COVID-19 cases in Ireland continue to increase
Indicators of COVID-19 circulation are continuing to increase. This latest wave is a reminder that COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout the year and still causes a substantial burden on the population and our health services when circulation is high.
Ongoing vigilance for symptoms of COVID-19 and taking steps to prevent spread, in both the community and in healthcare settings, remain important to protect those most vulnerable for severe COVID-19 disease.
The JN.1 COVID-19 variant is currently the predominant variant in Ireland and globally. There is no evidence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant associated with more severe disease. However, as in previous waves, when COVID-19 circulation increases, some level of increase in people experiencing severe disease does follow.
Increased circulation in the community also results in an increase in outbreaks in nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare settings putting vulnerable patients at risk of infection.
In week 24 (June 9-15, 2024):
- 650 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported to the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting system (CIDR), an increase of 48% compared to week 23 (June 2-8, 2024) when 440 confirmed COVID-19 cases notified.
- 306 hospitalised cases were reported, an increase of 62% compared to week 23 when 189 cases were reported
- 395 hospital inpatients had COVID-19 on the morning of 18 June compared to 226 patients 11 June
- 20 outbreaks associated with acute hospitals, 14 outbreaks associated with Nursing homes, and 12 outbreaks associated with other residential institutions were notified
To date, ICU admission due to COVID-19 have remained stable during this wave.
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/. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones, stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from COVID-19.
Guidance on infection prevention and control in health care settings is available at: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/guidanceforhealthcareworkers/
Information on COVID-19 trends is updated every Wednesday on the Respiratory Virus Notification Data Hub.