The country is seeing a “significant decline” in all indicators of disease.
There have been 373 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan has said the country is experiencing the “near elimination” of the virus in the vaccinated population.
The Department of Health’s statement said that the number of daily cases may change due to future data validation.
54 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised at 8am this morning, of which 18 are in ICU.
At a Department of Health briefing on Thursday, NPHET’s Professor Philip Nolan said the epidemiological situation in Ireland in regards to Covid-19 was “very positive”, with the country seeing a “significant decline” in all indicators of disease.
In April and May, incidence was stable at 400 to 500 cases a day, though this has now reduced to a five day average of 303.
Meanwhile, hospital admissions have reduced from 103 to 57 in the past two weeks.
On deaths related to the virus, Nolan said there has been “considerable difficulty” reporting fatalities due to the cyber attack against the HSE.
He said: “Sadly we are still reporting deaths due to Covid-19 but very few.”
Since the 13 May, there have been 38 additional deaths related to Covid-19, with those deaths distributed across late notifications from January, February, March and April, a significant number in May and a small number in June.
Nolan said NPHET didn’t have final confirmations regarding fatalities in May and June.
Meanwhile, the CMO said: “We are now experiencing near elimination of Covid-19 in the vaccinated population. For the 50-65’s who are in the process of receiving protection from full vaccination, incidence is dropping.
“Incidence is also reducing in most age groups, showing commendable compliance with public health measures as the vaccination programme is rolled out to more and more people.”
As of midnight, Wednesday 16 June, we are reporting 373* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
18 in ICU. 54 in hospital.
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) June 17, 2021
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
