Over 55% of Covid-19 cases under source investigation may be linked to shopping

Other sources of Covid-19 cases may include workplaces and schools.

Over 55% of Covid-19 cases under source investigation may be linked to shopping, according to new figures from the HSE. Since 31 March, source investigation has been introduced by the HSE to enhance the testing and tracing service. Source investigation identifies where someone may have been infected and who may have infected them, if they were not knowingly in contact with someone who had Covid-19. It involves asking about events or places they were at in the week before their symptoms began or if they didn't have symptoms, in the week before their Covid-19 test. Of the 3,476 cases since 31 March, source investigation was required on 787 cases, new figures show. Over 60% of these resided in Dublin. From the HSE's findings to date, the most possible source of transmission mentioned for these cases is shopping at over 55.8%, followed by workplaces at 15%. Other possible transmissions may have occurred in schools, on transport, during travel or at social gatherings outdoors. Less commonly mentioned sources were cafes indoors, birthday parties, personal care appointments, weddings and funerals. The HSE says work is ongoing "to refine and analyse data" regarding these findings.