COVID live updates: 64 patients in ICU on island of Ireland

Live COVID-19 updates from Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Editor's Note: From April 1, 2022, this article will no longer be updated with daily COVID data from Ireland and Northern Ireland. Daily data in Ireland can be found here and in Northern Ireland can be found here.

Thursday, March 31

Update 11:25 am EST: As of 2 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,252 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 30 March, 6,489* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,535 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 58 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,459,425 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, March 30.

There has been a total of 6,753 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Wednesday, March 30.

As of Wednesday, March 30 there have been 7,952,284 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,829,294 people have received their first dose
• 239,972 people have received a single dose
• 3,768,092  people have received their second dose
• 114,926 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:15 am EST: There have been 1,461 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 686,844 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 10,078 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,702,409 lab-reported PCR tests, and 3,012,210 rapid lateral flow tests.

Six of Northern Ireland’s 87 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Three COVID patients are ventilated.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,323. Two of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 30 - 10 am March 31, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 31, there have been 3,756,449 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,423,736 were first doses, 1,331,065 were second doses, 20,603 were third doses, and 981,045 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Wednesday, March 30

Update 12:50 pm EST: The Department of Health has reported 5,381 positive PCR tests and 7,127 positive antigen tests. 

The Department also reported a further 10 Covid-19-related deaths as Ireland's death toll rose to 6,740.

A total of 1,610 patients in Irish hospitals have tested positive for the virus, with 49 requiring intensive care. 

As of March 29, 2,904,979 booster vaccines have been administered in Ireland in addition to 7,836,798 first and second-dose vaccinations. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has reported a further 1,414 new cases of the virus and five new deaths as the region's death toll rose to 3,320. 

There are currently 542 patients in Northern Irish hospitals with Covid-19, with six requiring intensive care. 

A total of 3,755,378 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the region to date. 

Tuesday, March 29

Update 10:20 am EST: As of 2 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,962 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 28 March, 8,587* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,605 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 50 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,448,812 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, March 28.

There has been a total of 6,730 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Monday, March 28.

As of Monday, March 28 there have been 7,968,009 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,828,769 people have received their first dose
• 239,933 people have received a single dose
• 3,767,512 people have received their second dose
• 131,795 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 10:05 am EST: There have been 1,731 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 683,969 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 11,926 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,687,581 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,996,593 rapid lateral flow tests.

Five of Northern Ireland’s 85 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Three COVID patients are ventilated.

Nine more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,315. Five of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 28 - 10 am March 29, while four occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 29, there have been 3,754,751 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,423,609 were first doses, 1,330,523 were second doses, 20,626 were third doses, and 979,993 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Monday, March 28

Update 12:15 pm EST:  As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,263 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 27 March, 6,466* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,624 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 54 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,442,877 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, March 27.

There has been a total of 6,721 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Sunday, March 27.

As of Saturday, March 26 there have been 7,964,516 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,828,149 people have received their first dose
• 239,911 people have received a single dose
• 3,766,448 people have received their second dose
• 130,008 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:55 am EST: There have been 1,204 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 682,238 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 13,025 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,678,597 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,987,630 rapid lateral flow tests.

Four of Northern Ireland’s 86 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Four COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,306. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 27 - 10 am March 28.

As of March 28, there have been 3,754,122 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,423,531 were first doses, 1,330,423 were second doses, 20,620 were third doses, and 979,548 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Friday, March 25

Update 12:35 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 9,324 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Thursday 24 March, 10,542* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,466 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 55 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,422,945 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, March 24.

There has been a total of 6,710 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Thursday, March 24.

As of Thursday, March 24 there have been 7,957,080 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,826,692 people have received their first dose
• 239,888 people have received a single dose
• 3,762,754 people have received their second dose
• 127,746 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:25 pm EST: There have been 1.910 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 678,397 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,699 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,667,425  lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,966,968 rapid lateral flow tests.

Seven of Northern Ireland’s 86 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Four COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,292. One of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 24 - 10 am March 25, while five occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 25, there have been 3,751,130 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,423,030 were first doses, 1,329,507 were second doses, 20,588 were third doses, and 978,005 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published the next in the series of weekly results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modelled positivity estimates for NI for the week up to the 19 March 2022.

The Department notes that due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within its sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.

• during the most recent week of the study (13 March – 19 March 2022), it is estimated that 108,700 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 92,500 to 126,000).
• this equates to 5.92% of the population (95% credible interval: 5.04% to 6.87%) or around 1 in 17 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 20 to 1 in 15).
  modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive decreased in the week ending 19 March 2022 in Northern Ireland.
• in the latest six-week period, there were 16,398 swab tests taken in total from 11,872 participants. Of these, 976 participants tested positive from 742 different households.
• in the latest two-week period, of the 5,375 participants in the study, 313 tested positive from 248 households.
• the percentage of people testing positive increased in adults aged over 60 years in the most recent week. The percentage of school aged children testing positive decreased, whilst the trend was uncertain in young adults.
• in the most recent week, the percentage of people with infections compatible with the Omicron BA.2 variant increased in England, Wales and Scotland and decreased in Northern Ireland.

Elsewhere today, Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann today thanked NI researchers involved in the ground-breaking PANORAMIC study of new antiviral treatments for COVID-19.

More than 850 people from Northern Ireland are included in the 19,000 across the UK who have signed up for the world-leading University of Oxford study which has been set up to rapidly evaluate antiviral treatments that could help people at high risk of COVID-19 to recover sooner, preventing the need for hospital admission.

Participants from NI can access the study via two methods. One is self-referral on the PANORAMIC website and any NI patient signing up in this way is referred to the central NICRN hub at Dunluce Health Centre in Belfast. There are also two local NI GP-led research hubs based at Ballygomartin and Duncairn medical practices.

To find out more about the PANORAMIC COVID-19 antiviral study or to register your interest in taking part visit the PANORAMIC trial website.

Further information on COVID-19 treatments including the PANORAMIC trial is available via NI Direct Treatments for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Health Minister Robin Swann has thanked NI researchers involved in the ground-breaking PANORAMIC study of new antiviral treatments for COVID-19.

Read ➡️https://t.co/wbpSbRhiMU

Find out more and register your interest➡️ https://t.co/WZ1apq79fU pic.twitter.com/uGIJsv96tj

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) March 25, 2022

Thursday, March 24

Update 12:20 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 8,910 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 23 March, 14,215* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,425 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 53 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,413,798 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, March 23.

There has been a total of 6,693 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Wednesday, March 23.

As of Wednesday, March 23 there have been 7,954,882 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,826,300 people have received their first dose
• 239,868 people have received a single dose
• 3,762,193 people have received their second dose
• 126,521 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:10 pm EST: There have been 2,524 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 676,487 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,460 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,661,069 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,958,266 rapid lateral flow tests.

Seven of Northern Ireland’s 88 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Four COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,287. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 23 - 10 am March 24.

As of March 24, there have been 3,750,470 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,422,973 were first doses, 1,329,366 were second doses, 20,579 were third doses, and 977,552 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann today announced that a more targeted approach to testing will be introduced on a phased basis from next month, with the focus on supporting and protecting those at highest risk of serious illness. Testing will continue to be available for those eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

Under the new policy, PCR testing will cease for most people with symptoms from 22 April - however free lateral flow tests will continue to be available to the public to use should they develop symptoms of COVID-19. Lateral flow tests will also continue to be available free of charge to support those living in, working in or visiting a higher risk setting such as a care home until the end of June, with further review then.

The policy covers testing and contact tracing and takes effect from 22 April. No changes will be introduced until that date. The policy will be kept under review during the period of transition up until the end of June.

You can learn more here.

The COVID-19 Test, Trace and Protect Transition Plan has been published.

The plan sets out a targeted approach to test and trace, focused on protecting those at higher risk.

Keep following the latest guidance ➡️https://t.co/5L70v5fnlL

Read ➡️https://t.co/d29EFe9Y0x pic.twitter.com/7OzC46UsUx

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) March 24, 2022

Wednesday, March 23

Update 11:50 am EST:  As of 2 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 7,038 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 22 March, 14,060* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,395 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 55 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,397,885 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, March 21.

There has been a total of 6,680 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Monday, March 21.

As of Tuesday, March 22 there have been 7,945,262 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,825,986 people have received their first dose
• 239,839 people have received a single dose
• 3,761,824 people have received their second dose
• 117,613 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:40 am EST: There have been 2,269 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 673,963 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 13,964 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,651,140 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,948,665 rapid lateral flow tests.

Seven of Northern Ireland’s 87 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Four COVID patients are ventilated.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,285. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 22 - 10 am March 23.

As of March 23, there have been 3,749,186 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,422,837 were first doses, 1,329,117 were second doses, 20,570 were third doses, and 976,662 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Tuesday, March 22

Update 11: 40 am EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 7,729 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 21 March, 15,973* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,338 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 61 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,390,177 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, March 20.

There has been a total of 6,664 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Sunday, March 20.

As of Sunday, March 20 there have been 7,942,071 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,825,308 people have received their first dose
• 239,790 people have received a single dose
• 3,760,705 people have received their second dose
• 116,268 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 10:35 am EST: There have been 2,899 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 671,694 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,092 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,643,842  lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,939,564 rapid lateral flow tests.

