Covid infections growing at 2-4% per day as 783 new cases confirmed

Hiqa found that restrictions continue to be eased across 18 of the 19 countries included in the review, with the exception of Portugal where regional Covid-19 restrictions have been reintroduced.

The Department of Health has confirmed a further 783 cases of Covid-19, with 73 people currently hospitalised with the virus, of which 20 are in intensive care.

There has been an additional 13 hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Chief Medical Officer, CMO, Dr Tony Holohan, has said young people continue to suffer a "great burden" while awaiting vaccinations, however it is important to "exercise caution" in all social situations.  

"As we have said throughout this pandemic, COVID-19 spreads much easier indoors and when public health measures are not prevalent and as such, it is important to exercise caution in all environments as we continue to safely meet others," he said. 

 Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy CMO, said "there is no question" that the Delta variant is having a considerable impact on case numbers and it important to be tested immediately should you be presenting with any Covid symptoms.

“The latest data is showing clear increases in incidence of disease right across the country. 

“Delta also appears to be presenting with a different variety of symptoms than we have seen with other variants, including headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose.

"If you have any symptoms of a cold or flu it is vital that you isolate immediately and arrange a test," he said.

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said as Ireland continues to re-open next week, it is important to continue adhering to public health guidelines in order to stop the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.

"Infections are now growing at 2-4% per day. 

"We can control this, and as we move towards a further re-opening of society next week, it is important to remember that the public health advice that we all so familiar with is as effective in breaking the chains of transmission of the Delta variant as it has been throughout the pandemic.

"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," Prof Nolan said. 

Commenting on the vaccine rollout, Prof Karina Butler, Chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) said, it is "truly remarkable" that almost 60% of the adult population is fully vaccinated. 

“The vaccine programme is being delivered in the fairest and most equitable way and continues to prioritise those most at risk from Covid-19. 

"It is really important that when your turn comes, you take your Covid-19 vaccine and that when called for a second dose, that you complete your dosing schedule and wait the appropriate period for full protection. 

"You are considered fully vaccinated: two weeks after you receive the one-dose Janssen vaccine, one week after your second dose of Pfizer, two weeks after your second dose of AstraZeneca and two weeks after your second dose of Moderna," Prof Butler said. 

Hiqa find incidence of Covid is on the rise in Europe

The incidence of Covid-19 is beginning to increase in Europe again, a new report from the health and safety watchdog has found.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) regularly reviews the international epidemiological situation to assist the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet).

The report, which was submitted to Nphet on July 8,  found that all of the reviewed countries experienced reductions in their rates of hospitalisations, admissions to ICU and Covid-related deaths since April.

However, the latest data, which is up to July 4, showed increasing Covid-19 incidence rates in over half of the included countries, which is likely due to the widespread transmission of the Delta variant.

Hiqa examined 13 EU countries; Austria; Belgium; Czechia; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Netherlands; Portugal; Spain; and Sweden; the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), as well as Israel and Norway.

The incidence of Covid-19 increased in 11 of the 19 included countries, including Israel which had 153.8% increase to 35.8 cases per 100,000 population, Finland, which rose by 68.6% to 38.4 cases per 100,000 population and the UK, which was up 64.3% to 403.8 cases per 100,000 population.

There was a decrease in five of the countries: Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and France.

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The 14-day death rate was below 10 per million population across all countries and was continuing to decline in most countries.

However, five countries - Norway, Portugal, Sweden, the UK and Finland - have seen an increase in the 14-day death rate, although from relatively low numbers.

Ireland currently has one of the lowest numbers of people in hospital or intensive care per million population of any of the included countries, surpassed only by Czechia, Denmark, Israel, and Norway.

Hiqa found that restrictions continue to be eased across 18 of the 19 countries included in the review, with the exception of Portugal where egional Covid-19 restrictions have been reintroduced.

The pace of easing was noted to differ, as did the requirements to access certain services, facilities and to attend events. 

Dr Máirín Ryan, Hiqa’s deputy chief executive and director of health technology assessment, said there was a need to remain cautious.

“While our rate of hospitalisations and ICU admissions is low, incidence rates are rising, which suggests an increase in hospitalisations may be ahead of us,” she said.