BREAKING: New record of confirmed Covid-19 cases reported in Limerick

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The 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 in Limerick has risen to almost 500 (per 100,000 residents) after more than 200 new confirmed cases were reported on Thursday.

While 203 new cases have been reported in Limerick, the highest daily figure to date, the National Public Health Emergency Team says it is aware of more confirmed cases that have yet to be formally reported.

A total of 965 cases have been confirmed in Limerick over the past fortnight and the incidence rate is now 495.1, up from 250.4 a week ago (Christmas Eve).

Nationwide, 1,620 new cases have been reported along with 12 new Covid-related deaths.

As of 2 pm this New Year’s Eve, a total of 490 Covid-19 patients were being treated at the hospital, of which 42 were in the ICU.

At a press conference, Dr Tony Holohan, Medical Director of the Department of Health, said that Ireland is back in the mitigation stage of the pandemic.

“The alarming escalation in the incidence of the virus in the general population is of great concern. This disease is now widespread in our communities and as a result we are asking everyone to behave as if they are close contact,” he said.

To support the testing system through this increase, close contacts of confirmed cases are no longer encouraged to get tested.

“Testing and tracing is a containment exercise and we are no longer in a containment phase. However, it is imperative that if you are a close contact of a confirmed case, you restrict your movements and contact your GP immediately if you develop symptoms. ” Dr. Holohan said.

The Health Department says the average number of contacts per case has risen from 2.5 in November to an average in recent days of 6.3.

“This is a long way from where we need to be and I call on everyone, of all ages, to adhere to the restrictions imposed by the government that it has introduced: to stay at home, except for essential reasons, other than to do exercise up to 5 km “. Dr. Holohan said.

Commenting on the latest figures, Professor Philip Nolan, Chairman of NPHET’s Irish Epidemiological Modeling Advisory Group, said: “The epidemiological situation is very serious and the virus is spreading rapidly among all age groups, increasing the risk for those most vulnerable to serious infection, such as medically vulnerable people and people over the age of 60. The reproduction number is at least 1.6-1.8. The daily growth rate is now estimated at 7-10%, giving a doubling time of 7-10 days or less. “

He said a further increase in cases and hospitalizations is projected in the coming days before the latest public health measures go into effect.

“We are likely to see 700 to 1,000 people in the hospital with Covid-19 by the beginning of the new year. While it is difficult to face further restrictions, it is vital that everyone play their role by following public health advice to protect them most vulnerable in the population, “he said.

Meanwhile, the Midwest Department of Public Health is urging members of the public not to contact it about test results or to change sampling appointments.



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