Seven of Northern Ireland’s 87 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Three COVID patients are ventilated.

Eight more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,282. Two of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 21 - 10 am March 22, while six deaths occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 22, there have been 3,747,793 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,422,733 were first doses, 1,328,826 were second doses, 20,556 were third doses, and 975,678 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Monday, March 21

Update 2:40 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 4,024 positive PCR tests, taking the total number of positive PCR tests in Ireland to 1,390,177 since the outbreak of the pandemic. 

The Department also reported 21 additional Covid-19-related deaths on Monday, taking Ireland's death toll to 6,664. 

A total of 1,308 patients in Irish hospitals have tested positive for the virus, while 49 patients in ICU have been diagnosed with the virus.

As of March 20, a total of 2,880,234 booster vaccinations have been administered in Ireland, while a further 7,825,800 first and second-dose vaccinations have been administered. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 2,007 new cases, taking the total number of cases in the region to 668,795.

One further death was also reported in Northern Ireland as the region's death toll climbed to 3,274. 

There are currently 484 Covid-19 patients in Northern Irish hospitals, with five requiring intensive care. 

A total of 3,746,755 vaccines have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Wednesday, March 16

Update 2:25 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,452 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 15 March, 8,644 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,081 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 44 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,365,467 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, March 15.

There has been a total of 6,638 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, March 15.

As of Tuesday, March 15 there have been 7,931,576 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,823,317 people have received their first dose
• 239,702 people have received a single dose
• 3,754,960 people have received their second dose
• 113,597 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:15 pm  EST: There have been 2,391 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 659,588 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,970 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,608,321 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,887,013 rapid lateral flow tests.

Four of Northern Ireland’s 84 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. No COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,263. Two of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 15 - 10 am March 16, while three deaths occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 16, there have been 3,741,872 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,421,829 were first doses, 1,327,321 were second doses, 20,507 were third doses, and 972,215 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Tuesday, March 15

Update 12:05 pm EST: There have been 2,605 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 657,197 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 15,262 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,600,018 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,877,171 rapid lateral flow tests.

Four of Northern Ireland’s 87 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. No COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,258. The newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 14 - 10 am March 15.

As of March 15, there have been 3,740,874 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,421,783 were first doses, 1,327,156 were second doses, 20,486 were third doses, and 971,449 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

From 4 am on Friday 18 March, all international Covid19 travel restrictions will be removed for those traveling to Northern Ireland.

Travelers will also no longer be required to take tests or complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). The remaining managed hotel quarantine capacity will be fully stood down by the end of March.

TRAVEL UPDATE

From 4am on Friday 18 March all international Covid-19 travel restrictions will be removed for those travelling to Northern Ireland.

READ➡️https://t.co/soFcUMYM0y pic.twitter.com/yZK4rSNiZ0

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) March 15, 2022

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of staff involved in delivering ground-breaking medicines to COVID-19 patients at highest risk of serious illness.

Since mid-December, more than 1,700 patients across Northern Ireland have received neutralising monoclonal antibody (nMAB) and antiviral treatments at Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment services (OCTs), or oral antiviral medicine to take at home.

Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of staff involved in delivering ground-breaking medicines to COVID-19 patients at highest risk of serious illness.

More than 1,700 patients across NI have received the new treatments.https://t.co/lDKDlaK57j pic.twitter.com/jA26RqzV1c

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) March 15, 2022

Monday, March 14

Update 11:50 am EST:  As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 2,100 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 13 March, 7,271 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,042 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 42 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,353,733 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, March 13.

There has been a total of 6,624 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Sunday, March 13.

As of Sunday, March 13 there have been 7,967,163 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,822,186 people have received their first dose
• 239,624 people have received a single dose
• 3,753,250 people have received their second dose
• 152,103 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:40 am EST: There have been 1,822 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 654,592 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 15,355 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,592,112 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,865,811 rapid lateral flow tests.

Four of Northern Ireland’s 84 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. One COVID patient is ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,253. The newly reported death occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 13 - 10 am March 14.

As of March 14, there have been 3,739,611 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,421,701 were first doses, 1,326,950 were second doses, 20,477 were third doses, and 970,483 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Friday, March 11

Update 11:55 am EST: As of 4 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 9,186 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Thursday 10 March, 6,752* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 907 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 37 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,341,826 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, March 10.

There has been a total of 6,611 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Thursday, March 10.

As of Thursday, March 10 there have been 7,955,059 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,820,290 people have received their first dose
• 239,553 people have received a single dose
• 3,747,044 people have received their second dose
• 148,172 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:40 am EST: There have been 2,270 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 649,064 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 15,652 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,578,688 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,839,394 rapid lateral flow tests.

One of Northern Ireland’s 84 ICU beds is occupied by COVID patients. One COVID patient is ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,246. The newly reported death occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 10 - 10 am March 11.

As of March 11, there have been 3,736,057 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,421,173 were first doses, 1,326,066 were second doses, 20,446 were third doses, and 968,372 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published the next in its series of weekly results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modelled positivity estimates for Northern Ireland for the week up to March 5, 2022.

The Department notes: "Due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within our sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution."

• during the most recent week of the study (February 27 – March 5, 2022), it is estimated that 143,800 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 124,700 to 163,900).
• this equates to 7.84% of the population (95% credible interval: 6.80% to 8.93%) or around 1 in 13 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 15 to 1 in 11).
• modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive increased in the week ending March 5 in Northern Ireland.
• in the latest six-week period, there were 16,745 swab tests taken in total from 11,954 participants. Of these, 1,017 participants tested positive from 734 different households.
• in the latest two-week period, of the 4,992 participants in the study, 294 tested positive from 230 households.
• the trend in the percentage of people testing positive in Northern Ireland increased in those aged 40 years or over but was uncertain in all others in the most recent week.
• in the week ending the March 5, 2022 (March 6, 2022 for Scotland), the percentage of infections compatible with the Omicron BA.2 variant increased in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland; the percentage of infections compatible with the Omicron BA.1 variant decreased in England, Wales and Scotland and the trend was uncertain in Northern Ireland

Thursday, March 10

Update 12:15 pm EST: As of 4 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 4,065 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 9 March, 7,617* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 877 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 41 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,332,701 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, March 9.

There has been a total of 6,590 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Wednesday, March 9.

As of Wednesday, March 9 there have been 7,953,077 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,819,644 people have received their first dose
• 239,525 people have received a single dose
• 3,746,139 people have received their second dose
• 147,769 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:10 pm EST: There have been 2,602 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 646,794 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 15,536 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,571,110 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,829,500 rapid lateral flow tests.

One of Northern Ireland’s 86 ICU beds is occupied by COVID patients. One COVID patient is ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,245. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 9 - 10 am March 10, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 10, there have been 3,734,761 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,421,015 were first doses, 1,325,764 were second doses, 20,437 were third doses, and 967,545 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Wednesday, March 9

Update 12:25 pm EST:  As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 1,715 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 8 March, 7,355 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 829 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 47 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,328,644 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, March 8.

There has been a total of 6,578 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, March 8.

As of Tuesday, March 8 there have been 7,950,728 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,819,138 people have received their first dose
• 239,479 people have received a single dose
• 3,745,364 people have received their second dose
• 146,747 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:20 pm EST: There have been 2,683 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 644,192 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 15,322 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,561,945 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,818,370 rapid lateral flow tests.

Two of Northern Ireland’s 84 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. One COVID patient is ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,241. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 8 - 10 am March 9, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 9, there have been 3,733,444 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,420,922 were first doses, 1,325,530 were second doses, 20,406 were third doses, and 966,586 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Tuesday, March 8

Update 10:45 am EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 4,423 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 7 March, 6,957 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 803 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 51 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,326,946 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, March 7.

There has been a total of 6,571 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Monday, March 7.

As of Monday, March 7 there have been 7,948,503 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,818,715 people have received their first dose
• 239,425 people have received a single dose
• 3,744,552 people have received their second dose
• 145,811 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 9:40 am EST: There have been 2,669 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 641,509 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 15,131 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,552,610 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,807,966 rapid lateral flow tests.

Two of Northern Ireland’s 85 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Two COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,237. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 7 - 10 am March 8, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 8, there have been 3,732,407 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,420,794 were first doses, 1,325,295 were second doses, 20,427 were third doses, and 965,891 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Monday, March 7

Update 11:55 am EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 2,383 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 6 March, 4,760 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 808 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 47 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,322,591 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, March 6.

There has been a total of 6,570 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Sunday, March 6.

As of Saturday, March 5 there have been 7,943,024 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,817,810 people have received their first dose
• 239,385 people have received a single dose
• 3,742,126 people have received their second dose
• 143,703 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:45 am EST: There have been 2,053  new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 638,840 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,974 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,544,891 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,796,221 rapid lateral flow tests.

Two of Northern Ireland’s 86 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Two COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,232. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 6 - 10 am March 7.

