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An NPHET expert warns that Ireland could see up to 1,300 new cases per day by the end of October.
Professor Philip Nolan said that hundreds of people could be in the hospital in just a few weeks if trends continue as they are.
Ireland saw 470 new cases on Friday as the second wave of Covid-19 spikes across Western Europe.
Here’s everything you need to know today about the Covid-19 situation here in Ireland.
(Image: Gareth Chaney / Collins)
Hundreds in the hospital at the end of October
As mentioned, Prof. Nolan predicts that there will be up to 400 people in the hospital and more than a thousand cases daily by the end of the month.
The NPHET expert said: “If nothing changes, and cases and hospitalizations grow as they have in recent weeks, we could see 1200-1300 cases per day and 400 people in hospital by the end of October.
“We are seeing people die; mortality from this virus is not insignificant and significantly higher than influenza. The only way to protect the vulnerable is to greatly reduce the level of circulating virus in the community.”
“This is not intended to scare people. It asks us to be honest with ourselves. And it is not inevitable. On the contrary, if we redouble our efforts to minimize our social contacts, we keep our distance when we are with others and we stay at home if we feel sick, we can overcome this. “
A county sees a significant increase in incidence rate
Longford has seen a sudden spike in Covid cases and is now in real danger of being considered for level three restrictions by NPHET.
The county has a 14-day incidence rate of 119.9 in the most recent HPSC data.
This is behind only the closed counties of Dublin, Donegal, Monaghan and Roscommon.
This is where all of Friday’s cases were located;
Dublin – 198
Cork – 61
Donegal – 36
Kildare – 19
Limerick – 19
Kerry – 12
Galway – 11
Meath – 11
Roscommon – 10
Cavan – 9
Clare – 9
Kilkenny – 9
Longford – 9
Offaly – 9
Westmeath – 9
Louth – 8
Tipperary – 7
Wexford – 7
Seven remaining counties – 17.
Weekend warnings to stop the spread
The Health Department has asked people to follow these key measures this weekend;
- Reduce the number of people you meet
- See key people, prioritize what you do
- Keep your distance from others
- Even if you know them well
- Meet outside if possible
Dr. Ronan Glynn added: “The situation nationwide is a matter of great concern and NPHET now recommends that no more than two households meet at any one time.
“It is vital that everyone, families, friends and neighbors, limit the opportunities for this virus to pass from one person to another and stop the spread of the disease in homes.
“Behave like you have the virus and keep yourself and those around you safe – don’t take chances by hosting or attending meetings with more than one household.”
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