Holohan warns of rising infection rates in Ireland’s Delta region amid focus on new variables

The country’s chief medical officer has warned that infections from the delta type of coronavirus remain very high in Ireland amid focus on new variables.

The weekend saw increased focus on the new Omicron variant of the virus and its potential Impact on Ireland, where neighboring countries confirm cases and countries around the world jostle to impose measures to prevent the spread of the variant.

With no cases of the Omicron variant yet identified here, the delta variant continues to dominate in Ireland and another 3,735 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the state on Sunday. As of this morning, 566 people have been hospitalized with the virus.

Dr. Tony Holohan said Sunday evening that the focus should remain on the levels of «widespread» infection in society at the moment and urged vigilance against all types of the virus.

«While there is a lot of interest on new variants, the incidence of the delta variant of Covid-19 is still very high in Ireland, with infection prevalent in the community,» he said.

“We all know the measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 – good hand hygiene, wearing a face covering, meeting others outdoors where possible and when indoors, opening windows and ensuring good ventilation, keeping distance, and of course coming to the front for vaccinations and a booster When he is eligible.

Variable Omicron

Dr. Holohan said the Nphet epidemiological surveillance team continues to meet this weekend to monitor the situation regarding the new Omicron variant.

«Regulations are being made to implement new home quarantine and travel policies,» he said.

He urged anyone who has traveled from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa or Zimbabwe to Ireland since November 1 to isolate and submit for PCR testing, regardless of their symptom status.

Although no case of the Omicron variant has been confirmed in Ireland yet, Dublin City University health systems professor Anthony Staines said it is «Maybe already here.» But it has not yet been identified due to a lack of genetic sequences.

Cases of the variant have been confirmed in neighboring countries such as Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Denmark, after it was first identified in South Africa earlier this week.

The World Health Organization on Friday classified Omicron as a «variable of concern,» noting that it may be more transmissible and increase the risk of re-infection. The delta variant is still prevalent worldwide, and it is not yet clear whether Omicron will be able to replace it.