As of March 7, there have been 3,731,329 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,420,690 were first doses, 1,325,060 were second doses, 20,418 were third doses, and 965,161 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Friday, March 4

Update 12:30 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 4,033 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Thursday 3 March, 4,304* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 670 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 43 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,315,100 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, March 3.

There has been a total of 6,531 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Thursday, March 3.

As of Thursday, March 3 there have been 7,932,009 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,815,604 people have received their first dose
• 239,329 people have received a single dose
• 3,736,467 people have received their second dose
• 140,609 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:27 pm EST: There have been 2,236 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 633,071 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,597 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,531,345  lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,769,831 rapid lateral flow tests.

Three of Northern Ireland’s 89 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. One COVID patient is ventilated.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,223. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 3 - 10 am March 4.

Thursday, March 3

Update 1:20 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 4,042 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 2 March, 4,746* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 661 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 46 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,311,105 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, March 2.

There has been a total of 6,527 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Wednesday, March 2.

As of Wednesday, March 2  there have been 7,928,076 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,814,999 people have received their first dose
• 239,295 people have received a single dose
• 3,734,734 people have received their second dose
• 139,048 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 1:05 pm EST: There have been 2,408 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 630,835 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,240 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,522,697 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,759,703 rapid lateral flow tests.

Five of Northern Ireland’s 84 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Three COVID patients are ventilated.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,220. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am March 2 - 10 am March 3.

As of March 3, there have been 3,726,565 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,419,844 were first doses, 1,324,026 were second doses, 20,375 were third doses, and 962,320 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Wednesday, March 2

Updated at 2:13 pm EST:

Ireland's Department of Health has reported 3,342 PCR-confirmed cases. They have also been notified of 3,342 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

On Tuesday, March 1, 4,352 people registered a positive antigen test through the Health Service Executive portal. 

There are currently 653 Covid-19 patients in hospital, with 46 of those patients in intensive care (ICU).

Tuesday, March 1

Update 1:10 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,300 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 28 February, 4,771 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 616 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 48 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,303,720 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, February 28.

There has been a total of 6,508 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Monday, February 28. 

As of Monday, February 28, there have been 7,922,587 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,814,038 people have received their first dose
• 239,220 people have received a single dose
• 3,732,186 people have received their second dose
• 137,143 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 2,567 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 626,020 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,457 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,506,073 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,738,768 rapid lateral flow tests.

Five of Northern Ireland’s 85 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Five COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,213. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 28 - 10 am March 1, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of March 1, there have been 3,723,619 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,419,504 were first doses, 1,323,494 were second doses, 20,345 were third doses, and 960,276 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health is calling on all those eligible to consider coming forward for a world-first trial to find antiviral medicines to treat people with COVID-19. You can learn more here.

We are calling on all those eligible to consider coming forward for a world-first trial to find antiviral medicines to treat people with COVID-19.

The study is home-based and lasts for only 5 days

Check if you’re eligible and find out how to sign up ➡️https://t.co/WZ1apq79fU pic.twitter.com/wDLd8oa2Tw

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) March 1, 2022

Monday, February 28

Update 11:45 am EST: From today, Ireland’s public health advice has changed. Face masks are no longer mandatory, but it is recommended that they be worn on public transport and in healthcare settings.

Our public health advice has changed.

Mask wearing, good hand and respiratory hygiene and self-isolating if you have symptoms of #COVID19 remain important

??? pic.twitter.com/OKm9gwttP9

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) February 28, 2022

Update 11:40 am EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 2,277 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 27 February, 3,642 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 610 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 47 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,300,422 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, February 27.

There has been a total of 6,497 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Sunday, February 27. 

As of Sunday, February 27, there have been 7,920,975 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,813,707 people have received their first dose
• 239,184 people have received a single dose
• 3,731,445 people have received their second dose
• 136,639 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:25 am EST: There have been 1,908 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 623,453 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 14,748 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,497,229 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,726,877 rapid lateral flow tests.

Six of Northern Ireland’s 79 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Six COVID patients are ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,208. The newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 27 - 10 am February 28.

As of February 28, there have been 3,722,351 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,419,403 were first doses, 1,323,252 were second doses, 20,325 were third doses, and 959,371 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Friday, February 25

Update 12 pm EST: The Department of Health has confirmed 4,335 positive PCR tests and 3,621 antigen tests in addition to four further Covid-19-related dates.

A total of 1,292,212 positive PCR tests have not been reported since the outbreak of the pandemic, while Ireland's Covid death toll now stands at 6,475. 

There are currently 630 patients with Covid-19 in Irish hospitals, while 53 intensive care patients have tested positive for the virus. 

A total of 2,806,516 booster vaccinations have now been administered in Ireland, while 7,775,369 first and second-dose vaccinations have also been administered.

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 2,068 new cases of the virus, taking the total number of cases in the region to 618,285. 

The Department also reported two further deaths, taking Northern Ireland's death toll to 3,197. 

There are currently 485 patients with Covid-19 in Northern Irish hospitals, with eight patients requiring intensive care.

A total of 3,717,887 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Thursday, February 24

Update 12:35 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,763 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 23 February, 3,961 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 610 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 55 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,287,908 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, February 23.

There has been a total of 6,471 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Wednesday, February 23. 

As of Wednesday, February 23, there have been 7,904,434 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,809,734 people have received their first dose
• 239,036 people have received a single dose
• 3,724,115 people have received their second dose
• 131,549 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:30 pm EST: There have been 2,486 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 616,217 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 16,247 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,476,034 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,688,660 rapid lateral flow tests.

Five of Northern Ireland’s 84 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Four COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,195. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 23 - 10 am February 24.

As of February 24, there have been 3,716,310 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,418,814 were first doses, 1,321,815 were second doses, 20,161 were third doses, and 955,520 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Wednesday, February 23

Update 12:10 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 4,158 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 22 February, 3,900 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 593 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 54 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,284,179 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, February 22.

There has been a total of 6,460 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 22. 

As of Tuesday, February 22, there have been 7,900,952 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,808,521 people have received their first dose
• 238,980 people have received a single dose
• 3,722,430 people have received their second dose
• 131,021 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:55 am EST: There have been 2,294 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 613,731 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 16,692 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,466,465 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,676,895 rapid lateral flow tests.

Six of Northern Ireland’s 80 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Six COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,193. All four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 22 - 10 am February 23.

As of February 23, there have been 3,714,525 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,418,700 were first doses, 1,321,556 were second doses, 20,144 were third doses, and 954,125 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published headline results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modelled positivity estimates for Northern Ireland for the week up to February 19, 2022. 

The Department notes that due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within its sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.

• during the most recent week of the study (13 February – 19 February 2022), it is estimated that 132,700 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 115,900 to 150,900).
• this equates to 7.23% of the population (95% credible interval: 6.32% to 8.22%) or around 1 in 14 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 16 to 1 in 12).
• modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive in Northern Ireland decreased in the two weeks up to 19 February 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week.

The Department of Health has today published headline results from its latest COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS).

Read➡️ https://t.co/b1ez4FZwGL pic.twitter.com/XijkFxXLim

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 23, 2022

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health says hundreds of people in the region have signed up for the Panoramic trial, which is assessing new COVID-19 treatments. The study is sponsored by the University of Oxford and funded by the National Institute for Health Research. You can learn more about the trial here.

?More than 10,000 patients across the UK, including hundreds from NI, have signed up to the Panoramic study on groundbreaking #COVID19 antiviral treatments.

?Learn more from Prof Nigel Hart, NI Clinical Research Network.

?Sign up: https://t.co/rKOFL3aNEF pic.twitter.com/6KmpaI63vc

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 23, 2022

Tuesday, February 22

Update 11:35 am EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,294 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 21 February, 4,060* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 608 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 54 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,280,058 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, February 21.

There has been a total of 6,452 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Monday, February 21. 

As of Monday, February 21, there have been 7,898,175 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,807,730 people have received their first dose
• 238,925 people have received a single dose
• 3,721,049 people have received their second dose
• 130,471 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland’s Department of Health said today: “Following the successful extension of the EU Digital COVID Certificate application service to Irish passport holders who were vaccinated outside of the EU in September 2021, today the service is expanded to allow this cohort to apply for a new certificate to include their additional COVID-19 vaccine dose.”

The service will be accessible at CovidCertificatePortal.gov.ie.

Update 11:25 am EST: There have been 2,951 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 611,437 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 17,091 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,457,764 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,665,818 rapid lateral flow tests.

Nine of Northern Ireland’s 83 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Five COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,189. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 21 - 10 am February 22, and two occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of February 22, there have been 3,712,897 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,418,651 were first doses, 1,321,321 were second doses, 20,125 were third doses, and 952,800 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department for Health said yesterday that it will “carefully consider the UK Government’s Living With COVID Plan for England and its implications for Northern Ireland.

“No decisions have been taken on any changes to Test and Trace in Northern Ireland.”

The current guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland includes:

• getting vaccinated and boosted
• wearing face coverings in health and social care settings, on public transport and in enclosed indoor settings
• meeting outdoors where possible or in well ventilated indoor spaces
• taking a PCR test and self-isolating immediately if you have symptoms
• taking a lateral flow test before mixing with others, particularly vulnerable people

Health Minister spells out key testing priorities.

