Significant rise in Covid cases being reported 

THERE has been a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases being reported nationally, with 107 cases reported in Cork alone last week. 

The HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre said in its latest report that Covid transmission continues at moderate to high levels in Ireland. 

Last week, there were 1,042 confirmed cases of the virus notified to the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting system (CIDR), an increase of 60% compared to the previous week. 

The number of hospitalised cases increased by 56% during the same week. 

There were 486 hospitalisations reported, compared to 321 during the preceding week.

There were 459 hospital inpatients with confirmed cases of Covid-19 on the morning of 25 June, compared to 395 patients at the same date and time of the preceding week (18 June).

ICU admissions resulting from Covid-19 infection remained low and stable during week 25.

Outbreaks notifications from healthcare settings increased by 14 to a total of 62 during week 25, compared to 48 outbreaks reported during the previous week. 

There were 22 acute hospital, 22 nursing home, 2 community hospital/long-stay unit, two other healthcare setting and 14 residential institution Covid-19 outbreaks notified last week. 

The HPSC said that the current wave is a reminder that Covid-19 continues to circulate throughout the year and remains a considerable burden on the population and our health services when circulation is high.

The Covid-19 variant JN.1 remains the dominant lineage in Ireland. 

"It is important to remain vigilant for Covid-19 symptoms and take steps to prevent spread in both the community and in healthcare settings, to protect vulnerable people at high risk of severe Covid-19 disease.