Cheif Clinical Officer warning that the health system 'won't cope' with rise in Covid-19 hospitalisations
Dr Colm Henry says if the high cases numbers continue is could result in the health system being overrun.
673 patients are currently being treated in hospital for the virus, with 56 people in ICUs.
Yesterday saw a record 3,394 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the Republic, with four further deaths also reported.
Quoted in today's Sunday Independent, Dr Henry has described the situation as "grave" and has pleaded with people to adhere now more than ever to public health guidelines.
Intensive Care Physician at University Hospital Limerick, Dr Catherine Motherway, said the surge in admissions is beginning to impact critical care and that the health system will not be able to cope if hospitalisations reach projected levels.
Dr Motherway agreed that the system is coming under unprecedented strain but that "we are not powerless".
"As a nation, we can actually do something to help our health system and to allow us to provide healthcare for everybody with COVID and without COVID," she said.
This can be done by "fully engaging" with NPHET's recommendations and adhering to public health guidelines.
