Ireland has recorded 1,408 new cases of Covid-19, the Chief Medical Officer has confirmed.
In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Dr Tony Holohan said that 152 people are in hospital battling the virus, while 26 are in intensive care.
Dr Holohan explained that we would be seeing a major surge in hospital figures if it weren't for the success in the vaccine rollout.
He said: “Currently, 2% of cases are being hospitalised. We know that we would be experiencing many more cases and hospitalisations were it not for the great progress being made in taking up vaccination. We need to keep this up as we move to vaccinate the remaining, mostly younger, cohorts of our population.
“The more people vaccinated in this country, the less opportunity Covid-19 has to inflict severe illness and disruption on us. If you are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination and have yet to register, please do so as soon as possible.”
“If you are waiting to be fully vaccinated, please continue to follow the public health advice; manage your social contacts, meet outdoors, stay 2m apart, wear masks, wash/sanitize hands regularly and avoid non-essential travel abroad.
"If you are experiencing symptoms of cold and flu: headache, sore throat, runny nose, stay at home and get tested as soon as possible for Covid-19.”
