CMO warns of rising Covid-19 incidence in Ireland, as 1,496 cases confirmed

Dr Tony Holohan said he is "keenly aware" of the impact following public health advice has on society, however, the incidence of Covid-19 in Ireland continues to increase. File Picture: Dan Linehan

The current incidence rate of Covid-19 is now at its highest level since January 31, with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) saying cases are rising steadily in nearly all age groups and in 21 out of 26 counties.

The Department of Health has reported a further 1,496 cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

Currently, 248 people have been hospitalised with the virus, of which, 54 are in ICU.

Dr Tony Holohan said he is "keenly aware" of the impact following public health advice has on society, however, the incidence of Covid-19 in Ireland continues to increase.  

"Our current 14-day incidence is 493 per 100,000, the highest it’s been since January 31, and incidence of disease is continuing to rise steadily in nearly all age groups and in 21 out of 26 counties. 

"Last Tuesday, we were seeing an average of three people with Covid-19 admitted to ICU per day, today, that figure has doubled to six people with Covid-19 admitted to ICU per day," he said.

While vaccinations have helped reduce the number of hospitalisations due to the virus, Dr Holohan said it is not the time to become complacent.

“If we didn’t have vaccination our current 14-day incidence would be approximately 1,000 per 100,000 and we would be seeing up to 50 people admitted to hospital for every 1,000 cases reported. 

Instead, we are seeing about 20 people admitted to hospital for every thousand cases reported.

“We have an opportunity over the next few weeks to break the chains of transmission by continuing to follow the public health advice that is second nature to most of us at this stage. 

"If you have any symptoms that indicate that you may have Covid-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose - isolate and get a test immediately. 

"Make plans to socialise safely and risk assess as you go, meet up with others outdoors, if possible, try to meet up in small groups and avoid crowds. 

"If you do not feel safe, then leave. Ensure to attend for your Covid-19 vaccine when it is your turn to do so, particularly for your second dose," he said.

Mid-West issue warning ahead of hurling final this weekend

Public Health officials in the Mid-West have warned the public that a dramatic increase in Covid-19 cases could follow Sunday’s All-Ireland Hurling final, if gatherings are not controlled.

The Department of Public Health Mid-West, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick GAA, and An Garda Siochána released a joint statement appealing to members of the public and businesses to support the Limerick hurlers safely this weekend, as a high rate of Covid-19 continues to circulate in the community.

Dr Marie Casey, specialist in public health medicine, described this Sunday's final as one of the most special sporting fixtures, adding it will bring communities together and give a welcome boost to the local economy.

“Unfortunately, if not controlled, this can turn into events which rapidly increase the number of cases in the community, as we had experienced last year. The community in Limerick worked very hard to reduce the rates from the community outbreak in June and we would like to maintain this improvement,” Dr Casey said.

“We are best protected when we are fully vaccinated and adhering to guidelines, so if you are socialising with friends and family this weekend, do so safely to limit the spread of Covid-19 in your community.”

High risk

The department  said that, due to the social nature of the event; the current baseline of cases in Limerick city and county; and the highly-transmissible Delta variant, there is a high risk of infection for people who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated if they engage in social activity outside public health guidelines.

“We are urging everyone attending household events, hospitality settings, and any indoor gathering to maintain social distancing, wear a face mask, and limit social contact in well-ventilated spaces,” a spokesperson for the department said.

“We are also urging the hospitality sector to protect their staff and customers by confirming valid certificates of their patrons, and to avoid crowding both indoors and outdoors. Social settings and close contact within those facilitate infection, and continues to be a factor in community outbreaks in Limerick."

According to provisional figures, there were 667 Covid-19 cases recorded over the past 14 days, including 66 cases on August 16, in Limerick.

“Having your county in an All-Ireland final is such a great occasion, with the excitement in communities growing as the final approaches. I know that Limerick supporters are some of the best and most passionate in the country, and we are hoping for a good result on Sunday,” Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Daniel Butler said.

But we must remember that we are still living with Covid-19 and I’m appealing to everyone to enjoy the match and celebrate the Limerick hurlers in a safe and responsible manner."

John Cregan, chairperson of Limerick GAA, said the final would be a very special occasion for all Limerick people and “no doubt regardless of the result, emotions will run high and when emotions run high we sometimes tend to drop our guard".

"We must remember our obligation to protect ourselves and those around us from serious illness, and to that end can I appeal to all of our supporters to behave in a responsible manner. 

"To those who are attending and to all those who are making alternative arrangements to view the game, please listen to public health advice, observe all Covid-19 guidelines, and together we can ensure that this historic occasion will be both a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved,” Mr Cregan said.