NPHET: Situation ‘fragile’

TEN further deaths relating to Covid-19 were reported yesterday, as it emerged the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has told the Government that the virus situation in Ireland remains ‘concerning’.

In a letter sent to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly last week, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the overall situation was currently stable or improving, but that there was a ‘level of uncertainty’ about case counts.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre was yesterday notified of four additional deaths this month, five in March and one in February.

The median age of those who died was 84 years and the age range was between 77 and 97 years.

There have now been 4,884 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland.

The HPSC was also notified of 426 new confirmed cases of Covid, of which 74% were under 45 years of age, and the median age was 29 years old

Of these, 156 were in Dublin, 39 in Donegal, 28 in Kildare, 28 in Meath and 25 in Limerick. As of 8am yesterday, 153 Covid patients were hospitalised, of which 47 were in ICU. There were ten additional hospitalisations in the previous 24 hours. By Sunday, 1,398,061 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in Ireland. Just under a million people have received their first dose, while almost 400,000 have received their second dose. In his letter to Mr Donnelly, Dr Holohan noted: ‘While there is strong evidence of the protective effect from vaccination in those immunised, the population is largely not yet protected. ‘As such, the situation remains fragile and any increase in close contact represents a significant risk.’ Dr Holohan said NPHET had held an initial discussion about strategy and the correct approach to public health measures for the coming months. He spoke out ahead of a cabinet subcommittee meeting as the Government prepares to announce its latest roadmap for reopening tomorrow.