By May 8, almost 50 people had died in the midlands from COVID-19

New figures released by the Central Statistics Office today indicate that an estimated 49 people in the midlands (Westmeath, Offaly, Longford and Laois) had died from COVID-19 by Friday, May 8.

The CSO published figures on the number of deaths per 100,000 population in each region.

The Midlands rate is 19 per 100,000 population, indicating that, based on the most up to date population figures for the region, some 49 people have passed away from COVID-19.

It's the first time any county breakdown of deaths from COVID-19 has been provided.

The CSO figures also indicate that whilst women appear slightly more likely to contract the virus, more men have been confirmed to have died from COVID-19 than women.

The same trend is evident in the midlands where an estimated 28 men and 21 women have died, although 714 men compared to 773 women had contracted the virus in the region.

The CSO figures also indicate that the Dublin region makes up almost half of all deaths (49%)

There have been 1,000 deaths in the Dublin and Leinster regions, 77% of all confirmed deaths. The Dublin region also makes up 49% of all confirmed cases but this has fallen from 58% in early March as cases in Ulster and Leinster (excluding Dublin) have increased.

The percentage of deaths that relate to Clusters (2 or more cases in the same location and time) has steadily increased since early April to now make up 68% of all deaths. The median age of these deaths was 85.

The CSO’s analysis of the confirmed deaths also found that COVID-19 has had the greatest impact on people aged 65 or over.

Almost 92% of confirmed deaths occurred within this age group in the period from March 11 up to May 15. The data also shows that in the 0-44 age cohort there were 17 deaths.

This older age group also accounted for more than 26% of all confirmed cases of the virus. Further analysis found that 14% of all confirmed cases are people aged 80+, despite only making up 3% of the population.