Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 28, 2024 5 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 8 hours, 35 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Ireland is experiencing a significant surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, causing concern among health officials and the public alike. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has reported a sharp increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions, alongside a series of outbreaks in healthcare settings. This
COVID-19 News report delves into the latest statistics, the implications of the current wave, and the measures being taken to control the virus's spread.
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Ireland’s Weekly COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rises By 56 Percent.
Sharp Increase in COVID-19 Cases
In the week from June 16 to June 22, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ireland rose dramatically. The HPSC recorded 1,042 confirmed cases during this period, a substantial increase from the 650 cases reported the previous week. This 60% rise in cases has led the HPSC to describe the current transmission levels as "moderate to high." Alongside the rising case numbers, there have been three deaths linked to the virus.
Hospitalizations and Healthcare Outbreaks
The increase in COVID-19 cases has been accompanied by a significant rise in hospitalizations. Over the past week, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 jumped by 56%, from 321 to 486. Despite this surge, ICU admissions have remained "low and stable," indicating that while more people are being hospitalized, the severity of cases requiring intensive care has not increased proportionately.
https://respiratorydisease-hpscireland.hub.arcgis.com/pages/covid-19
Outbreaks in healthcare settings have also seen a notable rise. There were 62 outbreaks in the past week, compared to 48 the week before. These outbreaks included 22 in acute hospitals, 22 in nursing homes, two in community hospital/long stay units, two in other healthcare settings, and 14 in residential facilities. This increase in outbreaks highlights the continued vulnerability of healthcare environments to the virus.
Dominant Variants: JN.1 and KP.3
The JN.1 variant remains the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ireland, with the KP.3 variant, a sublineage of JN.1, on the rise.
https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/Ireland/AllSamples/Past6M
KP.3 appears to have a growth advantage over other variants.
The HPSC emphasizes that the current wave serves as a reminder that COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout the year and remains a considerable burden on the population and health services.
Preventive Measures and Public Guidance
Health authorities continue to advise the public to take precautions if they exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms. The current guidance is to stay at home until 48 hours after symptoms have mostly or fully resolved. People are also encouraged to avoid conta
ct with others, especially those at higher risk of severe COVID-19.
Visitor Restrictions at Kilkenny Hospital Amid COVID-19 and Norovirus Outbreak
In response to the rising COVID-19 cases and an outbreak of Norovirus, St. Luke's General Hospital in Kilkenny has implemented a temporary visitor ban in several wards. Starting from 6 PM on June 27, the Barrow Ward, Nore Ward, Surgical 2, and Medical 2 wards have restricted visitor access to prevent further spread of infections.
The hospital has outlined specific circumstances under which visiting will be allowed:
-End of Life Non-COVID-19 Patient: Only two nominated relatives.
-End of Life COVID-19 Patient: Only one nominated relative, with appropriate PPE and hygiene measures.
-Critically Ill Patient: Only two nominated relatives.
-Paediatric Unit: Only one parent is allowed to visit at any time. Children are not permitted to visit the hospital.
-Visiting the Maternity Unit remains unchanged, and all other visits are limited to one visitor per patient for 30 minutes per day. These measures will be reviewed regularly, and any further changes will be communicated promptly.
St. Luke's General Hospital has also issued guidance for the public regarding the Emergency Department (ED). Due to the number of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients presenting at the ED, the hospital urges the public to consider their care options before attending the ED. Consulting a GP or pharmacist is recommended before visiting the hospital, unless urgent care is required.
The hospital advises that children should not be brought to the ED unless they are ill. They also remind the public that anyone experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms should contact their GP first rather than going directly to the ED. Early diagnosis from a GP can help individuals receive the necessary care and take steps to avoid spreading the virus.
The Ongoing Challenge
The current wave of COVID-19 in Ireland underscores the ongoing challenge of managing the virus and its impact on health services. With the emergence of new variants and the continued presence of COVID-19 in the community, health authorities and hospitals must remain vigilant and adaptable. The public's cooperation with preventive measures and health guidelines is crucial in controlling the spread of the virus and ensuring the health and safety of all.
Conclusion
Ireland's recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations is a stark reminder that the pandemic is far from over. The increase in cases, hospital admissions, and healthcare outbreaks highlights the need for continued vigilance and adherence to health guidelines. By staying informed and following preventive measures, the public can help mitigate the impact of the current wave and support the efforts of health authorities in managing this ongoing public health challenge.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-authorities-miraculously-report-a-37-percent-decrease-in-covid-19-hospitalizations
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