New modelling indicates Covid cases and ICU influx will continue to rise

Stephen Donnelly has said that the current pressure on the hospital system is set to increase significantly.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has sounded a considerable warning as Covid-19 cases continue to rise throughout the country. Speaking to Virgin Media News on Monday evening, Donnelly revealed that new modelling data has signalled some particularly difficult weeks ahead, with no sign of cases and resultant hospitalisations slowing down. Referring to the current pressure on the Irish hospital system, Donnelly noted: "We've received new modelling, just in the last few hours, which suggests that the cases, hospitalisations and ICU will continue to rise in the coming weeks. "Now, against that, the evidence from the boosters is incredibly strong. We have about 1.4 million people already green-lighted for the boosters. I'm working with the HSE. It's all hands on deck in terms of getting these boosters out." Donnelly added that he is waiting on additional advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), which should be outlined on Monday night. "I'll confirm it later when we have it but the indications are it is positive in terms of adding a significant additional number to those who would be availing of boosters." The Health Minister also moved to reiterate the continuing message from Government in relation to social behaviour and general individual responsibility. "[It's] as important as ever – for anybody who is symptomatic; please stay at home [and] get yourself a PCR test," he said. "We all need to reduce our social contacts at the moment. Layer up, use the masks, use the various protection and, obviously, when it's your turn to get a vaccine or a booster vaccine, please get that." On Monday, the Department of Health confirmed 4,570 new cases of the virus. 622 people are currently in hospital in relation to Covid-19, of which 117 are in ICU. Speaking on the same afternoon, Taoiseach Michéal Martin ruled out a lockdown specifically for unvaccinated people, highlighting Ireland's strong vaccination uptake to date. Featured Image via Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie