Those who are unvaccinated in Ireland are particularly vulnerable at the moment as the Delta variant - and its newly detected subvariant - continue to spread across the country.
Dr Tony Holohan, the Chief Medical Officer, has said officials are “increasingly worried” about the trajectory of the virus at the moment, with frontline services at risk of interruption.
He is calling on those who still need to get the free Covid vaccine to do so as soon as possible in order to minimise the risks we face heading into the winter months.
Speaking on Wednesday, he 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.”
It's understood that despite the rise in cases and hospital admissions, there is so far no talk among the government about reimplementing restrictions, according to The Irish Times.
People are being urged to stay at home, isolate from others and arrange a free test immediately if they experience symptoms of Covid-19 - even if vaccinated.
“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,” Dr Holohan advised.
“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.”
Fill in our 'Life After Restrictions' Survey below, or click here.
