IRELAND should go into lockdown effective immediately to halt the terrifying march of Covid-19, patient advocates insist.

With Ireland reaching 129 confirmed coronavirus cases yesterday — in almost half the time it took Italy — a three week isolation period is being called for in a drastic bid to buy some time and reduce risk.

8 Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has urged people to reduce 'discretionary social activity' Credit: RollingNews.ie

8 A man dressed as St Patrick crosses Dublin's O'Connell Bridge - after parades nationwide were called off Credit: Alamy Live News

8 Several playgrounds have been closed as kids are told to practice social distancing

One death and 39 new cases, including some healthcare staff, were announced last night — by far the single biggest daily increase since the first Irish case was confirmed on February 29. Of the 39 new cases, 29 were male.

A man with an underlying medical condition in the east of the country has become the second person to die from the virus here.

With five new cases in Northern Ireland, there are now 163 cases on the island.

SOCIALISING PLEA

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan told young adults specifically, and anyone who has been cramming into pubs and restaurants, to “take personal responsibility, reduce as much as possible discretionary social activity”.

He also warned: “Now is the time to consider giving up smoking. Some emerging evidence is that those with cigarette smoking history are at more risk.”

As the Defence Forces prepare to move into Status Yellow tomorrow, respected international advocate Margaret Murphy and campaigner John Wall joined the Irish Patients Association in saying: “Every day matters.”

RESTRICT PUBLIC MOVEMENT

They told the Irish Sun: “It is with some trepidation that the Irish Patients Association asks the government and its partners, to urgently extend the delay phase of Covid-19 by further restricting public movement for a period of not less than 21 days or as advised by their advisors.

“On January 30, Italy reported two cases of coronavirus, 29 days ahead of Ireland’s first reported case. 24 days later on February 23, Italy reported 150 cases and three deaths. In 13 days the Republic of Ireland has recorded 129 cases and sadly two deaths.

“Italy took 24 days to get to 150 cases and also sadly three deaths. It has taken Ireland almost half the time to reach what Italy took 24 days to get to. Where will we be in 11 days’ time?

“We call on everyone to support the Government in such a decision, which ultimately, will delay this virus and save precious worthy lives. If we do not act, then we must ask the hard questions, what threshold of contagion or impact will trigger such action?

“Providers, policy makers and public servants are people too, we are all in this together. We need to demonstrate our solidarity.

“A pre-emptive strike of isolation will buy time, reduce risk for ourselves and families. Every day matters to delay the spread of this virus and save lives. If we stand together, no one can be alone.”

STATUS YELLOW

Ireland will not be on lockdown tomorrow, but 330 soldiers will be available to join the front-line HSE operation during the Status Yellow op — with a further 800 personnel available at an hour’s notice.

There will be no soldiers on the streets after the Defence Forces opted not to implement an unprecedented Status Red.

8 Medical staff in protective gear handle swabs in the US Credit: Reuters

8 A sign in Spain directs the public to 'avoid trips' due to coronavirus Credit: Getty Images - Getty

8 A deserted street in the Basque city of Vitoria Credit: Reuters

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar says coronavirus 'knows no borders' at conference with Arlene Arlene

Sarah Walshe from the Wives and Partners of Defence Forces group insists troops are happy to put aside issues on pay to do their patriotic duty.

She told the Irish Sun: “It’s not appropriate to talk about pay now. They will put it to one side, do their duty and obey their oath.”

Each barracks will house 30 troops on rotation from tomorrow, ready to assist the HSE as emergency medical technicians, drivers and chefs among other roles.

ANY ROLE THAT NEEDS SUPPORT

Mrs Walshe said soldiers “will provide support in any role that needs it — home testing, driving, cooks, medics” and that cadets are trained up to do contact tracing.

Former Army officer and current TD Cathal Berry wants to see Defence Forces pay issues resolved immediately, at an estimated cost of €16million to the State.

He told the Irish Sun: “We would like to see some developments next week — there is €3billion on the table. Members of the Defence Forces will be looking for proper remuneration. That’s at least the minimum wage, as per law.

“After hours they are earning €3 an hour. They will be confined to barracks for days at a time, spouses can’t work if they have to mind children and their partners are inside earning a pittance.

“I am confident that in the next week they will be properly remunerated because they have widespread public support.”

He said Defence Force members “will be doing medical work primarily, they will be deployed or will be available to assist the HSE”.

He added: “They will eventually be on standby for when gardai, prison officers or frontline medical staff fall ill.

“They will be on the frontline fighting this for €20 a week. They could be infected and infect their families. It’s a complete injustice.”

MEDICAL CAPABILITIES

The former Ranger and qualified doctor believes that despite the huge exodus of staff in recent years, the Defence Forces retains the relevant expertise to help contain the threat of coronavirus.

In addition to the medical capabilities, he said: “We do still have specialists to help get people up to speed. But it’s getting harder — we used to have 10,500 in 2010 but have just 8,500 in the ranks now and the numbers continue to fall.”

An EU Battle Group scheduled for this week in Germany was cancelled on health grounds, but Irish soldiers will not be brought home from essential overseas missions.

The Deputy continued: “They will keep people overseas. The Irish Defence Forces role in Syria and Lebanon is crucial, they are helping to keep a lid on a tinderbox and the work is so important.”

Mrs Walshe told the Irish Sun that easing children’s fears is at the front of everyone’s minds.

EASE KIDS' WORRIES

She said: “This is going to be very tough on families — not just our families but every family.

“We must do everything we can to support people emotionally, especially the families of anyone on the front-line. Think of how scary it is for the families of bus drivers, for example. All over the country, people are scared.

“How can we do something for children? In the military, when family members go overseas, children are told their mams and dads are superheroes. Mam or dad are away saving the world.

“We have to do the same now for families of anyone on the front-line. Tell your children they are saving the world.

“We can do this, together. For children at home, draw a picture for someone, send a card, write a letter. It’s a way to show an isolated child they can still contact other people. I want to take our experience and give it to everyone else as a coping mechanism.

“We are not at war, it’s not a zombie apocalypse. For partners of Defence Forces personnel it’s a familiar emotional time for us in a way, but this time it’s in our own country.”

GARDA DELIVERY

Meanwhile, Gardai have received a “bulk delivery” of hand sanitisers to help in the fight against the Covid-19 virus.

And 600,000 gloves are also to be delivered to front-line officers — with another 400,000 on the way.

The details were announced in a message sent to the Garda Representative Association’s 10,000 members yesterday.

The GRA memo also outlined how Covid-19 tests for members will be “prioritised” as an emergency service. And senior GRA officials will again meet with Garda management next week as their battle plan gets underway.

GRA President Jim Mulligan also said front-line gardai will not be found wanting in protecting people.

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Mr Mulligan said: “We can assure everyone that our members are focused on the national interest and ensuring everyone is kept safe and their property is secure.

“As a representative body, our role is to insist our members are treated fairly and have all the necessary support for their health and safety.

“It is imperative we all work together to ensure the greatest possible cohesion, effectiveness and efficiency of operations.”

8 A banner in Italy reads everything will be fine as the country remains on lockdown Credit: Getty Images - Getty

8 Irish Army cadets will be assisting with contact tracing Credit: AFP or licensors