The number of people hospitalised with Covid-19 took a notable jump yesterday, amid rising case numbers nationwide.
As of 8pm last night, there are currently 366 patients in hospital with Covid-19.
The figure has increased by 38 since Saturday.
The number of Covid-19 patients in Letterkenny University Hospital rose by two over the weekend – from five to seven. Two people with Covid-19 are in intensive care at LUH.
The hospital registered three general care beds and one critical care bed as available last night.
COVID-19 Daily Operations Update – Acute Hospitals 2000hrs Sunday 21st March 2021
Health officials are warning that another surge in cases may be on the way.
Professor Martin Cormican, the HSE’s lead for Infection Control, said indoor gatherings, combined with low vaccination levels, are posing risks to communities.
The Department of Health reported 769 cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, the highest daily increase in cases reported since Friday 26 February. Donegal recorded 67 new cases – the highest increase since mid-January.
Professor Cormican, speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, urged the public to “be very careful” as “there is a risk wherever people come together”.
“There is a real danger of a surge. We certainly all hoped to be in a better place than we are but we have to deal with the reality of where we are which is that we really need to be very careful,” he said.
Prof Cormican said there has been an increased spread of the virus in workplaces and other settings.
“It makes no difference to the virus if it’s a wake or a birthday party,” he said.
