'Several hundred thousand' Covid cases reported each week as sub-variant spreads

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly warned colleagues of the massive strain hospitals are now coming under. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

The true number of Covid-19 cases is probably running at “several hundred thousand” a week, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has told a Fianna Fáil meeting.

It is understood Mr Donnelly told the online meeting that current sub-variant is extremely contagious and would require “quite serious” restrictions to stop its spread.