The Department of Health has confirmed 1,963 new cases of Covid-19 here in the Republic of Ireland, over the past 24 hours.
There are currently 500 people with Covid being treated in our hospitals around the country, up 30 on yesterday. Of these, 93 patients are being treated in intensive care units; an increase of 1 on yesterday’s reported figures.
Chief Clinical Officer with the Health Service Executive, Dr Colm Henry has stated that 3,500 healthcare workers are presently absent from their employment due to Covid-related illnesses.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) is meeting tomorrow to discuss boosters for healthcare workers and the wider groupings. Dr Colm Henry has confirmed that the HSE is ready to administer booster vaccines to front-line healthcare workers following their recommendations.
Minister for Health Mr Stephen Donnelly has warned that COVID-19 is not the only virus that can have a detrimental effect on the most at-risk groups in our society. As influenza and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, it is important that people, especially those who are vulnerable, protect themselves by getting both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Minister for Education Norma Foley has confirmed that 100 additional teachers are being made available to school substitution panels, on a full-time basis; in an effort to provide emergency cover to schools if and when needed.
In Northern Ireland, a further 1,001 cases of coronavirus were reported within the last 24 hours, together with, sadly, 6 further deaths over the same time period. The total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic stands at 2,705, compared to 5,436 deaths, sadly, in the Irish Republic.
Please do continue to keep yourself and your family safe by
regularly washing your hands and wearing a mask when appropriate.
A little drop in numbers, but it’s the weekend.