Covid hospital numbers are at their highest levels since January.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 2,100 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19.
In addition, on Sunday 13 March, 7,271 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal.
On Saturday 12 March, the HPSC was notified of 4,400 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19. 6,853* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal the previous day.
On Sunday 13 March, the HPSC was notified of 5,475 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19. 5,791* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal the previous day.
As of 8am today, 1,042 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 42 are in ICU.
It comes amid renewed calls for mandatory mask-wearing to be reintroduced.
A Fine Gael senator making the call as hospital figures rise.
They're at their highest levels since mid-January.
With St Patrick's Day celebrations about to kick off, Senator Jerry Buttimer feels extra caution is needed:
While a public health expert says there should be a renewed message for people to wear masks in shops and on public transport.
The number of people in hospital with Covid has increased by nearly 60 per cent in the last two weeks.
More than 950 patients are being treated compared to just over 600 at the end of February.
Infectious diseases professor Jack Lambert says although masks are optional, they still play an important role:
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