The Department of Health has confirmed 2,975 new cases of Covid-19 over the past 24 hours, here in the Irish Republic
There are 551 patients with the virus in our hospitals, up 31 from yesterday, and of these 89 are in intensive care, up a further 6 on yesterday’s reported figures.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan has stated that he understands that some people have become tired of this ongoing pandemic, but compliance with public health regulations is not at the level that it needs to be at this time and we are not seeing encouraging signs of reduction in socialisation.
He warned employers and employees that Christmas party plans are within everybody’s control, and he would like employers to minimise risk for both employees and themselves.
Dr Holohan also stated that there will be a limited role to antigen testing in schools and that the key thing for parents is that antigen testing should not be used as a green light test, if children have symptoms. He warned that there is evidence of that happening across the country.
Meanwhile, An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Mr Leo Varadkar has warned that if the hospitality sector wants to remain open it must comply with existing Covid rules. Plans to increase inspections by the Health and Safety Authority, to ensure premises are checking Covid passes, are to be further stepped up. Those not in compliance will face enforcement actions.
In Northern Ireland, a further 1,765 cases of the virus have been confirmed by their Department of Health.
This morning, there were 404 Covid-positive patients in northern hospitals, with 36 of these in intensive care units.
Sadly, over the same 24 hour period, a further 7 patients; who had previously tested positive for Covid-19, have passed away.
Please do continue to keep yourself and your family safe by regularly washing your hands and wearing a mask when appropriate.
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