PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS have confirmed 783 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

The Department of Health has reported that 73 patients with the illness are in hospital today, including 20 in intensive care units.

Data relating to the number of deaths associated with the coronavirus disease, as well as case numbers by county, have been affected by the cyber attack on the HSE IT systems.

Speaking at today’s briefing, deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said there had been 12 deaths in June, and one so far in July. 

Dr Glynn said the latest data is showing clear increases in incidence of disease right across the country.

“There is no question that the delta variant is having a considerable impact of transmission of Covid-19,” said Glynn, noting that the Delta variant also appears to be presenting with a different variety of symptoms including headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose.

“If you have any symptoms of a cold or flu it is vital that you isolate immediately and arrange a test,” he added. 

He said that some 626 cases in the last two weeks have been associated with travel, representing more than one in 10 cases “where contact traces have been able to trace the likely source of disease transmission”.

“A significant number of our positive cases over the past fortnight have been in Spain in the previous days. Spain, Britain and Portugal are particular high numbers,” he said. 

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the Nphet Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said infections are now growing at 2-4% per day.

“We can control this, and as we move towards a further re-opening of society next week, it is important to remember that the public health advice that we all so familiar with is as effective in breaking the chains of transmission of the Delta variant as it has been throughout the pandemic. Avoid crowds, wear a mask, manage your contacts, keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible, and, if indoors, ensure that the room is well ventilated,” said Nolan. 

The available data in relation to vaccine effectiveness against the Delta continues to be reassuring, said Dr Cillian De Gascun, Medical Virologist and Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, however, high levels of circulating virus in a partially vaccinated population increases the risk of emergence of virus variants.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: 

“Throughout this pandemic, we have been mindful of the disproportionate impact the necessary public health measures have had on certain people in our society. Unfortunately, this remains the case and we are continuing to see our young people suffer a great burden as they wait for their vaccinations.

“As we continue to re-open society and enjoy being able to meet loved ones again, it is important to remember that not all social situations are the same. There are certain instances, that are riskier than others. As we have said throughout this pandemic, Covid-19 spreads much easier indoors and when public health measures are not prevalent and as such, it is important to exercise caution in all environments as we continue to safely meet others.”

Yesterday, there were 589 cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland, there were 62 people in hospital, and 17 in ICU.