Ireland is now in a 'stable' situation with Covid-19 - as the Chief Medical Officer hailed the people of the nation for their efforts.
In remarks made to an Oireachtas Committee on Thursday morning, Dr Tony Holohan noted that while the pandemic isn't over just yet, the overall picture remains "broadly positve."
He said: "This is demonstrated by an encouraging picture across a range of disease indicators. While the overall epidemiological situation indicates continuing high levels of infection and a significant number of cases receiving general hospital care, the number of hospitalised cases has fallen over recent days.
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"In addition, the number of Covid-19 cases in ICU and COVID-19 related mortality remain stable."
Dr Holohan put this down to the efforts of the Irish public, adding: "The population’s continued engagement with the vaccination programme, and the booster programme in particular, and high levels of adherence to public health measures, as well as the reduced severity of Omicron have brought us to this improved epidemiological situation."
However, he did strike one note of caution, giving key advice to help Ireland stay stable.
Dr Holohan continued: "In advising that social and economic restrictions could be removed, the NPHET stressed that the pandemic is not over and that, COVID-19 still poses a risk to public health. While that risk may have reduced, it is important the we continue to advise that the following components of our collective and layered response remain;
- Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate in accordance with current guidance.
- Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should self-isolate for 7 days from date of onset of symptoms, or if asymptomatic the date of their first positive test.
- Those who were infected with COVID-19 over the Christmas period are made aware that they will now be eligible for a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. It is not too late to receive a primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine and I would urge anyone who has not yet received their booster dose or completed their primary course of vaccination to do so as soon as possible.
- Mask wearing is advised on public transport and in healthcare settings. Individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are further advised to be aware of the risk associated with activities they may choose to engage in and to take measures to optimally protect themselves. Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as may relate, for example, to social gatherings or other activities and events."
Earlier this week, we learned that NIAC had recommended that those who are aged 65 or over should receive a 'second booster', as should anyone aged 12 and over who is immunocompromised.
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