The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 at University Hospital Galway today is three times higher than it was last Monday.
There are now 13 confirmed cases at UHG while at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there is still just one person with the disease. On December 14, there were just four cases at UHG.
One patient who has tested positive for coronavirus at UHG is in critical care.
At 8.00 pm yesterday evening, there were 244 people with Covid-19 in hospitals across the State, an increase of 24 on yesterday morning.
When the data was recorded by the HSE, 29 patients were in ICU, with 16 ventilated cases.
Four additional deaths related to Covid-19 and 764 new cases have been confirmed by the Department of Health yesterday evening.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “We have the very real prospect of COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon. Ensure that your loved ones stay alive to receive them, by keeping your distance from them if you have not restricted your movements to this point.
“As difficult as it may seem, staying away from older family this Christmas will protect them – and it would be an exceptional sacrifice made for the common good.”
