat volunteers and other emergency services.’

While people are allowed out for exercise during this lockdown, both organisations are that people to avoid exercising on the water, and obey all travel restrictions.

Search and Rescue lifeboat and helicopter services are still operating as normal, but every callout has the potential expose rescue workers to coronavirus, further stretching those services.

Gerard O’Flynn from the Coast Guard said that people need to stay home to stay safe, and that they should observe the 2×2 rule, two metres of physical distancing, and a two kilometre travel limit.

“Arrangements are in place for Coast Guard services including Helicopters and Volunteer Coast Guard units to assist HSE, Gardai and Local Authorities in provision of community support and other logistical support.”

“We need our people to stay healthy during this emergency to enable us support the national action plan.”

Huge reduction in number of people visitng Galway forests

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April 10, 2020

Coillte forests in Galway saw a massive reduction in visitors in the week after the introduction of new restrictions on movement due to the coronavirus.

Just 280 people visited Coillte’s recreational forests in Galway between 28 March and 3 April compared to over 2,400 recorded the previous week, an overall decrease of 88%.

Portumna Forest Park also saw a huge reduction in the number of visitors, of 99%.

Coillte thanked the public for observing COVID-19 guidelines.

Imelda Hurley, Chief Executive of Coillte said: “We wish to thank the public for adhering to the restrictions currently in place at Coillte’s recreational forests across the country.

“We understand this is a challenging time, but by observing the Covid-19 related Government and HSE advice, you are helping to save countless lives.

“The significant reduction in footfall recorded across our recreational forests is a clear signal that the public are taking their responsibility seriously and protecting our most vulnerable communities.

“We all have our own part to play and we want to take this opportunity to thank the public for their cooperation so far, and ask that they continue to observe the Government and HSE guidance on Covid-19 including during the upcoming Easter break.’’

Coillte is continuing to see a trend of reduced footfall with the significant drop in footfall clearly demonstrating that members of the public listened to the advice of the Government and abided by the enhanced measures.

THe forestry business had introduced access restrictions to minimize the spread of Covid-19 in Coillte managed recreational forests across the country which are currently only open to local pedestrians, while all on-site carparking remains closed.

Over €85,000 announced for Community Call groups in county

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April 10, 2020

galway daily meals on wheels funding community covid-19

A total of €85,789 in funding has been announced for groups in the county involved in the Community Call initiative.

This is in addition to €65,694 already announced for the city, and will support the community and voluntary groups who are involved in the delivery of COVID-19 community response efforts.

East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon welcomed the announcement of the €2.5 million fund in recognition of the work being done under the Community Call initiative

Minister Cannon said that the funding will help to the many excellent community and voluntary groups who are involved in the delivery of COVID-19 community response efforts.

“Priority will be provided to organisations which incur costs on direct delivery of frontline services to people, such as Meals on Wheels and other similar activities and while I understand that these individual grants will generally be modest in nature, it is expected that higher amounts will provided where the need is greatest,” said the Fine Gael TD.

“I wish to acknowledge the groups that are undertaking this work on behalf of the most vulnerable in our communities in the county and whose efforts are making a tangible difference to people’s lives at this difficult time.”

Coronavirus: No new Galway cases as national figure jumps by 500

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April 9, 2020

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Galway remains at 134 as no new cases were recorded in the county in the latest breakdown of figures today.

Galway is one of only three counties not to have an increase in cases in the latest data, along with Roscommon and Sligo.

Nationally, twenty-five more people have died after being diagnosed with the disease caused by the coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 263.

There were also 500 new cases of COVID-19 in the state, the highest daily figure so far.

In the Republic, there are now 6,574 confirmed cases and 8,051 on the island of Ireland after 138 new cases were recorded today in the North.

The number of deaths on the island is now 345.

Thousands of jobs going as Debenhams closing Irish business

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April 9, 2020