After the number of new Covid-19 cases in Ireland hit a new five-month high, the mood at the latest National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) press briefing was somewhat sombre.
Dr Tony Holohan, Dr Ronan Glynn, Professor Philip Nolan, Professor Karina Butler, Chair of National Immunisation Advisory Committee and Dr Cillian De Gascún addressed the media at the Department of Health this evening.
But aside from the case tally of 789, there were a few other important bits of information that we found out about:
Infections are now growing at 2-4% per day
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said as Ireland continues to re-open next week, it is important to continue adhering to public health guidelines in order to stop the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.
"Infections are now growing at 2-4% per day.
"We can control this, and as we move towards a further re-opening of society next week, it is important to remember that the public health advice that we all so familiar with is as effective in breaking the chains of transmission of the Delta variant as it has been throughout the pandemic."
New symptoms of Delta variant
"There is no question that the Delta variant is having a considerable impact of transmission on Covid-19."
Those were the words of Dr Ronan Glynn when speaking to the media this afternoon.
He also informed reporters that there were new symptoms associated with the dangerous Delta variant.
In addition to fever, cough, shortness of breath and change in smell or taste, people should isolate if they have a runny nose, sore throat or headache, according to Dr Glynn.
Donegal still struggling with cases
Dr Glynn said that NPHET are seeing a much higher incidence of the disease in Donegal. He said there was also an increased incidence in a number of areas, particularly Louth, Dublin, Sligo and Limerick.
"The two areas with the highest incidence in the country are in Donegal, Buncrana and Carndonagh, followed by Limerick City North, Ongar, and Ardee largely reflecting what we are seeing at the county level," he said
Dr Tony Holohan urges people not to "sneak into a pub"
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has urged unvaccinated people not to try get in "the back door of a pub."
It comes ahead of the return of indoor dining later in July - but only for those with the vaccine pass.
When it was put to the CMO that people could try and get into a pub away from the main entrance, Dr Holohan was stern.
He said "do not do that, if you’re not vaccinated you’re not safe."
"Remarkable" vaccine rollout
Prof Karina Butler, Chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) has said it is "truly remarkable" that almost 60% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.
“The vaccine programme is being delivered in the fairest and most equitable way and continues to prioritise those most at risk from Covid-19.
"It is really important that when your turn comes, you take your Covid-19 vaccine and that when called for a second dose, that you complete your dosing schedule and wait the appropriate period for full protection."