The Department will carefully consider the UK Government’s Living With COVID Plan for England and its implications for Northern Ireland.

Read➡️https://t.co/qEhlHBsfE6 pic.twitter.com/gwBugY3vfG

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 21, 2022

Monday, February 21

Update 11:50 am EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,473 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 20 February, 2,865* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 634 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 53 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,276,778 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, February 20.

There has been a total of 6,443 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Sunday, February 20. 

As of Sunday, February 20, there have been 7,895,750 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,807,243 people have received their first dose
• 238,876 people have received a single dose
• 3,719,497 people have received their second dose
• 130,134 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland's Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has accepted new recommendations in relation to Ireland’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

NIAC has recommended that a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine be offered to all children and young people aged 12-15 years.

A booster dose of the mRNA vaccine Comirnaty, the vaccine manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech, should be given at an interval of six months or longer since completion of the primary vaccine series.

For those children and young people aged 12 – 15 years who have experienced a breakthrough infection, the booster dose should be deferred for at least six months following the onset of infection.

You can learn more here.

Following advice from NIAC, am pleased to say we will be offering booster vaccinations to children and young people aged 12-15. It's important that we continue to protect ourselves and those around us from COVID. #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/uc1w8IEB2M

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) February 21, 2022

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 2,235 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 608,485 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 17,176 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,448,774 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,652,606 rapid lateral flow tests.

12 of Northern Ireland’s 82 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Seven COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,184. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 20 - 10 am February 21, and one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of February 21, there have been 3,711,837 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,418,571 were first doses, 1,321,170 were second doses, 20,102 were third doses, and 951,994 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health said today: “A spring COVID-19 booster vaccination will be offered to those aged 75 and over, as well as anyone over the age of 12 who is immunosuppressed.

“The JCVI is advising that those who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 should be offered an additional booster this spring. Most people in this group will have received their most recent vaccine dose in September or October 2021 and with the lapse of time, their immunity derived from vaccination may wane substantially before the autumn of 2022. Therefore JCVI is advising that as a precautionary measure for this year an additional booster jab should be offered, to the oldest adults, and those considered most vulnerable around six months after their last vaccine.”

The JCVI is advising that those who are at higher risk of severe #COVID19 should be offered an additional booster this spring.

READ MORE ➡️ https://t.co/6Um7FQ1RBS pic.twitter.com/3mmoH8X78z

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 21, 2022

Friday, February 18

Update 10:30 am EST:  As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 4,821 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Thursday 17 February, 3,772* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 591 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 57 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,265,124 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, February 17.

There has been a total of 6,417 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Thursday, February 17. 

As of Thursday, February 17, there have been 7,875,431 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,803,415 people have received their first dose
• 238,758 people have received a single dose
• 3,705,193 people have received their second dose
• 128,065 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 10:00 am EST: There have been 2,469 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 602,238 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 18,162 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,434,708 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,621,182 rapid lateral flow tests.

Nine of Northern Ireland’s 82 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. Five COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,170. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 17 - 10 am February 18, and one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of February 18, there have been 3,707,112 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,418,010 were first doses, 1,319,781 were second doses, 20,050 were third doses, and 949,271 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Thursday, February 17

Update 11:50 am EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,035 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 16 February, 4,406 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 639 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 58 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,260,329 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, February 16.

There has been a total of 6,402 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Wednesday, February 16. 

As of Wednesday, February 16, there have been 7,873,163 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,802,263 people have received their first dose
• 238,706 people have received a single dose
• 3,705,095  people have received their second dose
• 127,099  immunocompromised people have received their third dose

RTÉ today reports that NPHET has agreed that the requirement to wear masks in most areas, where currently regulated, should end.

“If accepted by Government, it would mean mandated mask wearing will no longer apply in schools, on public transport, taxis, in retail premises and in public offices.

“It would also no longer apply to staff in customer facing roles, such as restaurants and pubs.

“However, mask wearing will still be required in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, given the nature of these settings and that some are still experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks.”

RTÉ further reports that Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan today recommended to the Minister for Health that NPHET be stood down and replaced with a smaller monitoring group.

.@rtenews CMO, Dr Tony Holohan has also recommended to the Minister for Health that NPHET be stood down and replaced with a smaller monitoring group. Today may have been its final meeting.

— Fergal Bowers (@FergalBowers) February 17, 2022

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 3,027 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 599,769 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 18,517 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,427,105 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,609,170 rapid lateral flow tests.

11 of Northern Ireland’s 84 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 6 COVID patients are ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,166. The newly reported death occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 16 - 10 am February 17.

As of February 17, there have been 3,704,849 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,417,838 were first doses, 1,319,392 were second doses, 20,015 were third doses, and 947,604 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health announced yesterday: “Children aged 5-11 who are not in a clinical risk group are now to be offered the opportunity to receive a covid vaccination following updated Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice.”

“JCVI has advised that all children aged between 5 to 11 will be offered two 10 mcg doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty®) with an interval of at least 12 weeks between doses. The paediatric dose is a third of the strength of an adult dose.” You can learn more here.

?COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

All children aged 5-11 in Northern Ireland are to be offered the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination following updated JCVI advice.

More info➡️https://t.co/MBhAgArEz8 pic.twitter.com/9J2n2xqMTY

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 16, 2022

Today, Northern Ireland’s Department of Health confirmed the easing of care home visiting restrictions and the expansion of the Care Partner scheme to include hospitals and hospices. You can learn more here.

Restrictions on visiting arrangements in care homes will move from ‘Gradual Easing’ to ‘Further Easing’.

✅No restriction on visitor numbers
✅Visits remain limited to two households per day
✅Overnight stays will be facilitated for care home residents

➡️https://t.co/TGGYAKanGa pic.twitter.com/aJkWZLmufZ

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 17, 2022

Wednesday, February 16

Update 1:05 pm EST:  As of 4 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,268 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 15 February, 4,613* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 631 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 62 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

NPHET further notes that from yesterday, the number of notified COVID-19 cases in Ireland using the HSE-HPSC Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) recommenced. You can learn more here.

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,255,303 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, February 15.

There has been a total of 6,399 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 15. This includes 108 deaths newly notified in the past week since Wednesday, February 9.

(NPHET notes: “Following today [February 16, 2022], weekly reporting on Wednesdays of newly notified deaths related to COVID-19 will no longer occur. Daily reporting of deaths related to COVID-19 will be updated Monday-Friday on the HPSC’s Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Ireland data hub and Ireland’s COVID-19 data hub.)

As of Tuesday, February 15, there have been 7,869,956 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,801,216 people have received their first dose
• 238,655 people have received a single dose
• 3,703,223 people have received their second dose
• 126,862 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 2,889 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 596,742 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 18,953 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,416,249 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,596,638 rapid lateral flow tests.

12 of Northern Ireland’s 83 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 7 COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,165. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 15 - 10 am February 16, while two occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of February 16, there have been 3,702,230 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,417,690 were first doses, 1,318,967 were second doses, 19,965 were third doses, and 945,608 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published headline results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modelled positivity estimates for Northern Ireland for the week up to the 12 February 2022. 

Due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within our sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.

During the most recent week of the study (6 February – 12 February 2022), it is estimated that 146,600 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 129,400 to 164,800). 
This equates to 7.99% of the population (95% credible interval: 7.05% to 8.98%) or around 1 in 13 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 14 to 1 in 11).
Modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive in Northern Ireland increased in the two weeks up to 12 February 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week.

The Department of Health has today published headline results from its latest COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS).

Read ➡️https://t.co/Wb8xOfHfsh pic.twitter.com/IUBrwcehal

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 16, 2022

Tuesday, February 15

Updated 12:25pm EST: 

As of 3pm IST, on Feb 15, the Irish health service reports:

- the HPSC has been notified of 4,160 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19

- on Monday 14 February, 4,655 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal

- 635 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 63 of those patients in intensive care (ICU), this figure is 17 down from yesterday, Feb 14.

Monday, February 14

Update 12:20 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,494 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 13 February, 3,609 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 665 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 67 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,255,571 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, February 13.

There has been a total of 6,291 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 8. This includes 63 deaths newly notified in the week since Wednesday, February 2.

As of Sunday, February 13, there have been 7,864,841 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,799,766 people have received their first dose
• 238,539 people have received a single dose
• 3,700,732 people have received their second dose
• 125,804 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:05 pm EST: There have been 2,465 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 590,866 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 21,018 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,398,027 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,569,355 rapid lateral flow tests.

13 of Northern Ireland’s 85 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 6 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,156. One of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 13 - 10 am February 14, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of February 14, there have been 3,697,878 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,417,450 were first doses, 1,318,333 were second doses, 19,919 were third doses, and 942,176 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Friday, February 11

Update 12:10 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 6,618 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Thursday 10 February, 4,445* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 615 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 64 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,242,806 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, February 10.

There has been a total of 6,291 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 8. This includes 63 deaths newly notified in the week since Wednesday, February 2.

As of Thursday, February 10, there have been 7,842,433 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,795,620 people have received their first dose
• 238,431 people have received a single dose
• 3,684,992 people have received their second dose
• 123,390 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 2,923 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 583,610 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 22,758 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,381,452 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,527,320 rapid lateral flow tests.

