The Department of Health has confirmed 5,124 new cases of Covid-19, in the past 24 hours, here in the Irish Republic; with 52% of reported cases now caused by the Omicron variant, latter making up the dominant strain.
There are 436 Covid patients in our hospitals, up 26 from yesterday, with ICU numbers remaining unchanged from yesterday at 107.
Almost 1.5m COVID booster doses have now been administered in Ireland.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is urging anyone eligible for booster vaccinations to avail of same at the earliest possible opportunity. He has repeated his advice to reduce social contacts, meet others outdoors, work from home unless absolutely necessary, ensure the appropriate use of face masks, avoid crowds and to keep indoors well ventilated. He has also once again warned that if you have any Covid-19 symptoms please self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test, if you are a close contact of a confirmed case, please restrict your movements.
HSE Chief Executive Mr Paul Reid has also seconded this advice.
Dublin Airport has stated there has been an increase in the number of people not showing up for flights following the recent changes to travel requirements.
A further 1,798 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Northern Ireland today, down from 2,075 reported yesterday.
Sadly, 2 Covid-19-related deaths have also been reported today. The total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic now stands at 2,952.
In Northern Ireland also executive ministers expect to impose new restrictions, same to be applied possibly after Christmas, despite forecasting potentially 11,000 infected cases per day, by Christmas Day.
Meanwhile in England, Britain’s Health Secretary has not ruled out the chances of further coronavirus measures being introduced, in the UK before Christmas, stating that the spread of the Omicron variant was a very fast moving situation.
Worldwide, the total known death-rate has now reached 5,352,372 since the pandemic began; with 202,624 known deaths occurring amongst 17,046,865 confirmed cases over just the past 28 days.
Please, Please do take all measures necessary to ensure a safe and happy Christmas in Co. Tipperary.
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