The Delta variant is now accounting for 80% of the cases reported in Ireland.
There have been 589 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland, as Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said Ireland’s hospital system has been “close to full capacity in recent weeks”.
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 that the number of daily cases may also change due to future data validation.
As of 8am on Tuesday, 62 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 17 are in ICU.
In a statement accompanying the figures, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said the more transmissible Delta variant of the virus is now accounting for 80% of the cases reported in Ireland.
He said: “This is a challenge that is facing all of Europe, but we know that the basic public health measures still work against this variant.
“Please continue to avoid crowds, wear a mask, manage your contacts, keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible and if indoors, ensure that the room is well ventilated.”
“With incidence of the disease continuing to increase, the rapid identification of cases and outbreaks of Covid-19 is essential. We are asking anyone diagnosed with Covid-19 to work with our contact tracers to identify all of your close contacts so that they, their families and colleagues can be protected.
“If you know you are a close contact of someone with Covid-19, or if you have any symptoms, stay at home and organise a free test as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Donnelly stated that Ireland’s hospital system is facing challenges and has been close to full capacity in recent weeks – causing distress for patients, their families and frontline healthcare workers.
The Minister said: “Attendances at emergency departments have increased steadily since the beginning of the year.
“Comparison to 2019 is the last year to which reasonable comparisons can be made due to the unusual attendance patterns last year.
“The HSE has estimated that for the week ending 4 July attendances were up 12% on the same time in 2019.”
As to the reasons for this, Donnelly cited the opening of society as Covid-19 restrictions lifted and additional GP referrals due to issues accessing diagnostics after the ransomware attack against the HSE.
He added: “The increased attendances, Covid-19 related patient safety protocols and manual workarounds and reduced access to diagnostics due to the ransomware attack have all been contributing to slower progress with patients through the system.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
