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There have been 744 new cases of Covid-19 reported to the Department of Health, with four more deaths.
However, the medical director cautioned that the number of cases is likely to increase significantly in the coming days, as fewer tests were conducted on Christmas Day and on St. Stephen’s Day.
At 8 am, there were 324 patients in the hospital, of whom 26 were in the ICU.
There have now been a total of 86,129 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and the death toll is now 2,204.
Of the cases reported today, 388 are men and 354 women, with 64% under 45 years of age. The average age is 34 years.
The regional breakdown shows that there were 246 cases in Dublin, 131 in Cork, 51 in Limerick, 40 in Wexford and 33 in Donegal.
The remaining 243 cases are spread across 19 other counties. The 14-day incidence rate has now increased to 209.6.
There have been 50 additional hospitalizations in the last 24 hours and the Medical Director expressed concern about the trajectory of the disease.
Dr. Tony Holohan said: “We have seen a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations in the last two weeks from less than 190 to 324 today.
“This indicates a deterioration in the disease trajectory nationwide and is a significant reminder of the severity of this disease.
“There have been further increases in key Covid-19 indicators across the country and the growth rate of the epidemic has accelerated in recent days.
“Due to the lower volume of testing that took place on Christmas Day and yesterday, we believe there are higher levels of disease circulating in the community than reflected by the numbers of cases reported today.”
“We expect, therefore, to see a large increase in reported cases in the coming days.”
“If we do not act now to stop the spread of Covid-19, we will not be able to protect those in our society who are most at risk of serious illness or death.
“Stay home, don’t visit friends or family unless you are providing essential care and have no visitors in your home. Follow public health advice.”
Meanwhile, a Dublin GP has said that 70% of patient contacts on St. Stephen’s Day in Dublin were related to Covid.
Dr. Ray Walley attributed a recent spike in cases to people letting go of their guard.
He said people are meeting too many people, and with the mix over the Christmas period, he worries there will be a further increase in the number of cases in the coming days.
Dr. Walley said that the positivity rate is now “exceptionally high” and that GPs are very concerned.
“It will take two to four weeks to manifest in hospitals and our intensive care units and that is extremely worrying,” he said.
New travel and meeting restrictions
The inter-county travel ban went into effect at midnight last night under Level 5 restrictions in the Government’s Living with Covid-19 plan.
However, travel outside of their county will be allowed for those who return to their place of residence.
Otherwise, you must remain within your county, apart from traveling for work, education, or other essential purposes.
The new restrictions on family reunions are also in effect as of today, with reduced interior visits from two other households to just one other household through December 31 inclusive.
As of January 1, visitors are not allowed in private homes / gardens (except for essential family reasons, such as providing care for children, the elderly or vulnerable people, or as part of a support bubble).
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Hotels can only remain open for essential non-social and non-tourist purposes.
Weddings can have up to 25 guests until January 2 inclusive. Only six guests are allowed as of January 3.
Funerals with only ten mourners are allowed. Religious services are online, but places of worship may be open for private prayer.
The latest restrictions will be in effect until at least January 12.
The Justice Department, in a statement, assured victims of domestic abuse that supports and protections will continue to be available during Level 5, including during the vacation period.
Minister Helen McEntee said: “As part of Phase 3 of Operation Faoiseamh, Gardaí will continue to proactively reach out and make contact with previous victims to provide reassurance, support and offer the assistance of local and specialized resources.
“Anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse or is in fear for their safety should ask for help at any time. Don’t wait.”
Information on services and supports is available on the campaign website www.stillhere.ie.
Additional information Laura Hogan and Helen Donohue
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