The Chief Medical Officer has urged people to avoid Christmas mass this year if they are experiencing Covid-like symptoms.
The advice follows an alarming spike in respiratory illnesses across the past few weeks. There has been an estimated 75 % rise in flu cases, putting significant pressure on the country’s health service.
Professor Breda Smyth told RTE that mounting cases were signs of an incoming “respiratory storm” and encouraged people to act responsibly this festive season. She asked people not to attend Christmas mass services, which were significantly curtailed during the pandemic, if they showed any signs of Covid or flu like symptoms.
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She also advised people to wear face masks where possible in order to protect the most vulnerable in society as the spike continues. Data suggests that almost one in five people are getting a positive result on their Covid PCR tests.
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry also shared these concerns. He reiterated the importance of staying at home over Christmas if people experience Covid.
He told RTE: “We’re seeing a lot of viruses, the vast majority of which will cause no harm. After two years of intermittent lockdowns, are immune systems are not as attuned as they were to conditions like influenza or Covid.”
He also admitted that vaccination uptake was “waning” and appealed for eligible people to consider getting a booster. People aged 65 and over, as well as those with compromised immune systems, are currently entitled to receive their third booster for the virus.
This Christmas is the first one to be celebrated away from the shadow of public health restrictions. The sharp rise in cases has likely occurred due to the added socialisation brought on by the festive period.
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