IRELAND could be recording around 2,000 daily Covid-19 cases before the end of the month as the Delta variant continues to sweep its way through communities across the country.
1,173 new cases were reported yesterday - the first time the total has hit triple figures since the height of the third wave back in February.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan issued an urgent warning to the public to take "every precaution" available if you haven't received your Covid-19 vaccine.
"We continue to experience rapid increases in the incidence of the disease in the community, with cases increasing in 22 out of 26 counties and with the greatest majority of cases occurring in people who have not yet been fully vaccinated," Dr Holohan said.
"The current trajectory of the highly transmissible Delta variant across the country means that unvaccinated people are at high risk of contracting Covid-19, with just over 50 per cent of today’s cases aged between 19-34 years old.
“We need those who are waiting for full vaccination to take every precaution this weekend and to adhere strongly to the public health advice as they await their vaccines.
"This includes limiting your social contacts, meeting outdoors, staying 2m apart, wearing masks and avoiding international travel."
According to NPHET models, should cases hit 2,000 per day, that would result in around 40 hospitalisations per day, with around four or five deaths per day.
NPHET Modelling Chair Professor Philip Nolan yesterday described the rise in cases among those aged 16 to 18 as "exceptional".
"We are seeing very rapid increases in incidence in 16-18, 19-24 and 25-34 year olds," Nolan said.
"Please do everything you can to stay safe, and to encourage and support those around you to stay safe too."
