There’s “little doubt” that hospitals are below stress as a result of Covid-19, the Chief Medical Officer with the Well being Service Government has mentioned.
There are presently 500 individuals with Covid being handled in hospitals across the nation, up thirty from yesterday. 93 of those sufferers are being handled in intensive care models – a rise of 1 from yesterday.
Talking on RTÉ’s This Week, Dr Colm Henry mentioned that whereas instances numbers are going up – there have been nearly 3,000 instances reported yesterday – it’s “considerably reassuring” that the conversion of these instances into hurt “is blunted”.
He mentioned it’s half the extent of conversion from instances that end in hospitalisations in comparison with earlier surges, which he mentioned reveals the efficacy of the vaccinations.
Dr Henry additionally mentioned there may be extra reassurance that Covid-19 just isn’t dangerous to youngsters however he warned of the hazards of different viruses.
He mentioned RSV and different seasonal viruses which arrived earlier this yr are dangerous and have resulted in stress on the childrens’ hospitals.
In the meantime a Guide in Infectious Ailments and Basic Drugs at St James’s Hospital, Dublin has mentioned the prioritisation of Covid-19 booster vaccines for healthcare staff will “must be thought-about”.
Talking on RTÉ’s Brendan O’Connor, Professor ClÃona Nà Cheallaigh mentioned will probably be “very exhausting” to maintain the well being service operating with the present ranges of “illness and absence” as a result of Covid-19.
The variety of youngsters with the virus can be having an impression on staffing, she added.
Not one of the healthcare staff at St James’s Hospital, who’re isolating because of contracting of Covid-19 have required ICU care, Prof NÃ Cheallaigh mentioned, however she added that she is “involved” concerning the potential penalties of lengthy Covid.
“We do not know if vaccinated individuals who get Covid will find yourself with lengthy Covid so it’s a worrying time for us all,” she mentioned.
The Authorities ought to take into account measures, equivalent to masks carrying, to restrict the dangers of an infection as youngsters return to high school after the mid-term break, Prof NÃ Cheallaigh mentioned.
“We have to do every little thing in our powers to maintain colleges as protected as we will.”
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On the identical programme, Immunologist Dr Annie Curtis mentioned a choice on booster vaccines for healthcare staff “cannot come quickly sufficient”.
“There’s an pressing want now as a result of so many healthcare staff are off sick.
“We all know immunity is waning … and they’re in additional excessive threat conditions than we’re as a result of they’re within the hospital setting.”
Earlier waves of Covid-19 infections “peaked and dropped” with the following imposition of restrictions, Dr Curtis mentioned, however she added “now the reliance is on vaccinations”.
Sinn Féin requires motion on boosters
The Authorities ought to have moved on the vaccine booster programme by now, in response to the chief of Sinn Féin.
Mary Lou McDonald instructed RTÉ’s The Week in Politics that there shouldn’t be a wait on the booster programme being rolled out.
“If it was my name I might transfer on it instantly,” she mentioned.
Ms McDonald mentioned she doesn’t need to see one other lockdown, and said the booster programme is as efficient, and presumably more practical, than additional restrictions.
Individuals urged to take care trick-or-treating
The Chief Medical Officer has urged individuals to take care whereas having fun with Halloween festivities.
Talking on Friday, Dr Tony Holohan mentioned that folks ought to hand out treats to trick-or-treaters the place potential.
“Wash or sanitise palms steadily and earlier than consuming or dealing with treats,” Dr Holohan mentioned.
“In case you are having guests over, present hand sanitiser, open home windows and check out to make sure individuals can unfold out and preserve their distance from each other – keep away from crowded events,” he added.
Dr Holohan additionally mentioned that “neither youngsters nor adults ought to go trick-or-treating or meet up with others if they’ve any signs of Covid-19, even when signs are minor.”
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