“This is one of the highest rates since the beginning of the pandemic.”
One in four people in the 16 – 34 age bracket are receiving a ‘detected’ result after going for a PCR test, according to Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan.
Holohan was speaking on Monday evening following confirmation from the Department of Health of 4,799 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.
As of 8am on Monday, 467 patients are hospitalised in relation to the virus.
Of those, 104 are in ICU.
“The level of disease and positivity rate amongst young adults has increased sharply in the last week,” said Holohan.
“One in four people in the 16 – 34-year-old age group that are going for a PCR test have received a ‘detected’ result.
“This is one of the highest rates since the beginning of the pandemic.”
Holohan once more called on people to cut down on their social contacts, with a particular focus on the younger members of the population.
“This high level of disease in young people represents a high risk to those they come into contact with who have yet to be vaccinated or receive their booster,” he added.
“Therefore, if you have not yet received your booster you are best to avoid unnecessary contact with people outside your household.”
Each of us can take actions this week to protect ourselves and our loved ones, even if this means rethinking plans for the Christmas period, especially if you are not yet boosted or vaccinated.
— Dr Tony Holohan (@DrTonyHolohan) December 20, 2021
Asking the public to make an “exceptional sacrifice” as Christmas Day draws near, Holohan called on people to be extremely careful in their social activities.
“As difficult as it may seem, limiting as much as possible your Christmas to small numbers and very close family will protect them,” he said.
Also on Monday, Independent TD Michael Collins lashed out at the latest round of restrictions, labelling the measures as “heartless” and “pathetically cruel and unscientific” as he called for an immediate return to Dáil Éireann business.
In a scathing statement, Deputy Collins hit out at the restrictions that came into effect from midnight on Monday, while questioning the specific timing of their introduction.
“The government’s announcement to enforce an effective lockdown on Irish society days before Christmas is heartless,” said Collins.
“Introducing such measures after the Dáil has adjourned for the Christmas break appears calculated and means the government is now operating beyond its limits.”
Featured Image of Tony Holohan via Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie
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