Only one Covid-19 positive case in UL Hospitals

IN A week when the government extended the ban on indoor dining for non-residents of hotels and restaurants, the UL Hospitals’ Group has confirmed there was just one Covid-19 positive patient in University Hospital Limerick on Wednesday.
In the week to close of business on Sunday, June 27, a total of 28,979 doses of Covid-19 vaccine were administered across the group’s three area vaccination centres in Limerick Racecourse, the West County Hotel, Ennis, and the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh.
This brings to 192,332 the total vaccines administered in the region since the vaccination programme began on January 4th.
However, the group notes the concern nationally and internationally about the Delta variant, which is 40-60% more transmissible than the Alpha strain of the virus.
The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) estimates that by the end of August, the Delta variant will account for 90% of all Covid-19 variants in the European Union.
ECDC research suggests that the Delta variant will circulate particularly among younger groups not targeted for vaccination, creating a possible risk of infection, severe illness and death for more vulnerable individuals who are not fully vaccinated.
Two doses of any of the vaccines provides high protection against the Delta variant and its consequences.
The group urges everyone who is offered a vaccine to keep their appointment and for the public to continue their efforts to keep the Delta virus low by strictly adhering to public health measures.
Public Health Mid-West is concerned about the increased transmission of the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of concern nationwide, particularly in light of modelling projections outlined by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) this week, and the recent advice of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, published on June 23. Both documents detail projections on possible transmissibility and spread.
When the baseline of infections remains relatively high in the community, it noted any easing of measures to allow increased indoor social activity will present a risk of increased exposure of infection.
The Mid-West Public Health Department stated the current level of Covid-19 infection in the Mid-West isn’t low. The 14-day incidence rate for the Mid-West area is 114 per 100,000 population.
Clare recorded 12 new cases on June 29, which is among the highest recorded number of daily cases since late March 2021. With 80 new cases in the past 14 days, the 14 day incidence rate in Clare has steadily increased in recent weeks to 67.6 per 100,000.

by Dan Danaher