LAST UPDATE | 23 Oct 2021

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS have confirmed 2,427 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

As of 8am this morning, there were 449 Covid-19 patients in hospital, of which 93 are in ICU.

Yesterday, there were 2,466 new cases of Covid-19, 457 people with the virus in hospital and 90 in ICU.

The National Public Health Emergency Team said on Wednesday that there had been 63 deaths notified in the past week, bringing to 5,369 the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland.

HSE chief executive Paul Reid said this afternoon that he expects this winter to be one of the most difficult in many years. 

He said Covid is “putting severe pressure” on the country’s health system. 

Speaking to RTÉ’s Saturday with Katie Hannon, Reid said: “It’s a real challenge for us, particularly as we head into winter. This is going to be probably one of the most difficult winters we faced for many years, so it is difficult for us.” 

There are currently no ICU paediatric beds available in Ireland and 11 adult beds are free. 

Reid said of the 206 ICU beds across the country, 93 are currently occupied by Covid patients. He added that around 57% of people in ICU have not been vaccinated. 

He added that he is “very anxious” for a decision to be made on giving booster shots to healthcare staff “sooner rather than later”. 

“We’ve seen more outbreaks and I think, from my perspective, we have a duty of care to staff and we have a duty of care to our patients,” he said. 

Bank Holiday warning 

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan yesterday said that the Bank Holiday weekend “will bring increased levels of socialising across the country”.

“With the current trajectory of the disease in Ireland it is important that every individual knows and acts on the basic measures to limit the spread of Covid-19,” Holohan said. 

“Keep social distance, wear a face mask appropriately, wash your hands regularly and manage your contacts. If you are meeting indoors with others, ensure the room is well ventilated, avoid crowded situations and if it feels like an unsafe environment, leave,” he said. 

“Be mindful of the symptoms of the disease such as fever, cough, or flu like symptoms. If you do experience any symptoms, self-isolate immediately and seek a PCR test as soon as possible.”