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The Medical Director has warned that the number of people hospitalized in the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic has already exceeded the total registered in the second wave, with a sharp increase in the number of people hospitalized by Covid-19 in recent days.
Dr. Tony Holohan outlined his concerns after the latest figures showed 765 new confirmed cases of the virus and one additional death.
However, as with previous days’ figures, the number of new confirmed cases is likely to be lower than usual due to reductions in the number of people showing up for tests during the busy Christmas period.
As Europe struggles to cope with the third wave of the virus, made more difficult by the latest variant, there have been a total of 2,205 Covid-19-related deaths in Ireland and 86,894 confirmed cases.
As of 2 p.m. today, 359 Covid-19 patients were in the hospital, 30 of whom were in Intensive Care Units (ICU).
There were 41 additional hospitalizations in the previous 24 hours, with an additional five admissions to the ICU.
- 401 are men;
- 358 are women;
- 70% are under 45 years old;
- The average age is 33 years;
- 291 cases are in Dublin;
- 63 are in Cork;
- 59 are in Monaghan;
- 49 are in Louth;
- 43 are in Meath;
- and the remaining 260 cases are spread across all other counties.
The 14-day national incidence rate of the virus here now stands at 220.1
The incidence rate at 7 days is 140.
Medical Director Dr. Tomy Holohan said: “The data we report today is less than the days through December 26.
However, this is due to factors related to the time of year, such as lower attendance and referral rates and presentation for tests over several days during Christmas.
“We look at a lot of metrics when monitoring the severity of Covid-19 disease,” Dr. Holohan said.
“Today we report that we have exceeded the accumulated number of people hospitalized in this third wave than in the second.
“Hospitalizations have increased dramatically in the last two days. This is a worrying trend that reflects the sharp increase in incidence that we saw in the last 10 days.
“This indicates that the virus is increasing its presence in our communities.
“This is just 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.”
The CMO also urged anyone who feels bad to come forward for the test.
“Know the symptoms and don’t delay 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 said.
“If you are a household contact for a confirmed case, restrict your movements until your household member receives a negative test result.
“In addition to staying home except for essential reasons, these important individual actions will help stop the exponential spread of Covid-19 in our communities and, in turn, protect the most vulnerable, our healthcare system and those who work first. line”. added.
News of the latest total cases comes as Ireland prepares to begin vaccinations against the virus on Tuesday, a day earlier than initially planned.
The first punctures will be administered in four hospitals across the country: Beaumont and St James’s Hospitals in Dublin, Cork University Hospital and Galway University Hospital.
Nursing home residents and staff are among those to receive the first doses of the vaccine in the coming days, and all public and private nursing homes will be completed by the end of February, according to HSE chief Paul. Reid.
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