Ten pregnant women test positive for coronavirus at the Rotunda Hospital

Master of the Rotunda, Fergal Malone, was interviewed on Ireland AM, this morning to discuss the impact of #Covid-19 at the maternity hospital.

Chatting to reporter Brianna Parkins outside the hospital, while maintaining the required 2km social distance, he spoke of how coronavirus has impacted patients and staff thus far.

"It's not surprising that already we've had approximately ten patients Covid19 positive here for pregnancy care and delivery". "There are very clear guidelines and protocols on how to provide exemplary care for patients, irrespective of Covid-19 infection or not. We just need to make sure that they remain safe and healthy, that their babies remain safe and healthy and that staff remain safe and healthy, and they minimise a risk of transmission".

Professor Malone was keen to reassure people that there is a system in place and that so far, all mothers and babies affected by coronavirus are recovering well.

This morning on Ireland AM the Master of The Rotunda Hospital Professor Fergal Malone confirmed they have cared for 10 pregnant women who have contracted the corona virus ... https://t.co/ESULZW9AGl

— Ireland AM (@IrelandAMVMTV) April 1, 2020

He also said that to date,  there is no evidence of transmission of Covid-19 from pregnant women directly to their babies, either through the pregnancy or at delivery. Thus far, any cases of newborns contracting Covid-19 have been through contact after the birth, according to Professor Malone, which should provide some degree of comfort to expectant mothers.

"To the best of our knowledge, there is no transmission across the placenta to the baby. Patients can and should be assured by that".

He also said that under 20 members of staff have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus across a cohort of 1,000. Professor Malone believes that all these are community acquired and there is nothing to suggest that any of these cases came from patients or staff in the hospital itself.