A fresh surge of Covid cases in Ireland has thrown the virus back into the spotlight.
WHO's chief has warned that the pandemic is “nowhere near over”.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was concerned that case numbers were continuing to rise and “putting further pressure on stretched health systems and health workers”.
Covid cases have risen quickly through Ireland's summer wave due to the more transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 strains.
It comes as there are currently 1,018 people in hospital with Covid-19, the highest since April.
However, the surge of cases is putting pressure on hospitals with the HSE forced to close off wards for infected patients.
As of 11.30am today, there are 45 patients with Covid in ICU.
How do I report a positive covid test?
Many people do not need to get a Covid test in the public health system.
The HSE urges that you do not need a Covid test if you are: Aged under 55 with symptoms of COVID-19 and you are otherwise healthy
You can book a PCR test if you have symptoms of Covid and you:
- Are 55 or older and have not had a booster vaccine
- Have a high-risk medical condition
- Have a weak immune system (immunocompromised)
- Live in the same household or provide care and support to someone who is immunocompromised
- Are pregnant
- Are a healthcare worker
You can also book a PCR test if you have a positive antigen test result and need a Covid recovery certificate.
If you have any symptoms of Covid, even mild ones, you should:
Self-isolate (stay in your room) until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone and wear a face mask if you have to be around other people.
You can get your second booster at least four months (at least 120 days) after your first booster.
Half of EU countries are already recommending and rolling out second booster doses of Covid vaccines, mainly to older population groups.
The HSE has begun inviting people aged 65 years and over to get a second COVID-19 booster vaccine.
If you are 65 or over, you should get your second booster at least 4 months (at least 120 days) after your first booster.
Following guidance from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).
People with a weak immune system aged 12 and over can also get their second booster, when it is due for them.
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE, said: “We are now offering a second booster vaccine to those aged 65 years and over and those who are immunocompromised, and I am urging everyone in these groups to get this second booster dose.
“People being recommended for this second booster are those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. It is important you get your second booster to help maintain your protection from becoming seriously ill or needing hospital treatment if you catch the virus.”
Everyone aged 12 and over can still get their first booster, and are invited to come forward and book an appointment for a HSE vaccination centre.
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