The CMO says he's "increasingly worried about the rising incidence of the disease".
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 2,193* confirmed cases of COVID-19.
As of 8am today, 513 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 97 are in ICU.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“If you have not done so already, please choose to protect yourself by availing of your free COVID-19 vaccine which will significantly reduce your risk of severe illness if you contract the disease.
“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.”
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data validation.
Taoiseach Acknowledges Frustration As Laois Refuge Centre Stalls
Westmeath Comedian Shares Journey From Diet Culture To New Stand-Up Show
Offaly IFA Raises Alarm Over Brazilian Beef Imports Row
Westmeath Town To Hold First TEDx Event
Over €20k Raised For Family Of Midlands Nurse After Sudden Passing
Fast Track Citizenship Proposed For Immigrants Serving In Defence Forces
Gardaí Investigating Spate Of Laois Thefts
Westmeath Councillor Wants Short Term Let Planning Exemptions For Self Caterers
Plans For 27-Acre Midlands Soccer Facility Rejected
Laois Senator Rails Against Rent Pressure Zone Legislation
Managers Should Consider Remote Work Where Possible - FRS
Tourism Minister Welcomes Government Short-Term Let Restrictions
Former Portlaoise Prison Assistant Governor Criticises Psychiatric Prisoner Numbers
Midlands Local Authority Submits Plans To Extend Living City Initiative
Laois Commuters Spend Up To Two Hours A Day Travelling To Work
"Clarity, Honesty And Fairness Must Come Before Profits" - Midlands MEP
Rent Increases Hit Westmeath Council Tenants
NUJ Warn Oireachtas AI Threatening Journalism
Midlands Tourism Businesses Awarded For Excellence
Man Accused Of Murder In 5 Star Laois Hotel Pleads Not Guilty