Eight more cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 have been detected in the Republic, health officials confirmed last night.
The total number of cases that have been identified is now 18.
Nphet confirmed a further 4,688 cases of COVID-19 on Monday.
As of 8am yesterday, 518 COVID-19 patients were hospitalised, of whom 108 are in ICU.
Letterkenny University Hospital recorded 19 Covid-19 patients last night, of which three are in ICU.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: “Today we are reporting a further 8 cases of Omicron variant, confirmed by whole genome sequencing, bringing the total confirmed in Ireland to 18.
“Possible Omicron cases can be identified by the number of PCR results with ‘S gene target failure’ – just as we did when the alpha variant emerged a year ago. Using this methodology, we estimate that 11% of cases are now due to the Omicron variant, an increase from less than 1% only one week ago.
“While evidence on disease severity and immune escape is still emerging, it is clear this variant is more transmissible. We are hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.
“Over the coming days and weeks global health authorities will learn more about this variant and the risks it poses. In the meantime, we continue to have confidence in the basic measures to reduce transmission.”
