LATEST: 1,758 new cases of virus, Ireland stops deliveries of AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines
A further 1,758 more people have contected the coronavirus, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.
There are 248 people being treated for the virus in hospital, up 19 since yesterday. The number of people in intensive care units is 48, up five on the previous 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Health Service Executive CEO Paul Reid today announced Ireland will cease further deliveries of AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines.
It comes as the EU focuses its efforts on acquiring mRNA vaccines.
Mr Reid said there is currently a strong availability of mRNA vaccines in Ireland and therefore further deliveries of AstraZeneca and Janssen will be suspended for now.
The HSE said it follows advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee which found that Ireland has “surer supplies” of mRNA vaccines, and appointments can be offered in a “timely manner”.
The HSE said in a statement that the decision was made in the context of the “risk posed by the Delta variant in conjunction with the availability of mRNA vaccines”.
