Over 50% of today’s cases are aged between 19-34 years old.
1,173 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Ireland, the highest daily number since 4 February.
The figures released from the Department of Health on Friday did not contain information regarding deaths related to Covid-19.
The Department of Health’s statement said that the number of daily cases may also change due to future data validation.
As of 8am on Friday, 79 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 23 are in ICU.
As of midnight, Thursday 15th July, we are reporting 1173* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
23 in ICU. 79 in hospital.
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) July 16, 2021
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said in a statement accompanying the figures that Ireland continues to experience “rapid increases in the incidence of the disease in the community”.
The CMO said Covid-19 cases have increased in 22 out of 26 counties, with the greatest majority occurring in people who have not yet been fully vaccinated.
“The current trajectory of the highly transmissible Delta variant across the country means that unvaccinated people are at high risk of contracting Covid-19, with just over 50% of today’s cases aged between 19-34 years old,” Holohan said.
The CMO urged those waiting for full vaccination “to take every precaution this weekend and to adhere strongly to the public health advice as they await their vaccines”.
“If you are experiencing symptoms of cold and flu: headache, sore throat, runny nose, please let your close contacts know, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible for Covid-19,” he added.
“From today, 25-29-year-olds can register for their vaccine on the HSE website and I would strongly encourage this age group to do so by visiting: vaccine.hse.ie“
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