There have been a further 1,498 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.
As of this morning there are now 248 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID. Of them, 54 are in the ICU.
Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said that he is “keenly aware” of the impact public health advice has had on society.
“Making the decision not to attend work or socialise if you are displaying symptoms can be very difficult. Similarly, choosing to leave a family gathering or social event because it doesn’t feel safe is hard and can cause anxiety.”
“Unfortunately, the fact remains that incidence of COVID-19 in Ireland is continuing to increase,” Dr Holohan said.
The 14-day incidence rate is now 493 per 100,000, the highest it has been since the end of January. Incidence rates are rising in 21 out of 26 counties, he added, and across all age groups.
“Last Tuesday, we were seeing an average of 3 people with COVID-19 admitted to ICU per day. Today, that figure has doubled to 6 people with COVID-19 admitted to ICU per day.”
Without the level of vaccine uptake Ireland has experienced, it is expected that we would be closer to an incidence rate of 1,000 cases per 100k people, and 50 cases a day admitted to hospital instead of 20.
“We have an opportunity over the next few weeks to break the chains of transmission by continuing to follow the public health advice that is second nature to most of us at this stage.”
“If you have any symptoms that indicate that you may have COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose – isolate and get a test immediately.”
“Make plans to socialise safely and risk assess as you go, meet up with others outdoors, if possible, try to meet up in small groups and avoid crowds.”
“If you do not feel safe, then leave. Ensure to attend for your COVID-19 vaccine when it is your turn to do so, particularly for your second dose.”
