HSE media briefing due to start. Expect lots of questions about PPE. Due to social distancing, journalists must text questions in. They’ll be put to HSE officials by a HSE press office rep (who last week answered some of the questions himself rather than putting to officials)

HSE Chief Paul Reid says there are now 50 #covid19 testing centres. Aims to have 4,000 people working on contact tracing. From next week 4,500 tests will be done daily in labs.

Paul Reid says this week has been a “significant challenge” regarding PPE. Extremely volatile market. “I will remain anxious every single day” about PPE. (Standing in front of a background of PPE in a warehouse)

Addressing quality of PPE, Paul Reid says an Irish supplier in Limerick will soon treble its capacity of making some PPE. I will be only happy when we receive kits that fully protect our healthcare workers he says.

HSE Chief Paul Reid says some of the donated PPE, while well meaning, isn’t suitable and won’t be distributed to healthcare workers #covid19

HSE Chief Paul Reid says 70,000 people have answered the Ireland On Call appeal for help. 820 have been progressed over the past week.

In conclusion, Paul Reid says major elements of PPE are suitable but some elements aren’t and will not be used. Talking to Chinese supplier.

HSE’s Anne O’Connor stresses the message to please go to hospital if you need to (growing concern in Govt, Dept of Health & HSE circles that people have health issues and are staying away, which could make their health worse)

794 people currently in our actuate hospitals with #Covid19. 142 patients right now in ICU with the virus.

Prof. Martin Cormican of the HSE says just because some PPE isn’t suitable to protect healthcare workers here, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. #covid19

Prof Cormican: There’s an issue about familiarity with some PPE so training is needed. Showing camera respirator masks and eye protection. It will take some work to get staff used to PPE. 65% of PPE meets HSE requirements.

Prof Cormican now showing masks which have been bought which aren’t going to be used for routine healthcare. Our preferred type of mask has ties that close on top of the head instead. The masks bought can be used for people with suspected cases who are waiting to be tested.

Prof Cormican showing PPE which has been donated but won’t be used as the HSE isn’t happy with them.

We are now “pretending as if we have journalists in the room” at this HSE briefing.

Ad-libbing during questions probably isn’t the best look for the HSE.

Paul Reid says “we are the envy” of many countries with our PPE supplies.