COVID-19 case numbers remain high despite decreases in PCR positive confirmed cases and antigen positive cases
The latest weekly report on COVID-19 cases in Ireland is now available here. Although PCR positive confirmed cases notified on the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting System (CIDR), and antigen positive cases have decreased compared to the preceding week, they remain high. People should continue to be vigilant and follow public health advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and complete their COVID-19 vaccination, including the booster dose, to reduce the risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19.
For advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms go to:
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/symptoms/overview/
For information on COVID-19 vaccination, including how to get the vaccine, go to:
https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/
Summary of latest COVID-19 data
In the last epidemiological week, between 27/03/2022 and 02/04/2022, there were 33,671 laboratory confirmed PCR positive cases notified on CIDR, a 34.9% decrease compared to the previous week. In addition, there were 41,718 self-reported positive antigen tests registered on the HSE Positive Antigen Portal, a 47.9% decrease compared to the previous week.
Data on confirmed cases notified on CIDR and antigen positive cases registered on the HSE Positive Antigen Portal should be interpreted in the context of recent changes in testing policy (see below). These changes will affect the number and age-distribution of reported cases.
PCR confirmed cases
Of the 33,671 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the mean and median age were 43 and 42 respectively. The highest percentage of cases was in the 35-44 year old age group, accounting for 20.9% of notified cases. The highest incidence by age, was in the 85+ year old age group, with an incidence of 1,360 per 100,000. More females (57.6%) than males (42.4%) had a positive PCR test.
A total of 1,196 confirmed COVID-19 cases notified on CIDR in the last week were hospitalised. The highest percentage of hospitalised cases by age group was in the 85+ year old age group, 24.8% of whom were hospitalised.
Among the confirmed COVID-19 cases notified on CIDR in the last epidemiological week, 11 are known to have been admitted to ICU and seven died. The number of cases who were hospitalised, admitted to ICU or died may increase as further information is reported on CIDR. The weekly report on deaths among COVID-19 cases can be found here.
Self-reported antigen tests
The mean and median age of those who registered a positive antigen test on the HSE Positive Antigen Portal in the past epidemiological week was 37 and 38 years respectively. More females (55.5%) than males (41.8%) registered a positive antigen test.
Recent changes in recommendations for COVID-19 testing
A number of changes in testing policy for COVID-19 have been introduced in the past few months. On 14/01/2022 people in the community between 4 and 39 years of age, outside of a risk group, were no longer required to get a confirmatory PCR test following a positive self-administered antigen test. The HSE Positive Antigen Portal opened on the same day to allow people to register positive self-administered antigen tests results.
Since 28/02/2022, testing (PCR or antigen) is only needed for symptomatic people in the community within certain risk groups: those who have not had booster vaccination and are aged 55 years and older; those with a high-risk medical conditions; those who are immunocompromised; those who live in the same household as a person who is immunocompromised; those who provide care or support for a person they know to be immunocompromised; those who are pregnant; Healthcare Workers. People outside of these groups with symptoms should self-isolate until 48 hours after their symptoms have substantially resolved.