12 of Northern Ireland’s 87 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 8 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,149. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 10 - 10 am February 11, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of February 11, there have been 3,692,713 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,416,915 were first doses, 1,316,848 were second doses, 19,877 were third doses, and 939,073 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Thursday, February 10

Update 11:45 am EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,649 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 9 February, 5,387* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 595 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 63 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,236,188 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, February 9.

There has been a total of 6,291 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 8. This includes 63 deaths newly notified in the week since Wednesday, February 2.

As of Wednesday, February 9, there have been 7,837,364 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,794,566 people have received their first dose
• 238,40 people have received a single dose
• 3,682,069 people have received their second dose
• 122,328 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 3,609 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 580,687 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 23,512 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,372,731 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,511,233 rapid lateral flow tests.

15 of Northern Ireland’s 86 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 11 COVID patients are ventilated.

Seven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,145. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 9 - 10 am February 10, while three occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of February 10, there have been 3,689,383 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,416,430 were first doses, 1,316,118 were second doses, 19,824 were third doses, and 937,011 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann said today: "I can confirm I have now received detailed legal advice on the factors that need to be considered when seeking to amend Executive Covid regulations in the absence of an Executive.

"This advice is now being given careful consideration and it is my intention to engage with Ministerial colleagues."

Update from Health Minister Robin Swann pic.twitter.com/hVZcCcdLav

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 10, 2022

Wednesday, February 9

Update 12:55 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,677 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 8 February, 5,578* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 627 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 68 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,230,539 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, February 8.

There has been a total of 6,291 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 8. This includes 63 deaths newly notified in the past week since last Wednesday, February 2.

As of Tuesday, February 8, there have been 7,832,313 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,792,664 people have received their first dose
• 238,336 people have received a single dose
• 3,679,746 people have received their second dose
• 121,567 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:10 pm EST: There have been 3,837 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 577,078 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 24,156 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,360,265 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,493,772 rapid lateral flow tests.

14 of Northern Ireland’s 86 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 11 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,138. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 8 - 10 am February 9.

As of February 9, there have been 3,687,994 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,417,106 were first doses, 1,316,088 were second doses, 19,786 were third doses, and 935,014 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published headline results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modelled positivity estimates for NI for the week up to the 5th February 2022. 

The Department notes: “Due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within our sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.”

• During the most recent week of the study (30 January – 5 February 2022), it is estimated that 145,600 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 126,800 to 165,200). 
• This equates to 7.93% of the population (95% credible interval: 6.91% to 9.01%) or around 1 in 13 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 14 to 1 in 11).
• Modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive in Northern Ireland continued to increase in the week ending 5 February 2022.

The Department of Health has published headline results from its latest COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS).

Read ➡️https://t.co/cN798Axd92 pic.twitter.com/dV8fs4qCyO

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 9, 2022

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today said: "Misinformation continues to circulate on social media about COVID-19 vaccines. Some of it involves scaremongering claims about vaccine side-effects. These claims are usually based on a misunderstanding, deliberate or otherwise, of the official Yellow Card reporting system for suspected adverse reactions to medicines.

“Misinformation about the Yellow Card system has been cited in bogus legal notices delivered to some vaccine providers across the UK, including NI.” You can learn more here.

"Vaccines are the best way to protect people from COVID-19 and have already saved tens of thousands of lives.” - @MHRAgovuk

Don't be misled about vaccine side effects.

Know the facts ➡️https://t.co/UzQahuM3Zr

More info on yellow card reporting ?https://t.co/CaP3xLzJZo pic.twitter.com/Kl2reiMjtw

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 9, 2022

Tuesday, February 8

Update 11:35 am EST:  As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,780 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 7 February, 5,585* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 646 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 72 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,224,862 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, February 7.

There has been a total of 6,228 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 1. This includes 92 deaths newly notified in the past week since last Wednesday, January 26.

As of Monday, February 7, there have been 7,828,792 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,791,431 people have received their first dose
• 238,306 people have received a single dose
• 3,678,199 people have received their second dose
• 120,856 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 3,959 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 573,241 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 24,878 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,348,270 lab-reported PCR tests, and 2,476,538 rapid lateral flow tests.

15 of Northern Ireland’s 90 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 12 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,136. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 7 - 10 am February 8.

As of February 8, there have been 3,685,799 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,416,927 were first doses, 1,315,857 were second doses, 19,741 were third doses, and 933,274 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Monday, February 7

Update 12:00 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,975 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 6 February, 4,478 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 643 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 76 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.")

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,221,082 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, February 6.

There has been a total of 6,228 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 1. This includes 92 deaths newly notified in the past week since last Wednesday, January 26.

As of Sunday, February 6, there have been 7,825,860 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,790,735 people have received their first dose
• 238,281 people have received a single dose
• 3,676,568 people have received their second dose
• 120,276 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:45 am EST: There have been 3,105 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 569,282 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 25,884 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, there have been 5,338,967 lab-reported tests, and 2,456,652 rapid lateral flow tests.

14 of Northern Ireland’s 89 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 11 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,130. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 6 - 10 am February 7.

As of February 7, there have been 3,683,432 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,416,734 were first doses, 1,315,589 were second doses, 19,648 were third doses, and 931,461 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann today confirmed that he is “seeking legal guidance on how to replace remaining COVID restrictions - if not all - with clear guidance and advice.”

Minister Swann said that "having reviewed the data, the time to take this step is this week."

Health Minister Robin Swann confirms he is ‘seeking legal guidance on how to replace remaining COVID restrictions- if not all- with clear guidance and advice.’ pic.twitter.com/o0MX1Szy2B

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 7, 2022

Friday, February 4

Update 11:55 am EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 6,697 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Thursday 3 February, 5,639* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 597 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 66 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,205,914 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, February 3.

There has been a total of 6,228 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 1. This includes 92 deaths newly notified in the past week since last Wednesday, January 26.

As of Thursday, February 3, there have been 7,797,644 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,785,613 people have received their first dose
• 238,194 people have received a single dose
• 3,656,027 people have received their second dose
• 117,810 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:45 am EST: There have been 3,833 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, there have now been 560,282 cumulative cases reported in Northern Ireland. 28,110 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has moved all Covid-19 case reporting to a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.

To date, there have been 5,320,245 lab-reported tests, and 2,404,701 rapid lateral flow tests.

12 of Northern Ireland’s 90 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 9 COVID patients are ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,124. The newly reported death occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 3 - 10 am February 4.

As of February 4, there have been 3,677,195 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,415,803 were first doses, 1,314,171 were second doses, 19,601 were third doses, and 927,620 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Thursday, February 3

Update 1:30 pm EST: The Department of Health has reported 6,061 positive PCR tests and 6,814 positive antigen tests.

There have now been 1,199,217 positive PCR tests in Ireland since the outbreak of the pandemic.

There are currently 610 patients in Irish hospitals with Covid-19, the lowest number of Covid hospitalizations in Ireland since December 29. 

Ireland's Covid hospitalizations have fallen by 43% since the peak of 1,063 on January 10. 

There are currently 63 patients in ICU, the lowest level since October 3. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 4,3013 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 3,123. 

There are currently 354 Covid-19 patients in Northern Irish hospitals, with 11 requiring intensive care.

There are currently 178 active outbreaks in Northern Irish care homes. 

A total of 3,674,504 doses of the Covid vaccine have been administered in the region to date. 

Wednesday, February 2

Update 1:10 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,940 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 1 February, 6,620* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 630 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 65 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,193,156 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, February 1.

There has been a total of 6,228 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 1. This includes 92 deaths newly notified in the past week since last Wednesday, January 26.

Update 12:00 pm EST: There have been 4,769 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 552,246 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 28,293 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has moved all Covid-19 case reporting to a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.

To date, there have been 5,297,166 lab-reported tests, and 2,364,009 rapid lateral flow tests.

13 of Northern Ireland’s 91 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 10 COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,120. All five of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am February 1 - 10 am February 2.

As of February 2, there have been 3,672,192 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,415,435 were first doses, 1,313,301 were second doses, 19,563 were third doses, and 923,893 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published headline results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modeled positivity estimates for NI for the week up to January 29, 2022.

The Department notes: “Due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within our sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.”

• during the most recent week of the study (January 23 – January 29, 2022), it is estimated that 136,300 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 118,200 to 155,200). 
• this equates to 7.43% of the population (95% credible interval: 6.44% to 8.46%) or around 1 in 15 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 15 to 1 in 10).
• modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive in Northern Ireland increased in the week ending January 29, 2022.

The COVIDCert NI app has now been updated to include confirmation of booster doses. You can learn more here.

You can now update your #COVIDCertNI app to include the fact that you have received your booster vaccine.

Don't have the app? You can request a printed certificate by calling 0300 200 7814.

Read ➡️https://t.co/1IFPlTOWuy

More information ➡️https://t.co/0uVT3JzBvt pic.twitter.com/4kF3VeDsSy

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 2, 2022

Tuesday, February 1

Update 10:40 am EST:  As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 4,208 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 31 January, 6,410* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 624 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 66 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,187,216 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, January 31.

