5 things we learned from tonight’s NPHET briefing

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Incidence is much higher among people ages 19-24

Professor Philip Nolan told the briefing that the seven-day incidence of cases is highest among people aged 19-24.

He said that in the last two weeks there has been a high increase in the weekly incidence rate in all age groups, but said that the incidence in those who are of school age is equal to or lower than the population average.

He said that during the seven days until last Saturday night there were 900 cases per 100,000 in people aged 19 to 24; 400 cases per 100,000 in people aged 25 to 64; and 200-300 cases per 100,000 in people over 65 and people between 13 and 18 years old.

“If you have flu-like symptoms, it is unlikely to be anything other than Covid at this time.”

Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan said in tonight’s briefing that if people start to experience flu-like symptoms in the next few days, then it should be assumed that it is Covid-19.

He said doctors see very little in terms of other viruses right now.

“The positivity rate in the community is approaching 25%. If you have these symptoms, it is unlikely that it is anything other than Covid at this time.

“If you are waiting for a test, if your GP has referred you or is waiting for a test result, you should isolate yourself,” he said.

The situation moves so fast that the averages do not reflect the situation.

Professor Philip Nolan said that we are now seeing numbers that he never anticipated would have to be reported.

He said recent daily counts were “very significantly” above the first wave of infection and the subsequent spike in October.

He said the true underlying incidence rate is likely closer to between 700 and 800 per 100,000 people, and that the situation is now moving so fast that the seven-day averages do not reflect the reality of the situation.

A call to work from home

Dr. Holohan said that NPHET was asking all employers to do everything possible to keep their workers safe.

He said all employers should ask staff to come to work only if their work is necessary, and their presence at work was necessary to perform their work.

“As an employer, you have a basic duty of caring for your staff, and you fulfill that duty of care by making sure you do everything you can to make it as easy as possible for your staff.

“Only bring them to work if that work is essential by nature, and if their presence is essential,” he said.

The educational situation

“We are concerned about our ability to ensure the continued delivery of any of the basic public services. Education is one of those,” said Dr. Holohan.

He said they are concerned about the implications for the continued provision of education, and that while the level of cases at the school level is still below the population average, it is increasing at a “very, very fast rate.”

The CMO said he was talking to the Taoiseach about this today.



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