There have been a further 4,650 confirmed case of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.
As of this morning the number of people hospitalised with COVID had gone up to 643, nine higher than yesterday.
Of these patients 118 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that approximately 1 in 6 people in the country COVID-like symptoms in the past week.
“The single most important action you can take if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 is to self-isolate and arrange a PCR test – not an antigen test.”
“If you want to avoid passing COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses on to your friends, family or work colleagues, rapidly self-isolating as soon as your symptoms begin is the most important thing you can do.”
Antigen tests will pay a larger role in the public health response to the pandemic under new plans, with primary school children’s families to be provided tests if a child in their pod tests positive.
New restrictions were introduced this week in response to rising cases, with midnight closing times for late-night venues, and people advised to work from home once again.
The COVID-19 data hub provides information on the key indicators of the disease in the community, including the rollout of the vaccine campaign.
