“Ensure to attend for your Covid-19 vaccine when it is your turn to do so, particularly for your second dose.”
There have been 1,496 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland on Tuesday.
The figures released from the Department of Health on Tuesday did not contain information regarding deaths related to Covid-19.
The Department of Health’s statement said the number of daily cases may also change due to future data validation.
As of 8am on Monday, 248 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 54 are in ICU.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said on Tuesday that the incidence rate of the virus has now climbed to the highest since January.
“As a public health doctor, I am keenly aware of the impact the public health advice has had on all in society. Making the decision not to attend work or socialise if you are displaying symptoms can be very difficult,” he said.
“Similarly, choosing to leave a family gathering or social event because it doesn’t feel safe is hard and can cause anxiety. Unfortunately, the fact remains that incidence of Covid-19 in Ireland is continuing to increase.
“Our current 14-day incidence is 493 per 100,000, the highest it’s been since January 31, and incidence of disease is continuing to rise steadily in nearly all age groups and in 21 out of 26 counties.”
He added that the number of people admitted to ICU per day had doubled from three last Tuesday to six today.
“If we didn’t have vaccination our current 14-day incidence would be approximately 1,000 per 100,000 and we would be seeing up to 50 people admitted to hospital for every 1,000 cases reported. Instead, we are seeing about 20 people admitted to hospital for every 1,000 cases reported.
“We have an opportunity over the next few weeks to break the chains of transmission by continuing to follow the public health advice that is second nature to most of us at this stage.”
He added that people displaying symptoms should isolate and get a test, meanwhile everyone should make an effort to “socialise safely” by meeting outdoors and avoiding groups.
“Make plans to socialise safely and risk assess as you go, meet up with others outdoors, if possible, try to meet up in small groups and avoid crowds. If you do not feel safe, then leave.
“Ensure to attend for your Covid-19 vaccine when it is your turn to do so, particularly for your second dose.”
Main Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie.
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