New data has shown that just one in two people with Covid-19 symptoms are isolating in Ireland.
The data, from Amarach tracking, has sparked concern amid the Omicron surge this Christmas.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said the “single most important piece of basic public health advice” is being ignored.
He said: “It is vital that you isolate as soon as you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 and arrange a PCR test.
“Do not meet up with others and put them at risk of COVID-19 or another respiratory infection. Do not rely on a negative antigen test as a basis for not isolating.”
Nphet reported a sharp increaed in the level of disease and positivity rate amongst young adults in the 16-34 age group.
Dr Holohan said: “Christmas week is an important time for many of us. However, it is also a time that presents unique opportunities for COVID to spread because of the possible extent of inter-household and inter-generational mixing. Each of us can take actions this week to protect ourselves and our loved ones, even if this means rethinking plans for the Christmas period, especially if you are not yet boosted or vaccinated.”
