LATEST: ‘The virus is now prolific’ – appeal as 4,642 new cases confirmed
A further 4,642 more people have contracted Covid-19, the Department of Health confirmed today.
And there are now 556 Covid-19 patients with the virus in hospital, up seven from yesterday.
Of these, 107 people are in ICU – an increase of 11.
The latest figures comes as two of the of the country’s leading health officials issued stark assessments about the spread of the virus.
Health Service Executive (HSE) chief executive Paul Reid said an immediate reduction in “high-risk activities” is now needed in order to slow the spread of Covid-19.
In a social media post this morning, he said it is the responsibility of “all of us” to “turn this around”.
“The virus is now prolific in most communities and nobody wants to be the next hospitalised case,” he said. “An immediate reduction by all of us of risk activities is needed to turn this around.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holoha reiterated his plea for everyone to significantly reduce social interaction.
In a video posted on Twitter, Dr Holohan, said the current level of transmission in Ireland was one of the highest over “the entire course of the pandemic”.
Dr Holohan also urged people: “Before you leave the house, think about the number of people you are going to meet, and the risk associated with the activities you have planned.”
“Keep your contacts low and avoid crowds; Wear a mask correctly; Meet outside if possible; Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces; Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.”
