There have been 3,628 new cases of Covid-19 reported by the Department of Health in the past 24 hours, in the Irish Republic.
There are 420 people in hospital who have tested positive for Covid-19, down 23 from yesterday, with 105 of these in intensive care units.
The Department of Health estimates that 35% of cases presently occurring are now infections caused by the new Omicron variant, leading the HSE to concentrate at scaling up ICU capacity, in a move to deal with any required surge in cases.
The Cabinet have agreed to implement an 8:00pm closing time for the hospitality and live events sectors, including indoor venues such as cinemas and theatres, in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 over the Christmas period.
The prospect of this curfew on pubs and restaurants has now sadly unleashed a backbench revolt in Government parties, with Fianna Fáil senators, led by Lisa Chambers and Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty, targeting profit before lives, in their claims that this curfew is a step too far.
In particular Lisa Chambers insults our intelligence by stating that NPHET does not run this country. Rather a pity it does not, more people might still be alive when the pandemic has run its course. Shame on you as you hide away in your protective bubble, but remember, front-line workers in shops, pups, hospitals and the Gardaí all hold the right to vote, come next general election.
Everyone within our Republic has had an even chance to get vaccinated. Time now to just leave the unvaccinated to their ignorance and misinformation. We need to move away from those with qualifications in conspiracy, having graduated from the university of Facebook, and stop harking to unqualified people like Willie O’Dea, Lisa Chambers and Regina Doherty, but instead place our faith in science. There is no hitch on a hearse and no pockets in a shroud.
It may not be popular to say publicly within earshot of members of the hospitality sector at the moment, but our vaccination and booster programmes supported by government, are world class and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, NPHET and HSE staff have done their very best in their efforts to protect us all.
In Northern Ireland a further 1,887 confirmed cases of the virus have also been confirmed by their Department of Health.
There were 312 Covid positive patients in northern hospitals today, of whom 34 remain in intensive care units.
Please, Please do take all measures necessary to ensure a safe Christmas in Co. Tipperary.
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