THERE have been another 18 cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Donegal today.
In the last nine days, there have been 140 new cases in the county.
There have been a total of 719 cases in Donegal.
Nationally, there were 334 new cases notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) today.
No additional deaths were reported.
There have now been a total of 33,444 cases of Covid-19 and 1,792 deaths since the outbreak.
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Despite accounting for just a quarter of the population, people aged 15 – 34 years of age account for 40 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the past two months.
“This is not surprising as they are more likely to be moving about in the community, going to school, higher education or work, and keeping our economy and key services going.
“For teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s in particular, I know that what has been, and is being asked of you again is extraordinary. This pandemic has impacted on your education, your employment, your relationships and your social lives. The vast majority have done the right thing – have heeded public health advice and kept themselves and their families safe.
“But the disease is continuing to spread disproportionately among younger people at present. And so, I am asking you to stick with this and continue to follow the public health advice.
“Be a role model for others. Limit the number of people you meet, maintain 2 metres physical distance, wear a face covering, wash your hands well and often. Together, every safe behaviour counts.”
In the seven day period from the 14th to 20th of September, there were 2,375 tests carried out in Donegal.
That is in comparison to the 1,348 tests carried out from the 7th to 13th of September – a rise of 76 per cent.
Speaking to Newstalk, he said: “Louth, Donegal, Waterford, and Dublin should move to level four, and the rest of the country should move to level three.”
