The Department of Health has reported 1,015 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.
As of this morning, 178 people with COVID-19 in hospitals across the State, of whom 29 are in ICU.
At University Hospital Galway, there are 18 people with the disease as of yesterday eveing, four of whom are receiving intensive care.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said today that doctors around the country are reporting that outbreaks are being notified to them that originated in symptomatic people attending workplaces, or eating out, or visiting friends.
He asked people to remember that they should stay at home if they have symptoms – even if they are vaccinated.
“Together as a country, we need to keep on top of all the positive behaviours that limit the spread of disease, and integral to this is staying at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms,” said Dr Holohan.
“Don’t drop your guard, because heading into work or meeting a friend while experiencing fever, cough, cold/flu symptoms, or loss of sense of smell/taste – that could be the beginning link that sets off a chain of transmission that leads to an outbreak in your community.”
The CMO said that the uplifting scenes over the Bank Holiday weekend as thousands of young people received their vaccines at walk-in centres were extremely encouraging.
“Young people have had an exceptionally difficult time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Their willingness to come out to get vaccinated in droves is another example of the resilience they have shown throughout this challenging time.
“It is this same spirit of solidarity, commitment to keeping our whole community safe by getting vaccinated, and keeping to the basic safe measures such as staying at home if you feel unwell that will ultimately be our pathway out of this pandemic.”
