Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer has called on people to take precautions now before spending Christmas with older or vulnerable family members.
4,235 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed by Irish health officials today, including 24 additional cases of the Omicron variant.
The Department of Health says that there are now 470 Covid-19 patients in hospitals. Of those, 105 people are receiving treatment in intensive care settings.
Nphet reports that 47 Covid related deaths were notified in the Republic in the past week. This brings the total number of Covid-19 deaths to 5,835.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, gave these words of warning: “Today marks 10 days before Christmas. If you contract COVID-19 today your isolation period will include Christmas Day. This can be avoided by ensuring you take every step possible to protect yourself.
“If you are planning to spend Christmas with older family members, anyone immunocompromised or vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, it is best that you take precautions from today. Avoid crowds, limit your contacts, work from home unless absolutely necessary, risk assess your environments and make safe choices over the coming days and weeks.
“Everyone should be aware that Omicron spreads very easily and we have now identified community transmission in Ireland, to the extent that this variant accounts for approximately 13% of all reported cases.
“Taking the opportunity to get a booster dose of vaccination is as vital today as getting the first dose was earlier this year. You will begin to receive the benefit of your booster protection within 7 days of receiving your third dose.”
