Tony Holohan Issues Stern Warning As Covid-19 Hospitalizations Surpass Second Wave

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Dr. Tony Holohan has expressed concern about the increase in the number of people with Covid-19 requiring hospitalization.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) reported tonight that there were 359 Covid-19 positive patients in the hospital, of which 30 were in intensive care.

In a statement tonight, Dr Holohan said that more people have been hospitalized in the current third wave of the pandemic than during the entire second wave of infections in Ireland.

“We look at many metrics when monitoring the severity of Covid-19 disease. Today we report that we have exceeded the accumulated number of people hospitalized in this third wave than in the second, “he said.

Hospitalizations have increased dramatically in the past two days. This is a worrying trend that reflects the sharp increase in incidence that we saw in the last 10 days.

The CMO added that testers have seen a sharp increase in positivity rates in community tests, as the seven-day average has risen to 9.2%, up from 5.2% on December 18.

“This indicates that the virus is increasing its presence in our communities. This is one more reason why we strongly advise everyone to stay safe at home to avoid transmitting or contracting this virus, as it continues to circulate widely, ”Holohan explained.

“Please come in for the test if you are not feeling well. Know the symptoms of Covid-19 and don’t delay in calling your GP for advice. Isolate yourself in your room if you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath or changes in your sense of taste / smell, ”he added.

If you are a family contact of a confirmed case, you must restrict your movements for 14 days, even if your own test is reported as Covid ‘not detected’.

NPHET reported one more death and 765 additional cases of Covid-19 today. Dr. Holohan said the numbers come in despite fewer people attending the tests over the Christmas period.

“The data that we are reporting today is lower than the days until December 26. However, this is due to factors related to the time of year, such as lower rates of attendance and referrals and presentation for tests over several days during Christmas, ”he said.