1,491 new Covid-19 cases reported in Ireland as CMO urges public to “act as safely as possible”

"Vaccines work, but they must also be supported by us all choosing to act as safely as possible," the CMO said.

There have been 1,491 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland. The figures released from the Department of Health on Thursday 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 Thursday, 193 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 28 are in ICU.

As of midnight, Wednesday 4 August, we are reporting 1,491* confirmed cases of #COVID19.

As of 8am today, 193 #COVID19 patients are hospitalised, of which 28 are in ICU. — Department of Health (@roinnslainte) August 5, 2021

In a statement accompanying the figures, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said that vaccination offers a "real way" out of the pandemic and that Ireland's uptake rate is "extremely high". "Those with at least a first dose in the over 40s is over 90%, in the over 30s it is 84%, in the 18 to 29 year age group it is over 73%, and in the 16-17 year age group, it is over 46%," the CMO noted. "These figures continue to increase, and each person who has come forward should be commended. "It’s understandable that after the period of time that Covid-19 has been with us, that some people become tired of it. But the virus does not become tired. "It doesn’t care if we are fed up, it only sees the opportunity to spread from person to person when we let our guard down." The CMO then called on the public to "risk assess" their plans for this weekend. "Remember that if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms at all, you should err on the side of caution and stay at home - do not meet up with others, and do not go to work," Holohan said. "If you are an employer, remind your employees to continue working from home where possible for now, and not to attend work with any Covid-19 symptoms. "Vaccines work, but they must also be supported by us all choosing to act as safely as possible."