There has been a total of 6,136 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 25. There were 49 deaths notified since Wednesday, January 19.

As of Monday, January 31, there have been 7,781,596 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,782,285 people have received their first dose
  238,056 people have received a single dose
  3,646,279 people have received their second dose
  114,976 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 10:35 am EST: There have been 4,622 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 547,477 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 28,366 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

From yesterday, Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has moved all Covid-19 case reporting to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.

To date, there have been 5,281,147 lab-reported tests, and 2,343,647 rapid lateral flow tests.

21 of Northern Ireland’s 92 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 13 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,115. All four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 31 - 10 am February 1.

As of February 1, there have been 3,670,010 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,415,247were first doses, 1,313,053 were second doses, 19,544 were third doses,  and 922,166 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

You can see the latest guidance regarding testing for COVID-19 in Northern Ireland here.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.

If you don’t have symptoms, take regular lateral flow tests particularly before meeting others.

Latest guidance ➡️https://t.co/MOpw7x3EDi

Self-isolating and close contacts ➡️https://t.co/T1bgFeXaX1 pic.twitter.com/bDEhdqZuv4

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 1, 2022

Monday, January 31

Update 12:50 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,872 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
  in addition, on Sunday 30 January, 4,759* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 692 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 75 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)
• On Saturday 29 January, the HPSC was notified of 5,091 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19. 4,057 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal the previous day.
• On Sunday 30 January, the HPSC was notified of 4,400 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19. 3,893 people registered 

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.*These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

Ireland’s Department of Health will report COVID-19 case numbers from Monday to Friday only. Reporting of cases on Monday will take account of weekend figures. Daily hospital and ICU information will continue to be updated on the COVID-19 data hub as usual on Saturdays and Sundays.

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,183,008 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, January 30.

There has been a total of 6,136 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 25. There were 49 deaths notified since Wednesday, January 19.

As of Sunday, January 30, there have been 7,778,514 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,781,553 people have received their first dose
• 238,029 people have received a single dose
• 3,644,646 people have received their second dose
• 114,286 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:10 pm EST: There have been 4,159 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 542,855 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 29,071 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

From today, Northern Ireland’s Department of Health moves all Covid-19 case reporting to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.

To date, there have been 5,272,773 lab-reported tests, and 2,321,068 rapid lateral flow tests reported in Northern Ireland.

23 of Northern Ireland’s 91 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 16 COVID patients are ventilated.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,111. Two of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 30 - 10 am January 31, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of January 31, there have been 3,668,413 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,415,088 were first doses, 1,312,791 were second doses, 19,533 were third doses,  and 921,001 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has confirmed that its latest request for military assistance for the Northern Ireland health service has been approved.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Our health service has been battling Covid and its numerous obstacles for two years. Whilst the recent surge in Omicron cases did not translate into the possible worst case scenario in terms of hospitalisations, it’s clear that our health service continues to be under severe pressure. Community transmission remains high which inevitably has a knock-on impact on staff sickness and self-isolation.

“Like my counterparts across the UK, I made this latest request to help support and bolster our frontline staff as they continue to navigate through this wave alongside the normal Winter pressures.

“I’m grateful to the military personnel who will provide some much welcomed practical assistance to our health service in the coming weeks. I know that their presence also serves as a morale boost to our own staff who are understandably fatigued.”

Minister Swann concluded: “We all need to support our health service and its staff. With restrictions easing it’s important that we follow the public health advice to help stop Covid.

“Please get your vaccine – whether it’s your first, second or booster. Get vaccinated.”

Saturday, January 29

Update 1:30 pm EST: Irish Covid-19 hospitalizations have fallen to their lowest level in 2022. 

There are currently 649 patients in Irish hospitals, down 58 from yesterday. 

There were 940 Covid patients in hospital this day two weeks ago and 836 last Saturday. 

There are currently 66 patients in ICU with the virus, a reduction of three since yesterday. 

There were 89 patients in ICU two weeks ago. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has reported 3,590 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 3,103. 

A total of 3,664,503 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

Friday, January 28

Update 1:05 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,109 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Thursday 27 January, 4,482 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 707 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 69 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,169,645 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, January 27.

There has been a total of 6,136 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 25. There were 49 deaths notified since Wednesday, January 19.

As of Thursday, January 27, there have been 7,756,130 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,775,895  people have received their first dose
• 237,955 people have received a single dose
• 3,629,911 people have received their second dose
• 112,369 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:05 pm EST: There have been 3,737 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 527,460 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 32,174 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

From January 31, Northern Ireland’s Department of Health will move all Covid-19 case reporting to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.

To date, 2,051,206 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,203,614 lab-reported tests, and 2,259,918 rapid lateral flow tests.

22 of Northern Ireland’s 91 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 18 COVID patients are ventilated.

Eight more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,100. Seven of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 27 - 10 am January 28, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of January 28, there have been 3,661,792 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,414,119 were first doses, 1,311,200 were second doses, 19,485 were third doses,  and 916,988 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Thursday, January 27

Update 12:55 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,265 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 26 January, 4,673* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 708 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 71 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: “Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.”)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,164,536 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, January 26.

There has been a total of 6,136 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 25. There were 49 deaths notified since Wednesday, January 19.

As of Wednesday, January 26, there have been 7,752,529 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,774,451 people have received their first dose
• 237,931 people have received a single dose
• 3,628,579 people have received their second dose
• 111,568 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Yesterday, Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that “Covid numbers continue to trend in the right direction.”

Covid numbers continue to trend in the right direction. The number of patients with Covid in hospitals has fallen below 700 this evening. Our high vaccine and booster uptake is making a huge difference.

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) January 26, 2022

Update 11:35 am EST: There have been 4,243 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 523,722 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 31,895 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

From January 31, Northern Ireland’s Department of Health will move all Covid-19 case reporting to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections. You can learn more here.

From 31 January 2022, the Department of Health will move all Covid-19 case reporting to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.

More info ➡️https://t.co/cKg3GknzXS pic.twitter.com/N5kyHnSdYs

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 27, 2022

To date, 2,048,651 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,193,422 lab-reported tests, and 2,239,365 rapid lateral flow tests.

22 of Northern Ireland’s 92 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 18 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,092. Five of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 26 - 10 am January 27, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of January 27, there have been 3,658,341 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,413,723 were first doses, 1,310,551 were second doses, 19,461 were third doses,  and 914,606 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Wednesday, January 26

Update 12:45 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,605 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 25 January, 4,809* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 739 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 74 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes:Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,159,271 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, January 25.

There has been a total of 6,136 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 25. There have been 49 deaths notified in Ireland since Wednesday, January 19.

As of Tuesday, January 25, there have been 7,749,970 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,773,550 people have received their first dose
• 237,904 people have received a single dose
• 3,627,567 people have received their second dose
• 110,949 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:35 am EST: There have been 4,383 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 519,479 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 31,233 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,045,640 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,179,242 lab-reported tests, and 2,216,307 rapid lateral flow tests.

22 of Northern Ireland’s 93 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 19 COVID patients are ventilated.

Nine more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,086. Eight of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 25 - 10 am January 26, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of January 26, there have been 3,655,138 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,413,414 were first doses, 1,309,950 were second doses, 19,424 were third doses,  and 912,350 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published headline results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings relate to modelled positivity estimates for NI for the week up to the 22nd January 2022. 

The Department notes that due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within its sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.

• During the most recent week of the study (16 January – 22 January 2022), it is estimated that 96,500 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 81,600 to 112,700). 
• This equates to 5.26% of the population (95% credible interval: 4.45% to 6.14%) or around 1 in 20 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 20 to 1 in 15).
• Modelling suggests the trend in the percentage of people testing positive in Northern Ireland was uncertain in the week ending 22 January 2022.
• Omicron variant compatible infections continue to be dominant across all UK countries

Tuesday, January 25

Update 12:30 pm EST:  As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 4,006 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 24 January, 5,212* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 824 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 79 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,153,666 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, January 24.

There has been a total of 6,087 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 18. This includes 52 deaths newly notified since Wednesday, January 12.

As of Monday, January 24, there have been 7,745,543 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,772,402 people have received their first dose
• 237,859 people have received a single dose
• 3,625,270 people have received their second dose
• 110,012 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:05 pm EST: There have been 5,023 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 515,096 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 30,808 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,042,699 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,168,839 lab-reported tests, and 2,193,896 rapid lateral flow tests.

21 of Northern Ireland’s 92 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 18 COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,077. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 24 - 10 am January 25, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of January 25, there have been 3,652,360 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,413,205 were first doses, 1,309,523 were second doses, 19,402 were third doses,  and 910,230 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has confirmed the removal of a number of travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers arriving into Northern Ireland. From 4 am on 11 February 2022 fully vaccinated travelers arriving from non-red list countries will only have to complete a UK Passenger Locator Form with no additional requirement for testing or isolation.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated will be required to complete a UK Passenger Locator Form, take a pre-departure test 48 hours before arriving into Northern Ireland and book and pay for a day 2 PCR post-arrival test. These individuals will only be required to self-isolate if they test positive following the day 2 PCR test.

