Ireland and the rest of Europe have been experiencing a fresh increase in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks. The total number of PCR confirmed cases stands at 1.6 million while the total death toll is now over 7,500. More than 7.8 million vaccine doses have been administered as of yesterday.
Since NPHET was disbanded, the amount of data available has reduced and reports have become less frequent. Some figures are released weekly and some daily, which means painting a picture of the transmission rates is more difficult than it used to be.
Last Wednesday, the official number of confirmed PCR cases was 1,207 while over 2,500 positive antigen tests were logged with the HSE. With some people not reporting positive antigen tests, these numbers are almost certainly below the real number of cases.
Read More: Irish granny tells of nightmare long Covid symptoms that's left her in 'dark place'
About 32% of tests at the moment are returning as positive result, but the real figure is likely higher as many people have become used to doing antigen tests at home and self-isolating.
There are currently 39 Covid patients in ICUs across the country and 904 hospital cases in total. This is a welcome downward trajectory from Saturday when 943 people were in hospital with Covid-19, including 43 in ICU.
Almost all restrictions have been removed except for in hospitals and other healthcare settings, where masks must be worn. People are also advised to wear masks on public transport in order to reduce transmission.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee are considering offering second booster jabs to people over 60 after European health institutions recommended doing so. Boosters have also been recommended for those over 12 who have compromised immunes systems.
This winter, there is a round of boosters planned to combat the Omicron variants that have led to the most recent surges. A new vaccine is being tested at the moment that has been adapted to fight the newer variants.
Meanwhile, Dr Bill Tormey, a consultant doctor at Beaumont Hospital, has warned that come Autumn - in just seven weeks’ time - it is very probable that rules to curb the spread of the virus will be needed.
Dr Tormey said: “Respiratory viruses should be met with an increase in masking.
“Because the only thing that actually helps in these circumstances is masking in the population.
“Assuming that we aren’t going to go into any mad lockdown again because I think that would be a very, very bad idea socially and from the point of view of the country in general.
“But I think masking is something that we can anticipate will probably be needed in the autumn.”
Although there is no rule on masks for the public at the moment, the current active advice from the government states that:
- You should continue to self-isolate if you have symptoms of Covid-19
- You should wear a face mask on public transport and in healthcare settings
Ireland now appears to have weathered the first summer wave of Covid-19 in 2022 with figures plateauing but experts like Dr Tormey still expect some disruption in the Autumn, particularly when the traditional flu season also comes into play to wreak havoc on hospital capacity.
READ NEXT:
Peculiar scene as €50 notes scattered along Irish quay as gardai issue warning to public
Urgent solar storm alert sparks Ireland blackout fears as huge flare heads towards Earth
Ex-Penneys worker explains the ‘one thing’ you should avoid when shopping in-store
Cheapest time to use your washing machine each day to save money on energy bills during summer
Met Eireann issues crushing heatwave update as experts spot freak jet stream vortex
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
