The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 11,139 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
In addition, on Sunday 16 January, 4,810 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal.
As of 8am today, 1,006 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 97 are in ICU.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: “As we continue to adjust to the latest changes to the public health advice relating to isolation and restriction of movements for cases and close contacts, it is important to remember that the most important change relates to mask wearing. It is now recommended that medical grade or FFP2 masks are used by:
- anyone 13 years and older who is a confirmed case, a close contact or who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
- over 60s and vulnerable people of all ages in indoor or crowded outdoor places
- anyone visiting a healthcare setting or when visiting those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 in any setting
"Masks can play a key role in reducing transmission of COVID-19 if made correctly, well fitted and worn properly – that is they cover the nose, mouth and chin.
“The best way to protect yourself against the most severe impacts of COVID-19 is to get your booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The evidence shows that people who have received a booster are less susceptible to infection and, if infected, are less infectious to others.
“According to our Amárach research, 68% of those aged under 35 years, who have received a full, primary course of COVID-19 vaccination but are not yet boosted, said that they would receive a booster dose if they were offered it next week. It is important to remember that you don’t need to wait for the HSE to contact you about your booster appointment. You can book an appointment online on www.hse.ie, drop into your local pharmacy or contact your GP.
“In the last week over 46,000 children aged 5-11 have been vaccinated in Ireland. Vaccines are a very safe and effective way to protect children from the risk posed by COVID-19 infection. The HSE are operating special child-friendly vaccine clinics. Please ensure to visit www.hse.ie for trusted information on COVID-19 vaccines or to book an appointment.
Dr Holohan added: "Continue to layer up on the basic public health measures, including vaccination, to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection. Wear the appropriate mask recommended for you, practice social distancing and good hand hygiene, work from home unless necessary to attend in person, avoid crowds and ensure indoor spaces and public transport are ventilated by opening windows regularly.”
It comes as HSE chief Paul Reid said that the latest data shows five "very positive" signs that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has peaked in Ireland.
The 7-day positivity rate that was in the low 50s last week now stands at 45.2% after 6,283 positive swabs were reported out of 17,048 taken.
There are five areas where the HSE and other governmental bodies see positive signs that the worst of Omicron is behind us.
They are a stable hospital admission rate that does appear to be decreasing every few days. 30 people were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours, with 56 admitted.
The severity of the illness is not the same as either the Delta and Alpha waves, previously. This is shown in the ICU figures which have hovered in the 80s-90s since Omicron first appeared.
The other positive signs that the HSE are seeing include:
- A drop in community test positive percentages
- A drop in the number of people being referred by their GP
- An increase in the number of available PCR test slots across the country
Speaking on Morning Ireland this morning, Professor of Immunology at Maynooth University, Professor Paul Moynagh said Omicron case numbers seem to have peaked.
"If you look at these waves they tend to be symmetrical, we don't really know why," Professor Moynagh said.
"So with Omicron, the incline was very, very steep, so we probably expect the decline to be something similar and reflect that steep incline."
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