512 new Covid-19 cases in Ireland as Boots temporarily close 18-34 vaccine bookings after “unprecedented demand”

The pharmacy chain has seen a lot of demand from young people.

There have been 512 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland, as Boots announced it was temporarily closing vaccine bookings for the 18-34 group after "unprecedented demand". The figures released from the Department of Health on Friday 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. 46 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 14 are in ICU.

As of midnight, Thursday 1 July, we are reporting 512* confirmed cases of #COVID19.

14 in ICU. 46 in hospital. *Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update. — Department of Health (@roinnslainte) July 2, 2021

Earlier on Friday, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced that vaccine distribution for 18 to 34-year-olds will begin from Monday, 5 July. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Donnelly said that the recent NIAC advice regarding AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines meant the Government would offer an "opt in" choice for young people wishing to receive the vaccines. There will now be a two-track approach to the vaccine rollout. He said that while the vaccine portal for mRNA vaccines would open for 30 to 34-year-olds on 9 July, there would also be an option for 18 to 34-year-olds to receive an AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccine from pharmacies from Monday. He added: "Next Monday, pharmacies will begin administering Janssen to people aged 18 to 34 who have contacted their pharmacy, registered with their pharmacy and said, 'I'd like to be vaccinated, I appreciate that I will be getting an mRNA vaccine in the future but I want to get vaccinated now'. Due to "unprecedented demand" following the announcement, Boots Ireland issued a statement on Friday afternoon saying it had temporarily closed bookings for the 18-34 age group. It said: "At Boots Ireland, we continue to proudly support the HSE Covid-19 vaccination rollout in selected pharmacies nationwide providing customers with greater options to access vaccines in their local community. "In line with the HSE vaccination schedule, at present, from Monday 5 July people aged 18 – 34 can get vaccinated with the single-shot Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine in local pharmacies. "Due to unprecedented demand we have now had to temporarily close down bookings for this service as all available appointments have been booked. We kindly ask for your understanding at this time."