The Department of Health has confirmed 4,022 new coronavirus cases in the Irish Republic, over the past 24 hours.
The number of people with the virus in our hospitals stands at 530, a decrease of 13 on yesterday’s reported figures and of these, there are 115 patients in intensive care units, down 3 on yesterday’s total.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) have confirmed that 5 more cases of the Omicron variant have been detected, bringing to 6 the total number of cases identified, following whole genome sequencing; with a number of other probable cases currently under investigation.
The Health Service Executive has stated that the first delivery of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines for children is expected to arrive in Ireland next week. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) is advising that the vaccines should be given in a two-dose schedule, three weeks apart and around 480,000 primary school children will now be offered a vaccine.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, has stated that although the Omicron variant is new, early understanding gives confidence that a booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine will offer good protection against Omicron and Delta infection.
In Northern Ireland, 1,819 new coronavirus infections have been confirmed over the same period. As of today, the number of positive cases confirmed in the past 7 days was 12,281.
There were 338 patients with Covid-19 in northern hospitals, up from 329 reported yesterday, with 38 patients in hospital intensive care units, latter unchanged since yesterday.
Sadly, 4 more Covid-19-related deaths have also been reported in Northern Ireland today.
It is now essential that we continue to listen to science and keep ourselves and our families safe by regularly washing our hands; wearing a mask when appropriate, and cut down on unnecessary social contacts.
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