Covid-19 levels in the Republic and the UK are increasing, but a lack of testing makes the situation less clear in Northern Ireland.
The Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) has said there are currently more infections leading to hospital admissions.
Although a downward trend had been observed in May and June, it is reported that levels started to increase by the end of June, with a similar pattern in the UK.
Despite the increased spread of the virus, the HSE said there had been no increase observed in the strength of the infections over recent weeks.
Although the number of ICU patients with a Covid-19 infection did increase in July, the overall numbers remain low – with 10 patients in ICU with Covid-19 compared to three on July 1.
If the number of infections continues to rise significantly, the HSE said it was likely there could be more hospital and ICU admissions.
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This week, the UK Health Security Agency also reported that a new Covid variant was spreading across the UK, but that hospital admissions had not significantly increased.
Known as EG.5.1, the new strain is said to be descended from the Omicron variant, with the UKHSA monitoring rates after increasing cases in Asia.
In Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency still publishes weekly bulletins on Covid-19 numbers, but with widespread testing no longer taking place, it only gives a small indication of current infection levels.
In the week ending July 23, the number of new infection episodes detected through clinical and routine testing was 225, an increase from 141 cases in the previous week.
There was also an increase in the number of confirmed Covid-19 outbreaks in care homes compared to the previous week.
A general increasing trend was also noticed in the number of community acquired emergency Covid-19 inpatients since the beginning of July.
The PHA has said that while only a small number of people are now tested, the existing data was still monitored as an increase may indicate an increase in spread or severity.
In the Republic, a number of hospitals are currently dealing with Covid outbreaks including St Luke’s in Kilkenny where most visiting has been temporarily suspended.
Separate outbreaks have also been reported at University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Galway, with 39 patients and five wards affected.
Phil Ní Sheaghdha, General Secretary of the the Irish Midwives and Nurses Organisation, met the HSE to discuss the outbreaks and told RTÉ she was concerned about cross-infection in hospitals.
"To be honest, we are not satisfied that there are measures in place now that were not in place last winter in respect of the air hygiene,” she said.
"We are concerned that the numbers on trolleys are still very high for the month of July, higher than this time last year, cumulatively since January 10 per cent higher. So, we are really concerned about this winter."
