There have been a further 448 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.
There are 44 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland as of 8am this morning, 12 of whom are in the ICU. In the past 24 hours, 12 people have been admitted to hospital.
A county breakdown of the daily case numbers is still unavailable at this time.
Professor Philip Nolan said that in the past ten days, the incidence rate has been growing by 2% a day, and that the virus’ reproduction number has risen above one.
“Delta is much more transmissible, and it is vital we continue the basic measures to prevent transmission while the vaccination programme rapidly gives us all protection from the virus.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that “rapidly changing” transmission rates due to the Delta Variant are concerning, but that basic public health measures would work against it.
“And we know that all the vaccines offer significant protection against transmitting the disease and in how severe it is for those who pick it up.”
“We must not forget to keep up the basic measures; wash hands, wear a mask where appropriate, avoid crowds, meet outdoors, keep distance and take a vaccine when it is offered to you. These remain the vital protections for those who are awaiting their turn to be vaccinated.”
Dr. Cillian De Gascun said that while the prevalence of the Delta variant is increasing, its effect on hospitalisations and severe illness is still emerging.
“We do know it is the most transmissible strain of COVID-19 to date. Emerging evidence from the UK shows Delta roughly doubled the risk of hospitalisation.”
The COVID-19 data hub provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community, including daily data on Ireland’s Vaccination Programme.
