3,161 new Covid cases as CMO says 'it is not too late' to get vaccine

The figures come as Dr Tony Holohan urged anyone who is not yet vaccinated to come forward and get the jab. File picture: RollingNews.ie

The Department of Health has confirmed that there have been 3,161 cases of Covid-19 recorded today as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) urged people to come forward for the vaccine. 

Some 498 Covid-19 patients are in hospital, of which 78 are in intensive care.

Dr Tony Holohan said that it is not too late for people to get the jab.

"We know that vaccination provides our strongest defence against severe illness and hospitalisation. I encourage anyone who has yet to be vaccinated to come forward for vaccination," said the CMO. 

"It is not too late to become part of our vaccinated pool of people and your participation in the Covid-19 vaccine programme will be welcomed."

Dr Holohan added that booster vaccines are now being given to healthcare workers and people over the age of 60, with positive results.

"We are beginning to see encouraging signs, in the decreasing levels of infection among those age groups that have received their booster dose. 

"The importance of coming forward cannot be overstated. If it is time for your booster, please come forward to receive that booster."

As of November 7, 88.91% of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated.

The CMO also encouraged people to get the flu vaccine, reminding the public that children "are twice as likely to get the flu than adults". 

Dr Holohan added: "Children are also more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu. The flu vaccine will help protect your child against flu and reduce the spread of flu to others such as siblings, parents and grandparents. Children and young people aged 2 to 17 can get the nasal flu vaccine for free.

"Please continue to practice basic public health interventions to limit the spread of disease this winter - washing our hands, opening windows, wearing masks and most importantly, staying home when we have symptoms. These simple measures are very successful at breaking the chains of transmission of disease.’’

Repeat PCR tests

Meanwhile, the HSE has said repeat PCR tests may be recommended on a positive result “in certain instances” following confusion among the public over Eamon Ryan’s Covid-status.

The Minister for Environment tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday. It is understood he did not have symptoms, and was tested as part of preparations to travel to Glasgow for Cop26 on Monday.

However, in a statement, his office said after getting that result, he then “received notification from the HSE that a second test was recommended.” 

The HSE has said repeat PCR tests may be recommended on a positive result “in certain instances”

This test showed the virus was not detected. The statement continued: “The public health advice in this instance is that the case is de-notified, close contacts are informed and the person can continue about their business”.

A HSE spokeswoman said on Monday: “In certain instances, where clinically indicated, a repeat test may be recommended for an individual.” She said this is “typically based” on a discussion between the testing laboratory and the person requesting the test.

She said it "takes into account a number of factors, such as the laboratory result itself, including viral targets detected etc., the reason for the test, and the condition of the person having the test performed,” she said.

The spokeswoman said a repeat test can be scheduled through the HSE Testing and Trace programme, with a review of the results informing the guidance for that individual.

However this advice does not seem to be on the HSE website for the general public. This advises people with a positive result to self-isolate and begin the contract tracing process.

It appears from the website that only people whose result was “indeterminate, invalid or inhibitory result” are advised to get a second test to confirm their infection status.