67 cases in Cork as highest national covid rates of 2025 recorded last week

There were 67 cases of covid in Cork last week, as both cases and hospitalisations have increased significantly across Ireland.

Nationally, there were 587 covid cases last week according to most recent Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) data, the highest figure yet this year and up significantly from 461 the week previous and 218 at the start of the year. 

Of those cases, 238 have been hospitalised with covid last week, the highest figure yet this year and again a sharp jump from 157 the week previous.

It comes as 596 people have been treated on trolleys in Cork University Hospital so far this month, with daily trolley numbers reaching 54 this week.

A spokesperson for HSE South-West told The Echo: “In Cork and Kerry, the number of hospital inpatients with covid-19 has fluctuated from week to week, reflecting the national picture. Overall, hospital admissions, ICU admissions, and deaths remain lower than in 2024. The majority of hospitalisations are occurring in the over-65 age group, and particularly in those over the age of 80.”

They explained that hospitalisations due to covid-19 have varied over the summer period, “and it is projected that these fluctuations will persist”, saying: “This is most likely due to the changes in the dominant variant in circulation.”

The HPSC continues to monitor levels of covid-19 variants in the Irish population, and similar patterns are being seen in other countries, too, they added.

“As we approach the autumn and winter seasons, we expect more cases of covid-19 and influenza during the colder months. The best way to prevent covid-19 and influenza illness and hospitalisation is to ensure that all eligible individuals are fully vaccinated. Flu and covid-19 vaccines will be available in early October from participating GPs and pharmacies.”

Flu and covid-19 vaccines are recommended for people in at-risk groups, and the HSE advise that you should get a flu and covid-19 vaccine this autumn if you are aged 60 years or older, aged six months or older with an underlying medical condition that puts you at higher risk of complications from flu and covid-19, or aged 18 years or older, living in a residential care facility.