The number of patients in intensive care with the virus has fallen to 19.
There have been 329 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland.
The figures released from the Department of Health on Wednesday 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.
57 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 19 are in ICU.
As of midnight, Tuesday 15 June, we are reporting 329* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
19 in ICU. 57 in hospital.
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) June 16, 2021
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan has said that while the use of antigen tests can be considered in some scenarios, they should not be used for international travel as of yet.
The CMO made the comments to an Oireachtas Transport Committee on Wednesday afternoon, in which he reiterated his reservations about the widespread use of antigen tests.
He said: “Based on existing evidence, use of rapid antigen testing may be considered in high-prevalence settings such as outbreaks where the pre-test probability of individuals being infected is high and where more rapidly available results may support PCR testing through the early identification of cases and implementation of appropriate follow-on public health actions.
“The HSE has already made rapid antigen tests available for deployment in such scenarios, where deemed appropriate by local public health doctors.
“Rapid testing may also be considered in higher risk environments for transmission of Covid-19 such as may exist in meat processing plants.
“The HSE has also made rapid antigen tests available for use in acute hospital settings.”
However, the CMO added that though rapid antigen tests may prove useful in controlled environments, more needs to be learned about their benefits and limitations.
He said PCR testing remains the “gold standard diagnostic test” for Covid-19.
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