The HSE CEO has issued an “upbeat” yet “cautionary” update on Ireland’s Covid-19 situation.
Covid-19 hospitalisations and ICU admissions are “holding well” amidst a recent rise in cases of the virus across Ireland, according to HSE CEO Paul Reid.
Reid’s comments come as 1,173 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Ireland on Friday, the highest daily number since 4 February.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said in a statement accompanying the figures that Ireland continues to experience “rapid increases in the incidence of the disease in the community”.
The CMO stated that Covid-19 cases have increased in 22 out of 26 counties, with the greatest majority occurring in people who have not yet been fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, as of 8am on Friday, 79 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, of which 23 were in ICU.
In a Twitter post on Saturday morning, Reid issued an “upbeat” yet “cautionary” update on Ireland’s Covid-19 situation.
He explained that 5.1 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Ireland, with 63% of adults now fully vaccinated against the virus and 76% partially vaccinated.
Reid then added: “Very high levels of testing yesterday with 8.4% positivity. But hospitalisations & ICU are holding well. Enjoy the sun and take care.”
Some upbeat & a cautionary update. Now over 5.1M vaccines administered. 63% of adults are now fully vaccinated & 76% partially. Very high levels of testing yesterday with 8.4% positivity. But hospitalisations & ICU are holding well. Enjoy the sun and take care. @HSELive
— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) July 17, 2021
As temperatures could reach as high as 29 degrees today, the CMO on Friday urged those waiting for full vaccination “to take every precaution this weekend and to adhere strongly to the public health advice as they await their vaccines”.
He said this includes limiting social contacts, meeting outdoors, staying two metres apart, wearing masks and avoiding international travel.
“If you are experiencing symptoms of cold and flu: headache, sore throat, runny nose, please let your close contacts know, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible for Covid-19,” Holohan added.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
