There have been 3,887 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed by the Department of Health, in the Irish Republic; reported in the past 24 hours.
Of these 493 patients are in our hospital’s having tested positive for Covid-19, down 25 from on yesterday’s reported total and of these 109 are receiving treatment in intensive care units, an increase of 1 on yesterday.
Earlier today, An Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin said the Government needs everyone on board in relation to the booster roll-out, as the new Omicron variant is of a serious concern.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) estimates that 11% of Covid-19 cases in Ireland currently are now due to the new, more transmissible, Omicron variant.
Dr Mike Ryan, head of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergency Programme, has stated that we can’t vaccinate our way out of this pandemic nor can we lockdown our way, what we have to do is have coherent, multilayered strategies that get us through to the end of this pandemic.
Mr Ryan also warned the public to expect that rising numbers and force of infection would generate more hospitalisations within the coming weeks.
In possibly more encouraging news, results based on trials of more than 2,200 people and other back-up findings announced last month by Pfizer; the drugs company has stated today that clinical trials confirmed its new anti-Covid pill reduced hospitalisations and deaths among at-risk people by almost 90%, when it was taken in the first few days after Covid symptoms had appeared.
The company further stated that this oral treatment appears to be effective against the new Omicron variant.
A further 1,581 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Northern Ireland today, up from 1,431 reported yesterday.
There are 326 patients with Covid-19 in hospitals in Northern Ireland, up from 309 yesterday, and of these, 31 patients with Covid-19 are in northern hospital intensive care units.
Sadly, 4 further Covid-19-related deaths have also been reported in Northern Ireland today.
In Northern Ireland also, persons wishing to patronise nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and other licensed premises will now need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test result or evidence of a previous Covid-19 infection.
Take measures today to ensure a safe Christmas in Co. Tipperary.
Leave a Reply