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The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals across the country has fallen to 984, the lowest number on record since January 6.
Aces in hospitals have continued to fall in recent days, but health officials warn that pressure on intensive care settings and staff remains very high.
There are still 299 people in ICUs across the country, of which 172 are coronavirus patients, meaning ICUs are still using the surge capacity.
While the reduction in the number is good news, HSE chief Paul Reid said hospitals still have “a long way to go.”
“Better news again this morning, as we have further reduced the number of Covid-19 patients in the hospital by 984. However, there is nothing normal at these levels and we still have a long way to go. But at least it seems like now we have the wind behind us, ”Reid said on Twitter.
The number of free ICU beds within the system has increased to 35 adult beds and five pediatric beds.
There were 123 people on respirators in Ireland’s intensive care units at 8pm last night.
Mater Hospital has the highest number of Covid-19 patients in Ireland with 21, while St James’ cares for the second highest number with 19. Cork University Hospital has the third highest number of coronavirus patients in intensive care with 14.
Earlier today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin insisted that one of the main reasons Ireland would see a continuation of Level 5 restrictions until Easter was due to the above in the health service.
The Taoiseach said that the Prime Time program in the hospital system on Monday “revealed the real pressure” our hospitals are under and said the government’s goal is to alleviate this pressure, “not only in the short term but for a sustained period.” .
Meanwhile, Ireland’s vaccination launch has seen 243,353 vaccines administered as of Monday, with 154,900 of these first doses and 88,453 second doses.
The launch of the vaccination program for people over 70 is due to begin next week, starting at over 85 years of age, and the Taoiseach said Ireland was correct to move “cautiously” from restrictions in view of launching the vaccine.
“Every month that we receive the vaccine now, we reduce mortality, we reduce serious diseases among the most vulnerable. That’s an award worth fighting for, ”Martin said.
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