Health officials have reported 1,378 new coronavirus cases in the State today, as the number of people in hospital with the disease remains relatively steady.
There are now 96 people with the virus in Irish hospitals, with 22 of those receiving care in ICUs.
There were 89 people with COVID-19 in hospitals in the Republic yesterday morning, and 101 on Monday.
As of yesterday evening, there are four confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway and two at Portiuncula Hospital. None of the six COVID patients are in intensive care units, according to the latest HSE data.
Speaking this afternoon, Dr Ronan Glynn said that over 65% of our adult population is now fully vaccinated and 75% of adults have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“We know that COVID-19 vaccines are extraordinarily effective at reducing each person’s individual risk of hospitalisation or severe disease. The Delta variant does not change this,” said the Deputy CMO.
“However, this variant is much more transmissible than what we have been dealing with previously and, as such, the challenge remains to protect as many people through vaccination as quickly as possible, across all age groups.”
Dr Glynn said that vaccines along with the core public health advice remain our pathway out of this pandemic – and urged people to avail of the opportunity to get protected through vaccination when it is offered to them.
“The basic measures remain as important and effective now as at any point in the pandemic and remember no one measure is sufficient by itself,” he added.
“When you meet people, keep your distance and meet outside, avoid crowds, avoid poorly ventilated indoor space, use your judgement, risk assess and leave if you don’t feel safe, wash your hands and wear a mask, isolate and get a test if you have any symptoms – do not go to work or socialise.”
