LAST UPDATE | 31 Oct 2021

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS have confirmed 1,963 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

As of 8am today, there were 500 Covid-19 patients in hospital, of which 93 were receiving intensive care.

Yesterday, there were 2,966 new cases of Covid-19, 470 people with the virus in hospital and 92 in ICUs. 

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) said on Wednesday that there had been 67 deaths notified to them in the past week, bringing Ireland’s total to 5,436.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said that he does not believe Covid-19 transmissions in school is uncommon.

“I am conscious that parents and guardians will be concerned about the high level of incidence of COVID-19 amongst the 5-12 age group, particularly as children head back to school on Monday after the mid-term.

“I want to reassure you that, as winter approaches, NPHET continues to monitor the level of incidence of the disease and to closely review the epidemiological data, the international research and guidance and to update our advice accordingly.

“International evidence tells us that, in the vast majority of cases, children who become infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. The public health advice is based on scientific evidence and the direct experience of the pandemic in Ireland.

“It shows that child-to-child transmission is uncommon in school settings where there are preventive measures in place like those throughout our schools,” he said. 

Holohan said that schools were “vital to the health and wellbeing of our children”. 

“It is important that we continue to balance the priorities of safeguarding public health in the community with the social and psychological development needs of our youngest generation.

“As parents and guardians, you are playing an essential role in driving down COVID-19 infection in our communities. Please continue to observe the public health advice at home and at school drop off and pick up and remember to keep a safe 2m distance from other parents or guardians at these busy times,” he explained. 

He asked people to continue to wash their hands, cover coughs, and continue wearing masks.

He also said that people should stay at home if they are suffering from any symptoms.

“I want to thank parents and guardians, grandparents, teachers, schools and of course, schoolchildren themselves, for continuing to work with us to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to keep driving down incidence of infection.

“You are helping us to protect patients in hospital and people in the community who are the most vulnerable to infection and severe illness. Your effort is vital to our success,” he added.