1,345 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed as CMO Dr Tony Holohan warns of “significant increase in hospitalisation”

Clara Kelly

The CMO is asking people “to continue to avoid crowded spaces”.

As of midnight on Sunday 25 July, the Department of Health has been notified of 1,345 new cases of Covid-19.

Of the 1,126 cases, 141 are in hospital and 25 are in intensive care units.

According to the Department, daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that there has been a “significant increase in hospitalisations” over the last two weeks.

“There has been a significant increase in hospitalisation over the last fortnight,” he said.

“Please continue to avoid crowded spaces, keep distance from others, keep indoor settings well ventilated by opening windows and doors, wear a mask where appropriate.”

It comes as everyone over the age of 18 in Ireland can now register for an mRNA vaccine.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has said that he expects the vaccine portal for 16 to 17-year-olds will open by August.

Discussing the reopening of universities at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on Thursday, Harris said that he would like to see the age cohort be called for vaccines in “early August”.

Harris said he would like to see the portal open “as quickly as possible”, adding that there are concerns due to a “particular spike” in the age group.

He added that many of the 16 to 17 age group could also be attending third-level education this year, making the vaccine ramp up even more important.

“Many of them could end up being college students but also, we’re seeing a particular spike in cases among that age group,” he said.

“It would be great if, early in August, we could see the portal open for 16 and 17-year-olds and that is my expectation that that will happen”.

Ireland is currently the fastest country in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for Covid-19 vaccinations.

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