Another eight cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in Ireland with the Chief Medical Officer warning “we are hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.”
Dr Tony Holohan said NPHET estimates that 11% of cases are now due to the Omicron variant, an increase from less than 1% only one week ago.
It comes as Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has announced the interval between getting a second and third Covid jab has been shortened to three months.
He said the Government has accepted the updated advice from NIAC and confirmed people can now receive their booster jab three months later instead of five.
He also said NIAC have recommended a fourth booster for anyone who is immunocompromised.
And this should be given no sooner than three months after an individual had their third Covid vaccine.
Dr Holohan said a total of 18 cases of the Omicron variant have now been detected in the country as NPHET announced another 4,688 Covid-19 cases.
And 518 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised with Covid-19, of which 108 are in ICU.
Dr Holohan said: “Today we are reporting a further 8 cases of Omicron variant, confirmed by whole genome sequencing, bringing the total confirmed in Ireland to 18.
"Possible Omicron cases can be identified by the number of PCR results with 'S gene target failure' - just as we did when the alpha variant emerged a year ago.
“Using this methodology, we estimate that 11% of cases are now due to the Omicron variant, an increase from less than 1% only one week ago.
“While evidence on disease severity and immune escape is still emerging, it is clear this variant is more transmissible.
“We are hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.
“Over the coming days and weeks global health authorities will learn more about this variant and the risks it poses.
“In the meantime, we continue to have confidence in the basic measures to reduce transmission.”
A statement from NPHET also said: “The proportion of cases that are Omicron is now rising exponentially and it is likely that there is now widespread community transmission of this variant.
“It is likely that the proportion of cases due to the Omicron variant will increase very rapidly over the coming days.”
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said NIAC also recommended that those individuals who have received one dose of a two-dose primary vaccine schedule and who subsequently have a confirmed Covid infection, should complete their primary vaccination course four weeks after diagnosis or onset of symptoms.
He said NIAC have reiterated that vaccine booster doses should continue to be offered in the priority order previously recommended.
Minister Donnelly said: “Decreasing the interval for booster doses is an important step given Ireland’s current epidemiological situation and the increasing concern we have about the spread of the Omicron variant.
“This step should serve to reduce severe disease, hospitalisation and deaths, as well as having an impact on infection rates.
“Continue to avoid crowds and reduce your contacts, wear a mask, including in crowded outdoor environments, keep your distance - if you feel unsafe, feel empowered to leave, open windows and avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces and clean your hands regularly.
“Do not wait until after Christmas to receive your booster vaccine or come forward for your first dose, the benefits of receiving your booster dose far outweigh any potential risks that may arise in the meantime.”
