Covid-19 Cases Reach 5,481 On Irish Mainland Today

The Department of Health has confirmed 3,633 coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, here in the Irish Republic.

There are 634 people with the virus in hospital, up 20 on yesterday, while 119 of these patients are being treated in intensive care units, an increase of 5 on yesterdays reported figures.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan has delivered a stark warning that some 200,000 people could be infected with Covid-19 during next month, with 20 out of every 1,000 people ending up in hospital, as the virus cases continue to skyrocket. Cancelling social plans in the run-up to Christmas would be a responsible decision, while washing your hands, wearing a mask, and limiting your contacts are essential.
Minister for Education Ms Norma Foley today called on all parents to minimise their children’s social contacts, including play dates and birthday parties.

The Governor of Cloverhill Prison, Mr Anthony Harris has stated that the majority of Cloverhill has closed down, with all but essential service prisoners behind doors due to a serious outbreak of Covid-19.

In Northern Ireland today, a further 1,848 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed up from 1,698 reported yesterday.

There are 427 patients with Covid-19 in northern hospitals, with 33 of these patients in intensive care units.
Sadly, 12 Covid-19-related deaths have also been reported in Northern Ireland today.

Mandatory vaccine passports are set to be introduced in Northern Ireland after Stormont ministers voted by a majority to support the move. Health Minister Mr Robin Swann is anxious to see enforceable Covid certification in full operation across a range of hospitality settings, with effect from December 13th next.

Meanwhile, the government in Sweden will introduce a Covid-19 vaccination pass on December 1st, for public indoor events of more than 100 people, as cases rise in Europe.

Please do continue to keep yourself and your family safe by regularly washing your hands; wearing a mask when appropriate and please do cut down on your direct social contacts.