994 new Covid-19 cases reported in Ireland as unvaccinated people advised to avoid indoor hospitality

The CMO said all elements of the further reopening of society are "under review".

994 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Ireland, the highest daily number since 13 February. The figures released from the Department of Health on Thursday 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 Thursday, 80 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 22 are in ICU.

As of midnight, Wednesday 14 July, we are reporting 994* confirmed cases of #COVID19. 22 in ICU. 80 in hospital. *Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) July 15, 2021

In a statement accompanying the figures, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that people who are unvaccinated, including children, should continue to "avoid high-risk, uncontrolled indoor settings", including "indoor hospitality". "I know this is a difficult message for people, particularly parents of unvaccinated children to hear, but if we stick with the public health measures, we can limit transmission of this disease and protect others," the CMO said. "We continue to keep all of the public health guidance under review. That includes all elements of the further reopening of society and looking forward to September and a return to education for students. "In the meantime, 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." Earlier on Thursday, HSE CEO Paul Reid said Covid-19 cases are rising "much quicker" than originally anticipated. "Certainly the early indications were that we would reach about 1,000 cases per day towards the end of July," Reid noted. "So it seems to have accelerated much quicker than we thought it would, frankly." Meanwhile, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar warned that unvaccinated people are more at risk of catching Covid-19 over the next few weeks than at any point in this pandemic. He highlighted that Ireland is seeing "a major surge" in cases, almost entirely among younger people and those not fully vaccinated. "I ask them over the summer - at least until you're fully vaccinated - please avoid socialising indoors, please keep your social contacts to a minimum, please avoid non-essential foreign travel and please wear a mask even outdoors in crowded scenarios," Varadkar added. He also said that the government is aiming to reopen indoor hospitality settings on Monday, 26 July. It comes following legislation allowing for indoor hospitality to return being passed in the Dáil on Wednesday night. The Health (Amendment No.2) Bill 2021 was voted through by 74 votes to 68. The bill will now be sent for consideration in the Seanad. It will allow bars and restaurants to offer indoor service to people fully vaccinated against Covid-19, to children of fully vaccinated people, as well as those who have recovered from the virus in the past six months.