Covid-19: HSE 'under real threat now' warns chief as hospitalisations surge

Mr Reid issued the stark warning this afternoon. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland 

The Chief Executive of the HSE, Paul Reid, has warned the health service is "under real threat now" and that primary and GP services are under "relentless strain". 

Mr Reid said the country is heading for a peak in hospitalisations similar to the first wave. 

In a tweet this afternoon, the HSE boss wrote: "Our Health Sevice is under real threat now. We're heading to the peak of hospitalisations as in the first wave. 

"Primary & GP services are under relentless strain. Swabbing centres have positivity rates from 40 to 55%. 

"Please reduce transmission, stay home and #StaySafe."

Mr Reid's warning comes as new figures released by the health service show there are 817 people with Covid-19 being treated in Irish hospitals this morning.

Portacabin structures outside the Mercy University Hospital, Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane.

There has been an increase of 74 people on wards with the virus since yesterday-a 97% rise on last Tuesday's total.

The HSE has also confirmed 67 discharges.

Only during the peak of the first wave of Covid-19 in Ireland was there more patients with the disease in Irish hospitals.

The highest number of patients in hospital with the virus was 881 in April.

In terms of ICU, last night there were 73 people with the disease being treated, however, it is still well below the peak of 155 in April.