1,144 Covid cases identified as Ireland’s 14-day incidence rate continues to decline

Kevin Mckeon, 14, receives his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Citywest centre in Dublin. Picture: Damien Storan/PA

Public Health Officials today have confirmed 1,144 identified cases of Covid-19. 

384 patients are receiving treatment for the coronavirus in hospital and of these patients, 59 have been committed to intensive care. 

The latest Covid-19 data is subject to future validation as further cases may be identified however today's case numbers continue the recent decline. 

In total, 357,955 cases of Covid-19 have been identified in Ireland since the pandemic outbreak began. 

Total Covid-related deaths are now released on a weekly basis with the latest figures showing 5,112 people have died with the disease. 

Meanwhile, Ireland’s 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 has dropped again, new figures show.

Data collected by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows that the national incidence of confirmed cases per 100,000 population now stands at 491.9.

The data published on Monday shows the pattern of Covid-19 cases in the two weeks leading up to September 2.

The incidence rate in the two weeks before that stood at 523.3 cases for every 100,000 people.

The highest incidence rate remains in Donegal and Monaghan, with 1,185 cases and 1.498 cases respectively.

The total number of confirmed cases in the last two weeks was 23,422, with a median age of twenty-seven years.

The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is now 351.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said the impact of the vaccination programme continues to be seen across the population.

“The downward trends in Covid-19 infections is now also very evident in younger age groups as they come forward for vaccinations and also adhere to the general measures to keep each other safe,” Mr Donnelly tweeted.

There has been an increase in people testing positive for COVID-19 over the last month. Someone who has tested postive can upload the details of their close contacts & contact tracing teams can then follow up. More: https://t.co/2RN0ebCYZJ pic.twitter.com/IdSzIuAFmX

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) September 6, 2021

“It is thanks to the collective efforts of everyone that we are on a pathway out of this pandemic and we can progress towards the full reopening of society.

“We can see this progress with further reopening today.

“But as we continue vaccinations and as we reopen we also need to continue to be safe and to mind each other. Covid-19 hasn’t gone away.

“The 14-day incidence rates for those aged between 35-44 is similar to that of those aged over 85.

“Forty-four percent of all hospitalisations of cases notified in August were amongst those aged under 50.

“We can continue to break the chains of transmission, through vaccination and doing the things we have become so used to, washing hands, mask-wearing and being careful. Stay safe.”

The Health Minister added that later this week, the seven millionth Covid vaccine dose will be administered this week and said it was "an amazing achievement" for staff and volunteers. 

The chief executive of the HSE Paul Reid said that another 9,5000 people used walk-in vaccination centres over the weekend.

“Positively, over 50% of these were in the 12 to 15 age groups,” he said.

“The walk-in centres have proven to provide a very flexible option for all age groups.”

Ireland takes next step in easing of restrictions

It comes as there was a major easing of Covid-19 restrictions on Monday, with live music returning and larger crowds allowed at indoor venues.

The Irish Government confirmed last week that it would be embarking on a phased easing of Covid-19 restrictions, which will eventually see the removal of the vast majority of public health regulations by the end of October.

The numbers permitted to attend outdoor sports events increased from Monday, while restrictions on indoor venues were eased, with larger crowds allowed.

Indoor venues can use up to 60% of capacity when holding events for people who are double jabbed.

For outdoor events, 75% of capacity is available for vaccinated individuals.

Live music at weddings has also returned, with the number of people allowed to attend fixed at 100.

All religious ceremonies are allowed to proceed with 50% of venue capacity regardless of the immunity status of those there.

Politicians and health officials are banking on the country’s high rates of vaccine take-up as the relaxing of restrictions continues.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Saturday that Ireland should “take some heart” from early indications that rates of Covid-19 in Ireland may be declining.