Officials have warned of an influx of Covid cases in Ireland as some voice their concerns around the second wave of Omicron.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed that there are no new restrictions in the pipeline at this time, and says although they are monitoring the situation that there is no need for panic.
Meanwhile, a fourth dose of the available Covid vaccines is being considered by health officials which will be made available to the elderly and medically vulnerable first.
There are currently around 1,100 people in hospital with Covid - 50 of whom are now in ICU.
After the St. Patrick’s double Bank Holiday, it’s likely cases will rise after hundreds of large gatherings took place nationwide and many people travelled abroad for the short break.
The Covid Illness Benefit remains available to those who are unable to work due to being diagnosed with the virus, however, there are some exceptions.
As of February 28, if a person is deemed a close contact of a positive case but is asymptomatic, they are no longer eligible for the payment.
Enhanced Illness Benefit is available to employees or self-employed people who are unable to work due to:
- A diagnosis of Covid-19; or
- An instruction by a doctor or the HSE to self-isolate or restrict their movements
The support is payable on a daily basis, excluding Sundays, and is for a maximum of 7 days.
Where a person has a Covid diagnosis they may be paid for up to 10 weeks - at a rate of €350 a week - with appropriate medical certification from their GP.
In order to be accepted onto the payment, you will need to show proof of:
- A text from the HSE confirming your positive PCR test result
- A text from the HSE confirming your positive antigen test submission
A picture of a positive antigen test is not accepted as medical evidence.
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