From 4 am on 11 February, 16 further countries will be added to the eligible vaccination arrivals policy. Vaccine certificates will now be accepted from Algeria, Cape Verde, China, El Salvador, Guatemala, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao SAR [Special Administrative Region], Mexico, Sao Tome & Principe, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, and Turkmenistan.

No countries will be added to the red list. The latest advice and rules on travel are available on NI Direct.

From 4am on 11 February, fully vaccinated travellers arriving into NI will no longer need to test or self isolate.

You will still have to complete a UK Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before arrival.

Read ➡️https://t.co/senTcnxziu

Latest travel advice ➡️https://t.co/KLv0UAyYMb pic.twitter.com/BNxx9HcR2Y

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 25, 2022

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann is urging people in Northern Ireland to take part in a world-leading study on life-saving COVID-19 antiviral drugs.

The PANORAMIC trial, run by the University of Oxford, is open to the over-50s, as well as adults with an underlying health condition, if they test positive for COVID-19. Around 4,500 participants across the UK have already signed up to the study, but thousands more are being recruited.

The Minister said: “Vaccines remain our most important defence against the effects of COVID-19, but these antivirals are vital in helping to protect the most vulnerable from serious illness and hospitalisation.

“Patients from Northern Ireland are among the thousands who have received the new drugs but at least 6,000 more participants are needed across the UK as soon as possible. This is so that expert scientists can understand more about how to deploy these life-saving treatments in the health service more widely later in the year.

“If you’re eligible, please step forward for the PANORAMIC trial and play your part in helping us to learn more about medicines which could save thousands of lives.” 

Anyone aged 50+, or 18-49 with an underlying health condition, can sign up to the PANORAMIC trial as soon as they receive a positive PCR or lateral flow test result.

You also need to have experienced COVID symptoms in the last 5 days to be eligible.

Read https://t.co/GzwbGqCKRT pic.twitter.com/ke6VwPNLGa

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 25, 2022

Monday, January 24

Update 12:35 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 3,692 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 23 January, 4,347* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 885 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 76 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,149,660 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, January 23.

There has been a total of 6,087 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 18. This includes 52 deaths newly notified since Wednesday, January 12.

As of Sunday, January 23, there have been 7,743,143 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,771,414 people have received their first dose
• 237,829 people have received a single dose
• 3,624,470 people have received their second dose
• 109,430 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:45 am EST: There have been 3,932 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 510,073 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 29,950 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,039,338 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,156,588 lab-reported tests, and 2,168,884 rapid lateral flow tests.

23 of Northern Ireland’s 92 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 20 COVID patients are ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,072. The newly reported death occurred outside of the current reporting period, 10 am January 23 - 10 am January 24. Following validation, one death previously reported has been removed from the cumulative number of reported deaths.

As of January 24, there have been 3,650,097 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,412,998 were first doses, 1,309,176 were second doses, 19,392 were third doses,  and 908,531 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Sunday, January 23

Update 2:30 pm EST: The Department of Health has reported 4,731 new cases of Covid-19, while 3,395 people registered positive antigen tests. 

There are currently 845 patients in Irish hospitals with Covid-19, while 79 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

A total of 2,646,75 doses of the Covid-19 booster vaccine have been administered in Ireland to date, while 7,629,510 first and second doses have also been administered. 

A total of 3,623,608 people have received at least two doses, while 237,794 people have received the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has reported 3,059 new cases of the virus and five further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 3,072. 

A total of 3,648,134 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends. 

Saturday, January 22

Update 12:30 pm EST: The Department of Health has reported 6,689 new cases of Covid-19, while 3,911 people registered positive antigen tests through the HSE portal.

There are currently 836 Covid-19 patients in Irish hospitals, down 56 since yesterday, with 78 patients in intensive care, a decline of ten since yesterday.

It represents the lowest number of Covid-19 patients in ICU since November 8. 

A total of 1,141,237 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ireland since the outbreak of the pandemic. 

As of Friday, January 21, a total of 2,638,723 doses of the booster vaccine have been administered in Ireland, while 7,624,097 first and second doses have also been administered. 

A total of 3,622,758 have received at least two doses of the vaccine, while 237,771 people have received the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has reported 3,476 new cases of the virus and five further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 3,067.

A total of 3,645,986 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends.

Friday, January 21

Update 1:04 pm EST: Taoiseach Micheál Martin is now addressing the country regarding the rollback of COVID restrictions:

WATCH: Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces the lifting of almost all Covid-19 restrictions | https://t.co/xwD3F6HSzE https://t.co/AN9f3MexNX

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 21, 2022

Update 12:40 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 6,597 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Thursday 20 January, 4,564* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 892 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 88 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,134,548 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, January 20.

There has been a total of 6,087 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 18. This includes 52 deaths newly notified since last Wednesday, January 12.

As of Thursday, January 20, there have been 7,726,537  doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,759,865 people have received their first dose
• 237,740 people have received a single dose
• 3,621,444 people have received their second dose
• 107,488 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

NPHET has given the okay for most of Ireland’s current COVID restrictions to be rolled back. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to give a live address at 6 pm Irish time tonight to outline the plan of action.

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 3,568 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 499,606 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 26,760 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,030,645 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,136,345 lab-reported tests, and 2,095,702 rapid lateral flow tests.

24 of Northern Ireland’s 94 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 19 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,062. Five of the newly reported deaths occurred inside the current reporting period, 10 am January 20 - 10 am January 21, and one death occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of January 21, there have been 3,641,677 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,411,792 were first doses, 1,307,144 were second doses, 19,354 were third doses,  and 903,387 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Some COVID restrictions are being relaxed in Northern Ireland at noon today, with more relaxations to come into effect next week. You can see more here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published the next in the series of weekly results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modelled positivity estimates for NI for the week up to the 15th January 2022.

The Department notes that due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within its sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.

• during the most recent week of the study (9 January – 15 January), it is estimated that 104,300 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 89,300 to 120,600). 
• this equates to 5.68% of the population (95% credible interval: 4.87% to 6.57%) or around 1 in 20 people (95% credible interval 1 in 20 to 1 in 15).
  modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive increased in Northern Ireland in the two weeks up to 15 January, but the trend was uncertain in the week ending 15 January.
• in the latest six-week period, there were 15,496 swab tests taken in total from 11,677 participants. Of these, 496 participants tested positive from 387 different households.
• in the latest two-week period, of the 5,747 participants in the study, 279 tested positive from 218 households.
• in Northern Ireland, the percentage testing positive increased for young adults and the older ages, whilst the trend was uncertain for those of school age.
• omicron variant compatible COVID-19 infections continue to be dominant across all UK countries.

Yesterday, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann welcomed the roll-out of new COVID-19 treatment options for patients who are at the highest risk from the effects of the virus.

Treatments previously only available to people who were hospitalised with the virus are now being offered to eligible patients in the community.  In the last four weeks over 350 patients across Northern Ireland have received either the Neutralising Monoclonal Antibody treatment (nMABs) Sotrovimab, at a Trust Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment Service, or the oral antiviral medicine Molnupiravir, to take at home. 

Minister Swann said: “Monoclonal antibodies and antivirals have been used by the health service since September of last year to treat patients who are hospitalised with severe COVID-19, and have been shown to improve survival and recovery time. The roll-out of these treatments to patients at highest risk in the community is a significant milestone in our battle against COVID-19 and will provide an additional layer of support for the most vulnerable in society.”

Thursday, January 20

Update 6:10 pm EST: Ireland's National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has reportedly given the okay to end most COVID restrictions in the country.

RTE reports that the recommendation does not include a timeline and it will be up to Cabinet to decide when to unwind restrictions. The Irish government is expected to make an announcement in respect to ending restrictions tomorrow.

Update 12:15 pm EST:  As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,523 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Wednesday 19 January, 5,048* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 896 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 90 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. *These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,127,951 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesday, January 19.

There has been a total of 6,087 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 18. This includes 52 deaths newly notified since last Wednesday, January 12.

As of Wednesday, January 19, there have been 7,721,078 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,755,930 people have received their first dose
• 237,719 people have received a single dose
• 3,620,311 people have received their second dose
• 107,118 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Speaking on RTÉ Radio today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said “I think we are entering into a new phase.

“I hope to be in a position tomorrow evening to give a comprehensive, clear position in terms of the lifting of restrictions and also how we intend now to live with COVID over the next while, because COVID isn’t going away, but we are definitely into a new phase of it.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said we are "entering into a new phase" and hopes to give a "comprehensive clear position in terms of the lifting of restrictions" tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Qh8onKwTmN via @morningireland

— RTÉ (@rte) January 20, 2022

Update 11:55 amEST: There have been 3,879 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 496,038 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 26,795 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,027,659 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,125,919 lab-reported tests, and 2,072,866 rapid lateral flow tests.

24 of Northern Ireland’s 94 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 21 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,056. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred inside the current reporting period, 10 am January 19  - 10 am January 20.

