Health officials have announced a further of 5,452 PCR-confirmed COVID cases this evening.
Meanwhile, 8,644 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal yesterday.
This morning, there were 1,081 COVID patients in hospital – up 252 on this day last week.
There were 44 in intensive care, which is seven fewer than last week.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Irish businesses in the US this morning. Opens a press conference saying Kerrygold is the number 2 butter in the USA pic.twitter.com/bshS4jlDhT
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) March 16, 2022
Speaking in the US this evening, the Taoiseach said there have been no discussions in government about bringing back COVID restrictions.
He said he is concerned about the rise in cases; however, he noted that there has been no rise in ICU [patients and 50% of the patients in hospital are there for other ailments.
He appealed to people to enjoy the long St Patrick's Day weekend but to take basic precautions like mask wearing.
Cabinet members have spoken to the Chief Medical Officer about the situation, but Micheál Martin says no new restrictions are being considered.
“I think the key message I would give is vaccination,” he said.
“A lot of people out there have not got the booster. We would urge people to get that booster and to get vaccinated – particularly those who got sick earlier in the year with COVID and didn’t get the opportunity to get their booster.
“So, we think vaccination is the key.”
A teenage girl receives a dose of Covid-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre in Barcelona, Spain in December 2021. Picture by: Sipa USA / Alamy Stock PhotoThe Department of Health is warning people that it is important to continue to follow the public health advice in order to socialise safely and protect the vulnerable over the St Patrick’s Day weekend.
It said the increase in patients with COVID is placing an additional burden on the delivery of services across hospitals and Emergency Departments.
“Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved,” it said.
“Please do not attend any social events, work, school or college if you have symptoms.
“Mask wearing is advised in crowded indoor settings, on public transport and in healthcare settings. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so.
“Continue to practise good hand and respiratory hygiene by washing and sanitising hands regularly and coughing/sneezing into your elbow. Maintain a physical distance where possible.
“Meet up outdoors if possible. When meeting indoors, avoid poorly ventilated spaces and keep windows open.”
It noted that anyone diagnosed with COVID should isolate for seven days form when they first experienced symptoms.
Those who are asymptomatic should isolate for seven days after their first positive test.
The department said many people who tested positive over Christmas are now eligible for their booster.
You can book a booster appointment on www.hse.ie
