Irish health officials have this evening reported 4,407 new cases of Covid-19 as government officials scramble to plan for a further winter surge.
614 people are now receiving treatment in hospital for side effects of the virus while 114 of them are currently in the ICU.
This marks a decline of 8 in the number of people in hospital and a decrease of 3 in ICU admissions.
An Taoiseach Micheal Martin is due to announce a list of new guidelines in response to the recent hike in infection rates across Ireland, including a new curfew for hospitality venues, extended use of Covid Digital Certificates and new rules associated with mask wearing.
Yesterday, NPHET projected that 400-500 people will be in the ICU in the coming weeks, according to its worst case scenario modelling.
At this point, it is also understood that NPHET believes the peak of the virus will not occur until at least December.
In line with the continuous rise in cases, it is understood that officials are considering an update to the following Covid rules:
- Pubs, restaurants and nightclubs will have a new closing time of midnight from Thursday
- People will have to restrict their movements for five days if they are a household contact and will have to take three antigen tests in a new policy change
- People will be told to work from home which NPHET have recommended
- Vaccine passes won’t be required for access to hairdressers, barbers or gyms but they will be used for access to theatres and cinemas
- Strict rules around mask wearing for indoor and outdoor settings
- Antigen tests will be made more affordable for the people - this has to be worked on for a number of days
- NIAC, the State’s vaccine advisory body has given the go-ahead for booster jabs for people aged in their 50s and for people aged under 50 with underlying health conditions
More clarity on exactly what changes we can expect from this week will be given in an address by the Taoiseach at 6:00 pm this evening.
