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The number of people hospitalized with Covid-19 continues to rise.
The latest figures show that at 8 a.m., there were 673 patients undergoing treatment for the virus, with 75 admissions in the last 24 hours.
It represents an increase of almost 100 people at the same time yesterday morning, when there were 581 people hospitalized, and rises from a figure of 619 at 8 p.m. last night.
673 is the highest number of people hospitalized for the coronavirus since May 5 of last year.
As of 7:30 p.m. yesterday, 56 patients were receiving treatment in intensive care units, of which 30 were on ventilators.
There were also seven other suspected cases of Covid-19 in ICUs.
It comes when medical director Dr. Tony Holohan said that the elderly and most vulnerable should not leave their homes unless it is for absolutely essential reasons.
Yesterday, the Department of Health reported 3,394 new cases of the virus and four more deaths.
The National Public Health Emergency Team has said the number of cases could rise further, warning that up to 6,000 could be seen per day at the peak of the current wave.
The number of Covid-19 cases has been artificially low in the past week, as the IT system used to report confirmed cases struggled to cope with a large number of positive test results.
A backlog of around 9,000 positive cases is now clearing up and is part of the reason the latest numbers are so high.
Hospitalizations and ICU admissions are increasing rapidly and are of great concern.
Dr. Holohan said the incidence of the disease is as high, if not higher, than it was in March.
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He said older and more vulnerable people should ask others to run errands for them and limit their contacts.
He said everyone must do their part to protect those most at risk.
“It is really important that the elderly and vulnerable do not leave their homes unless it is absolutely essential. This includes asking neighbors or relatives to run errands like shopping for groceries.” @CMOIreland pic.twitter.com/EF7uqFucg6
– Department of Health (@roinnslainte) January 2, 2021
Cork University Hospital has urged people not to go to their emergency department unless absolutely necessary.
In a statement, CUH said that the emergency department is exceptionally busy today due to a large number of very sick medical patients.
He has asked individuals to contact their GP / South Doc, Mercy Urgent Care Center, or local injury units in Bantry or Mallow, if possible, prior to attending the ED at CUH.
Additional reporting Orla O’Donnell
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