'Essential to break chains of Delta transmission'

513 Covid patients in hospital, of which 97 are in ICU

“It is essential that we do everything we can to break the chains of transmission of the Delta variant, in the community, in the workplace and in our homes,” says Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health.

He made the comments yesterday (Tuesday) as the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said they had been notified of 2,193 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 513 patients in hospital, of which 97 are in ICU.

“I am increasingly worried about the rising incidence of the disease nationwide. Our primary focus now must be to protect the most vulnerable from COVID-19,” Dr Holohan said.

“We are seeing a continuing increase in hospitalisation and intensive care admissions – a substantial amount of whom are not fully vaccinated - placing our frontline healthcare services, including non-COVID care, under significant pressure.

He went on to state that it is “essential that we do everything we can to break the chains of transmission of the Delta variant, in the community, in the workplace and in our homes. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated, please stay at home, isolate from others and arrange a free test immediately.”

Urging people to get the vaccine in order to significantly reduce the risk of severe illness through Covid, the CMO remarked: “The vaccine, our best defence against COVID-19, is not the only tool we have to drive down the spread of the disease. Please continue to regularly wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, open windows and ensure spaces are well ventilated, wear masks on public transport, shops, indoor workplaces and crowded outdoor areas, and by keeping a safe 2m distance from others as much as possible.”