Coronavirus Ireland Latest Updates: 18 more people have died as death toll reaches to 1,102
- 18 more deaths linked to Covid-19 have been confirmed
- There are now confirmed 1,102 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland
386 further cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed bringing the total number of
confirmed cases in Ireland to 19,648
An employee sprays disinfectant in a BTS commuter train carriage as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19 in Bangkok. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP)
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Be happy: ‘Even if it’s the last thing you want to do, give a smile in case someone needs it.’ Photo: Ariana Cubillos/AP
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Independent.ie reporters keeping you up to date with the latest coronavirus news in Ireland and across the world.
09:40 28/04/2020
Shortfall of 1.5 million eggs a day due to avian flu outbreak
Eggs are being imported to meet demand because of a shortfall of 1.5 million eggs a day due to an outbreak of avian flu in Ireland.
One supplier has warned it could take a year before production levels recover.
Supermarkets, which are already experiencing increased demand for eggs during the coronavirus lockdown, have said they are experiencing some "supply issues".
However, the Irish Egg Association, which represents the main egg-packing companies in Ireland, last night revealed to the Irish Independent that eggs are now being imported to meet the shortfall.
It said the drop in egg production is estimated to be between 10pc and 15pc, although it could be even higher as “this is an evolving situation”.
One supplier has said there is now a daily shortfall of 1.5 million Irish eggs.
09:00 28/04/2020
Low-tech changes ‘can reduce airborne Covid-19 spread in emergency hospitals’
Simple, low-tech modifications can reduce the airborne spread of coronavirus in emergency Covid-19 hospitals, researchers say.
They suggest low-cost ventilation designs and configuration of wards can reduce the dispersal of airborne virus in emergency hospitals converted from large open spaces.
The University of Cambridge scientists say large air-conditioned halls tend to have top-down air-conditioning, which creates turbulent flows that can mix and spread droplets containing the virus very widely.
In this setting, it may take over 20 minutes to dilute the concentration of smaller droplets produced in a cough to below a tenth of their original density.
According to the researchers, this is enough time for droplets to travel beyond 20 metres, putting healthcare professionals in particular at risk as they move about through them.
Low-tech changes ‘can reduce airborne Covid-19 spread in emergency hospitals’ (Danny Lawson/PA)
08:20 28/04/2020
How testing regime is not picking up 'hidden' virus cases
Hidden cases of coronavirus infection are not being picked up because the current testing regime is not yet broad enough, it emerged yesterday.
Kingston Mills, professor of experimental immunology in Trinity College, said that testing is not detecting many people with asymptomatic infection, where a person has the virus but no symptoms.
These asymptomatic cases account for a significant number of people who get the infection, he added. "They are being missed. An asymptomatic person can pass it to on another person," he said.
"Some of studies in Iceland, Germany and California suggest they account for between 25pc and 50pc of all cases."
07:40 28/04/2020
Effect on Northern Ireland economy will be ‘staggering’ – Danske Bank
Northern Ireland’s economy will shrink by a "staggering" 7.5pc this year, one of the country’s main banks has predicted.
Danske Bank reiterated warnings of a “sharp” decline in growth as social distancing restrictions prompted lower consumer spending and business investment dropped.
The forecasts were based on the assumption that the lockdown remains in place until somewhere between the end of May and the middle of June before gradually being lifted, with some social distancing measures expected to remain for a longer period.
Danske Bank chief economist Conor Lambe said: “Unfortunately it seems clear that we will experience a staggering decline in economic activity in Northern Ireland this year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on consumer spending and business investment."
07:00 28/04/2020
New Zealand on verge of victory after five weeks of strict measures sees numbers plummet
For five weeks, New Zealanders have endured some of the toughest lockdown conditions anywhere in the world.
The rules were conveyed loudly, clearly and frequently: no socialising with anyone outside your household; no beach swimming or boating; no holidays; no hiking; no children's playgrounds; no weddings; no funerals; no haircuts; and no restaurants or even Uber Eats.
"Educational" police roadblocks - and, in about 500 cases, prosecution - faced anyone failing to comply with the "stay home and save lives" mantra of Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister.
Now, the country appears to be on the verge of victory.
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