The CMO said Ireland would be seeing more cases and hospitalisations if not for the vaccine rollout.
There have been 1,408 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan revealed that only 2% of cases are currently being hospitalised.
The median age of the cases reported on Wednesday is 24.
As of 8am today, 152 Covid-19 patients are in the hospital with the virus, of which 26 are in ICU.
The Department of Health’s statement said that the number of daily cases may change due to future data validation.
As of midnight, Tuesday 27th July, we are reporting 1,408* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
26 in ICU. 152 in hospital.
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) July 28, 2021
In a statement accompanying the figures, the CMO said: “Currently, 2% of cases are being hospitalised. We know that we would be experiencing many more cases and hospitalisations were it not for the great progress being made in taking up vaccination.
“We need to keep this up as we move to vaccinate the remaining, mostly younger, cohorts of our population.
“The more people vaccinated in this country, the less opportunity Covid-19 has to inflict severe illness and disruption on us.
“If you are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination and have yet to register, please do so as soon as possible.
“If you are waiting to be fully vaccinated, please continue to follow the public health advice; manage your social contacts, meet outdoors, stay 2m apart, wear masks, wash/sanitise hands regularly and avoid non-essential travel abroad.
“If you are experiencing symptoms of cold and flu: headache, sore throat, runny nose, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible for Covid-19.”
Deputy CMO Dr Ronan Glynn said vaccination is having “a very positive impact on the risk profile of Covid-19 in Ireland”.
“As more people get fully vaccinated we can expect to see a higher proportion of cases in fully vaccinated people,” he added.
“This does not mean that vaccines are not working and, for those who have been fully vaccinated, their risk of severe illness or hospitalisation as result of Covid-19 is much lower than if they had not been vaccinated.
“It is vital that as many people as possible take the opportunity to get vaccinated in the weeks ahead – both for their own protection and for the protection of their families and friends.
“Walk-in centres for vaccination will open this weekend – please take the opportunity to get vaccinated.”
Medical Virologist and Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory Dr Cillian De Gascun said that more than 90% of all cases now are being caused by the more transmissible Delta variant.
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