ANOTHER 5,590 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed by Irish health officials today.
The Department of Health says that there are now 505 Covid-19 patients in hospitals – down from 536 yesterday.
Of those, 117 people are receiving treatment in intensive care settings – up seven from yesterday’s figures.
There were nine Covid-19 patients recorded at Letterkenny University Hospital last night. As of 8pm last night, there are two confirmed Covid-19 patients in ICU at the hospital.
Donegal’s 14-day incidence rate is now 1,023.9 per 100,000. 1,630 new cases of the virus were detected in Donegal in the past fortnight.
Speaking this evening, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: “The current high incidence of COVID-19 that Ireland is experiencing is driven by the Delta variant, which, coupled with the presence of the Omicron variant, means that the trajectory of the disease remains uncertain.
“Booster vaccinations have been shown to produce very strong antibody responses and are likely to provide protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and death from most variants, including Delta and Omicron, at least in the short term.
“In the over 75 age group, where people have been taking up the offer of a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in high numbers, we are seeing significant reductions in the incidence of disease. This is another positive development and further evidence that getting a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine helps to protect from the most severe effects of COVID-19.
“Do not wait until after Christmas to receive your booster vaccine. The benefits of receiving your booster dose far outweigh any potential risks that may arise in the meantime. You will begin to receive the benefit of your booster protection within seven days of receiving your third dose. This means that anybody who received their vaccine this week can be confident in the protection the booster will offer them as we move closer to the Christmas period.
“As such, is it vital that all of us prioritise our booster appointments as soon as we receive them or make the time to attend a walk-in vaccination clinic if that option is available.”
