The Department of Health has confirmed 4,667 new cases of Covid-19, over the past 24 hours, here in the Republic of Ireland.
There are 504 people in hospital, up 23 patients since yesterday. Of these 109 are in ICU, down 2 on figures reported yesterday.
The number of booster vaccinations accepted here in the Republic to-date now stands at 1,114,334; however sadly, the total number of deaths in the Republic, up to Wednesday December 8th last, now stands at 5,788.
Four additional cases of the Omicron variant have also been detected in the Republic, bringing to 10 the total number of cases that have been identified, following whole-genome sequencing.
Immunologist Professor Mr Kingston Mills has stated that the current booster campaign has to be speedily expedited, to everybody who is eligible. He further stated that we have a very small numbers of Omicron variant cases here so far and if we could manage to contain this new variant, we could avert its worst effects. However, he warned that if Omicron continues its pace in the UK; it is going to spread here into Ireland, since we are so linked with easy travel to both Northern Ireland and the UK.
Meanwhile, from tomorrow, the vaccination campaign is being expanded in England with people in their 30s now able to book a booster dose.
Following the decision by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to recommend vaccination for children aged 5 to 11, for vaccination against Covid-19 here in Éire, it is expected to be January before any vaccination of this grouping will fully materialise.
In Australia, it has been agreed to shorten the waiting time for people to receive Covid-19 booster vaccines, following a rise in cases of the Omicron variant. Australia had previously said it would offer a Covid-19 booster to everyone over 18 and who had their second dose of the vaccine six months prior. Australian Health Minister Mr Greg Hunt has stated that the time interval will now be shortened to five months after receipt of the second dose.
Another 1,548 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Northern Ireland today, up from 1,446 on yesterday.
To date the total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic rises is 2,924, including, sadly, 3 further reported deaths today.
It remains essential that we here in Co. Tipperary and nationally, continue to listen to science and keep ourselves and our families safe by regularly washing our hands; wearing a mask when appropriate, and cutting down on unnecessary social contacts.
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