A rumour claiming otherwise had been circulating on social media in the past 24 hours.
The Health Service Executive of Ireland has confirmed that no nurses in Ireland have died as a result of Covid-19, after reports on social media suggested otherwise.
A number of tweets posted on Monday claimed that a nurse from the HSE had passed away, but the HSE has said that thankfully this is not the case.
“The HSE doesn’t comment on individual cases to protect people’s privacy,” the organisation noted in a statement issued on Tuesday (31 March).
“However, when we become aware of fake news that causes distress to our staff and families we must act. Contrary to tweets sent yesterday – thankfully none of our nurses have died in Ireland from Covid-19.”
@HSELive doesn’t comment on individual cases to protect people’s privacy. However, when we become aware of fake news that causes distress to our staff and families we must act. Contrary to tweets sent yesterday – thankfully none of our nurses have died in Ireland from #COVID19.
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 31, 2020
As of Monday night, 578 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Ireland are associated with healthcare workers. This represents 23% of the confirmed cases.
Speaking on Monday, Doctor Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said;
“We are beginning to see encouraging signs in our efforts to flatten the curve. However, we cannot become complacent as we are still seeing new cases and more ICU admissions every day.”
An update on the current coronavirus situation in Ireland will be provided by the Department of Health on Tuesday evening.
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