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All indicators of Covid-19 spread are worsening, faster than public health officials expected, Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan said.
As a result, officials fear a spike in cases among the vulnerable 65 and older over the Christmas period, he warned.
The National Public Health Emergency Team has reported four other deaths from Covid-19 patients. This brings the total number of deaths in the pandemic to 2,158.
Nphet also reported 764 confirmed cases of the disease, bringing the total number of cases in the Republic to 79,542.
“All indicators of disease severity are moving in the wrong direction, faster than we had anticipated,” commented Dr. Holohan. “We have particularly strong concerns about the possibility of intergenerational mixing around the holiday season.”
Sunday’s case numbers were the highest daily figures since Nov. 2.
Since Dec. 11, the seven-day incidence for people ages 19 to 44 has more than doubled, from 106 cases per 100,000 residents to 217, it noted.
“If these younger people come into contact with their loved ones over 65, we could see an increase in infections in this most vulnerable group. This would lead to a very serious pattern of illness, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and unnecessary deaths. “
Cases are increasing rapidly. We have few cases and deaths compared to the EU / UK / US This is at risk now, just as the vaccines arrive. To protect yourself and your loved ones: Stay home. Don’t get together. Stay away from restaurants / pubs. Avoid the crowds. Wear masks. Follow the health tips. @roinnslainte
– Dr. Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland)
December 20, 2020
He urged people who have been socializing in recent weeks to “carefully consider their Christmas plans.”
“Is it responsible to meet with your family over 65 at the end of this week, if you have not kept your contacts low? Should you cancel your plans?
“We have the very real prospect of Covid-19 vaccines on the horizon. Make sure your loved ones are still alive to receive them, keeping your distance from them if you haven’t restricted your “movements up to this point.
As difficult as it may sound, staying away from the older family this Christmas will protect them, and it would be an exceptional sacrifice made for the common good. “
The national incidence has increased to 112.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days. Donegal has the highest incidence in the county, with 263.8, followed by Louth with 235.1. The lowest incidence is in Leitrim, with 25.
Of the new cases, 284 are in Dublin, 70 in Limerick, 52 in Donegal, 44 in Cork and 37 in Wexford, and the remaining 277 cases are spread across 20 other counties.
The average age is 34 years and 67% are under 45 years of age.
On Sunday afternoon, 233 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized, of which 29 were in the ICU. There were 15 additional hospitalizations in the last 24 hours.
‘Level 3 plus’
Ireland relaxed its Covid-19 restrictions on Friday, allowing inter-county travel over Christmas and allowing three households to gather inside.
The cabinet will meet Tuesday to consider advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) regarding new restrictions on hospitality and home visiting in response to the increasing number of cases.
In a letter to the government, Nphet recommended “Level 3 plus” restrictions effective December 28, during which inter-county travel would be discontinued and restaurants and gourmet bars would once again offer takeout-only services.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed on Friday that pubs and restaurants will be closed before New Year’s Eve. Martin said he would recommend to Cabinet that the bars and restaurants close soon.
However, it is understood that the government will likely choose to delay hospitality and home visiting restrictions until December 30 and that inter-county travel will be allowed until January 6.
There is frustration in the hotel industry at having to wait until Tuesday for a government decision. – Additional reporting PA
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