This evening the Department of Health has confirmed 2,125 new coronavirus cases here in the Republic of Ireland in the past 24 hours; up 27 cases on yesterday’s figures. There remain 259 Covid patients in our hospital, an increase of 8 on yesterday, with numbers in ICU up a further 2 to a total of 54.
In Northern Ireland, while the Covid-19 dashboard is not fully updated at weekends, we learn that there are reported 1,612 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, with sadly 4 additional deaths.
The above confirmed figures bring to 3,737, in total, the number of new Covid-19 cases present on the whole island of Ireland, reported over the past 24 hours.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan has warned; and not for the first time “I would urge those who are unvaccinated to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible and to take all recommended doses to limit your risk of severe infection. It is critical for everyone to stay safe, by following the public health advice as part of their daily routine.”
Director-General of the Health Service Executive, Mr Paul Reid, has warned “If, as an adult, you decide not to be vaccinated, you do put yourself and others at much higher risk”.
Meanwhile less positive news; some 45 cases of Covid-19 involving the Delta-plus variant have now been confirmed in the Republic, according to the latest update on variants of concern from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). Latter variant is a further offshoot of the already highly-infectious Delta variant, which remains currently dominant here in Ireland.
Better news; currently, 84% of the eligible population are now fully vaccinated, while 90% have received at least one dose.
This pandemic is far from over, evidenced by daily numbers rising.
Many people do not wear masks. It will get worse.