Almost 10% of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in Ireland have been nurses, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has highlighted.

Figures obtained from the HSE show that up to April 11, there were 9,599 cases of the virus confirmed in Ireland, 2,501 of whom were healthcare workers. This amounts to 26% of all cases.

However, a further breakdown of the figures shows that nurses represent 33% (833) of all healthcare cases, and 9.2% of all cases in the country.

The INMO pointed out that according to figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, across Europe, "between 9% and 26% of all diagnosed COVID-19 cases are in healthcare workers." This means that Ireland has one of the highest rates of infection among healthcare workers in Europe.

"The overall public health measures are having a welcome and substantial impact on the spread of COVID-19, however worryingly, rates of healthcare worker infection are on the rise.

"We need to urgently see a detailed breakdown of where the infection is occurring, in order to take rapid corrective action. That should include a review of policy to ensure everyone working in a healthcare facility has the appropriate level of PPE (personal protective equipment). It is consistently our members' top concern," commented INMO general secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha.

She also called for the figures for healthcare workers to be "published officially and regularly".

"Clarity and transparency on this issue will prevent unhelpful, runaway speculation, which has caused great fears among our members and their colleagues in other professions," Ms Ní Sheaghdha added.

The INMO is calling specifically for:
-A universal face mask policy for all workers in healthcare settings
-More frequent and detailed publication of statistics on healthcare worker infection, including the source of transmission
-Updated guidance on PPE and for occupational health, ensuring that healthcare staff are given appropriate and safe time for self-isolation.