The Latest Breaking News from HSE

It’s believed the current wave is being driven by the highly-transmissible BA.2 variant of Covid, however the Head of the HSE has said failure by people to get vaccinated or get their booster is one of the factors behind virus hospital numbers.

The Government source said the “only thing possible” is stricter messaging and rules on mask wearing, but appeared to say it would serve as a “marginal benefit at this stage"

General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said because of soaring Covid-19 cases the health service is no longer a safe environment for healthcare workers or vulnerable patients

'The important point is that the pandemic is not over'

Stuart Towns had been working at the scrap metal company for just three months before losing his life in the tragic accident.

The public is urged to be aware and is advised that the HSE will never seek any form of payment for providing Covid tests or testing kits.

The highly infectious BA.2 strain of Covid, which is considered to be a subvariant of Omicron, is being blamed for the current surge

The new measures could be brought in after both public and private sectors reported severe staff shortages due to employees being absent with Covid related illnesses

Alutrade Ltd admitted corporate manslaughter at Wolverhampton Crown Court last month

Stuart Towns, 34, was manhandling large pieces of metal which were blocking a conveyor belt when they smashed on top of him causing horrific head injuries and tragically died at the scene

While many isolate from home, the Covid Illness Benefit remains open to those who can provide proof in one of two ways