Ireland

Republic records two days of highest daily Covid case numbers since January with highest incidence in 16-34 age group

The Republic's current highest incidence rate of Covid-19 is among young people aged between 16 and 34, new data shows. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker.
The Republic's current highest incidence rate of Covid-19 is among young people aged between 16 and 34, new data shows. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker. The Republic's current highest incidence rate of Covid-19 is among young people aged between 16 and 34, new data shows. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker.

THE Republic has recorded its highest daily Covid-19 cases numbers since January for the second day in a row.

On Saturday, the Department of Health said 1,828 new cases of infection had been recorded - the highest daily figure since the peak of the last wave in January, when 8,227 new cases were reported in one day.

Yesterday, it was revealed that 1,837 new cases had been identified across the Republic, nine more than the previous day's total, meaning Sunday has now had the highest daily total since January.

The highest incidence rate of Covid-19 is among young people aged between 16 and 34, new data also shows.

The Delta variant is continuing to spread through the largely unvaccinated population.

Just three per cent of cases of coronavirus are now in people aged 65 and over, Ireland's deputy chief medical officer said.

Dr Ronan Glynn said the incidence of Covid in Ireland is currently high.

"There remains significant uncertainty in terms of the underlying trends, including the potential effect of the recent August Bank Holiday weekend on case numbers and referral patterns," he warned.

"With over 18,000 cases in the last fortnight, Ireland's 14-day incidence rate has now increased to 386 per 100,000 population, the highest it has been since the start of February.

"Incidence remains particularly high, above 500 per 100,000, in Donegal, Louth, Galway, Mayo and Monaghan.

"Although the link between cases and severe disease has been substantially weakened through vaccination, it has not been completely broken and, unfortunately, due to the high incidence, we continue to see an increasing number of people in hospital, with about 190 inpatients at present, approximately 30 of whom are in critical care.

"We are experiencing a high level of disease and the outlook over the coming days is uncertain.

"What is not uncertain is that we can alter the course of this disease through the simple measures that we are so familiar with.

"What there is also no uncertainty about is the phenomenal uptake of Covid vaccines by people of all ages across Ireland."

On Saturday, the head of the Health Service Executive (HSE), Paul Reid, said the figures prove the south is at a "key juncture" in the pandemic.

"With 77 percent of adults fully vaccinated, rising cases still pose a real threat," Mr Reid said.

"Two types of walk-in centres play a key role this weekend, ie to receive a first vaccination or a Covid test. Please avail as appropriate."

The Department of Health said yesterday there were 208 people in hospitals throughout the south being treated for Covid - ten more than on Saturday.

There were 31 patients being treated in intensive care wards, they added - two less than the previous day.

Meanwhile, the HSE has opened up more walk-in vaccine centres following last week's successful uptake.

While it is aimed at the younger age cohort, a number of older people have also availed of the service.

Mr Reid met 87-year-old Mary O'Connor who drove to the centre in Sligo on Saturday to receive her first vaccination.

Ms O'Connor is the oldest person to be vaccinated so far through the walk-in centres.

"It was a pleasure and moving to meet Mary and to hear many of her lovely life experiences," Mr Reid said.