As of January 20, there have been 3,636,745 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,411,390 were first doses, 1,306,569 were second doses, 19,343 were third doses,  and 899,443 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

The Northern Ireland Executive has today agreed an approach for relaxing the measures put in place to manage the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor have confirmed that Northern Ireland is likely to be past the peak in case numbers, although it remains possible that case numbers may rebound somewhat due to the impact of the return of schools. Hospital admissions and COVID bed occupancy as a result of community transmission have also peaked and are beginning to fall slowly. Based on current data, a rise in COVID ICU occupancy is not expected in this wave.

From 21 January at 12 noon:

• In hospitality settings - the requirement to be seated whilst consuming food and/or drink and for table service in premises that provide alcohol will be removed as will the rule of 6.
• In domestic settings - guidance regarding the cap on the number households meeting indoors will be removed.  (A maximum number of 30 people permitted to gather will be retained in regulation.)
• On face coverings – the requirement to provide proof of exemption will be removed and the reasonable excuse of ‘severe distress’ will be reintroduced.
• The guidance on working from home will revert to working from home where you can with employers encouraged to facilitate this.

The Executive has also been advised by the Department of Health that the minimum self-isolation period for people testing positive for Covid-19 will be reduced to five full days, subject to negative lateral flow tests on days 5 and 6 of their isolation.

From 26 January at 12 noon:

• Nightclubs will be permitted to open.
• Dancing and indoor standing events can resume.
• In relation to COVID-status certification – the legal requirement will continue to apply in relation to nightclubs and indoor unseated or partially seated events with 500 people or more. For other settings where COVID status certificates are currently required, guidance would strongly encourage their continued use.
• In workplaces - the requirement for offices to take reasonable measures for 2m social distancing will be removed. Guidance remains in place that risk assessments should be carried out.

10 February:

All remaining COVID measures will be reviewed by the Executive on 10 February. This includes:

• the legal duty on retail to take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of transmission;
• the legal requirement to wear face coverings and the associated duty on businesses to take reasonable measures to ensure compliance;
• the legal requirement for risk assessments in prescribed settings;
• the legal requirement for recording visitor information in prescribed settings;
• the remaining legal requirements in relation to Covid-status certification; and
• the guidance on the regular use of LFD testing, and in particular before meeting up with others.

Wednesday, January 19

Update 12:50 pm EST:  As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 6,843 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Tuesday 18 January, 5,295 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 910 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 90 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. * * These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,122,428 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, January 18.

There has been a total of 6,087 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland up to Tuesday, January 18. This includes 52 deaths newly notified since last Wednesday, January 12.

As of Tuesday, January 18, there have been 7,716,148 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,752,117 people have received their first dose
• 237,688 people have received a single dose
• 3,619,370 people have received their second dose
• 106,973 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:50 am EST: There have been 4,451 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 492,159 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 25,823 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,024,456 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,113,633 lab-reported tests, and 2,048,676 rapid lateral flow tests.

25 of Northern Ireland’s 96 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 20 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,054. All of the newly reported deaths occurred inside the current reporting period, 10 am January 18  - 10 am January 19.

As of January 19, there have been 3,631,717 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,411,207 were first doses, 1,305,939 were second doses, 19,332 were third doses, and 895,239 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today published headline results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings relate to modelled positivity estimates for Northern Ireland for the week up to the 15 January 2022. 

The Department notes that due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within the sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.

• During the most recent week of the study (09 January – 15 January 2022), it is estimated that 104,300 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 89,300 to 120,600). 
• This equates to 5.68% of the population (95% credible interval: 4.87% to 6.57%) or around 1 in 20 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 20 to 1 in 15).
• Modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive in Northern Ireland increased in the two weeks up to 15 January 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the week ending 15 January 2022.
• COVID-19 infections compatible with Omicron continue to be the most dominant variant across all UK countries.

The Department of Health has today published headline results from the latest COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS).

Read ➡️https://t.co/WoZiOpa8jd pic.twitter.com/03pC8V9CjU

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 19, 2022

Tuesday, January 18

Update 12:55 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 5,767 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Monday 17 January, 5,916** people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 979 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 93 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. * * These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,109,818 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Sunday, January 16.

There have been 6,035 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of the weekly update on Wednesday, January 12. 

As of Monday, January 17, there have been 7,710,459 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,747,781 people have received their first dose
• 237,657 people have received a single dose
• 3,618,605 people have received their second dose
• 106,416 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 10:40 am EST: There have been 4,081 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 487,708 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 23,348 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,020,927 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,099,761 lab-reported tests, and 2,026,609 rapid lateral flow tests.

28 of Northern Ireland’s 95 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 22 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,048. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred inside the current reporting period, 10 am January 17  - 10 am January 18, while two of the deaths occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of January 18, there have been 3,626,762 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,410,711 were first doses, 1,305,436 were second doses, 19,318 were third doses, and 891,297 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Monday, January 17

Update 12:35 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• the HPSC has been notified of 6,329 PCR confirmed cases of COVID-19
• in addition, on Sunday 16 January, 4,810** people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal
• 1,006 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 97 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period. **These data are provisional and are not directly comparable with laboratory PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases registered through the HSE Covid Care Tracker.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,103,489 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Saturday, January 15.

There have been 6,035 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of the weekly update on Wednesday, January 12. 

As of Sunday, January 16, there have been 7,706,223 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,744,906 people have received their first dose
• 237,639 people have received a single dose
• 3,617,737 people have received their second dose
• 105,941 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: “As we continue to adjust to the latest changes to the public health advice relating to isolation and restriction of movements for cases and close contacts, it is important to remember that the most important change relates to mask wearing. It is now recommended that medical grade or FFP2 masks are used by:

• anyone 13 years and older who is a confirmed case, a close contact or who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
• over 60s and vulnerable people of all ages in indoor or crowded outdoor places
• anyone visiting a healthcare setting or when visiting those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 in any setting

"Masks can play a key role in reducing transmission of COVID-19 if made correctly, well fitted and worn properly – that is, they cover the nose, mouth and chin.

"The best way to protect yourself against the most severe impacts of COVID-19 is to get your booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The evidence shows that people who have received a booster are less susceptible to infection and, if infected, are less infectious to others.

"According to our Amárach research, 68% of those aged under 35 years, who have received a full primary course of COVID-19 vaccination but are not yet boosted, said that they would receive a booster dose if they were offered it next week. It is important to remember that you don’t need to wait for the HSE to contact you about your booster appointment. You can book an appointment online on www.hse.ie, drop into your local pharmacy or contact your GP.

"In the last week over 46,000 children aged 5-11 have been vaccinated in Ireland. Vaccines are a very safe and effective way to protect children from the risk posed by COVID-19 infection. The HSE are operating special child-friendly vaccine clinics. Please visit www.hse.ie for trusted information on COVID-19 vaccines or to book an appointment.

"Continue to layer up on the basic public health measures, including vaccination, to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection. Wear 7the appropriate mask recommended for you, practise social distancing and good hand hygiene, work from home unless necessary to attend in person, avoid crowds and ensure indoor spaces and public transport are ventilated by opening windows regularly."

Update 11:50 am EST: There have been 3,295 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 483,627 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 23,630 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,017,662 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,088,744 lab-reported tests, and 2,002,821 rapid lateral flow tests.

28 of Northern Ireland’s 96 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 22 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,042. All four of the newly reported deaths occurred inside the current reporting period, 10 am January 16  - 10 am January 17.

As of January 17, there have been 3,621,591 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,410,134 were first doses, 1,304,935 were second doses, 19,353 were third doses, and 887,169 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

In Northern Ireland, pregnant women are being urged to get COVID-19 vaccine following findings from a new study from the University of Edinburgh which found that women who get Covid-19 towards the end of their pregnancy are at an increased risk of birth-related complications.

The findings show that preterm births, stillbirths and newborn deaths are more common among women who have the virus 28 days, or less, before their delivery date. The study also provided further reassurance on the safety of vaccination during pregnancy.

A new study @EdinburghUni found that women who get Covid-19 towards the end of pregnancy are at an increased risk of birth-related complications.

Please don’t wait until after your baby is born to get your vaccine.

More info➡️https://t.co/ygDvQlhn3L

➡️https://t.co/mKEoJ9SZsZ pic.twitter.com/ymjd6OIWSs

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 17, 2022

January 16

Update 10 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 10,753 positive PCR tests and 4,208 positive antigen tests, which were through the HSE portal. 

A total of 1,103,489 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ireland since the outbreak of the pandemic. 

There are currently 965 Covid-19 patients in Irish hospitals, up 25 since yesterday, and 88 patients in ICU, down one. 

Tanáiste Leo Varadkar said on Sunday that the Irish Government should aim to fully lift Covid-19 restrictions by the end of the year. 

He said that he wanted Ireland to open "as rapidly as we can" but said that any reopening would not be reckless. He added that the Government would be ready to respond to any surge in cases.

He also said that he hoped certain restrictions could be eased by February 1.

"I think we're coming to a point where we need to move on," Varadkar told RTÉ's The Week in Politics. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has reported 2,518 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 3,038.

A total of 3,619,404 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends. 

January 15

Update 12:10 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 14,555 positive PCR tests and 5,406 positive antigen tests, which were logged through the HSE portal. 

A total of 1,092,736 cases have been confirmed in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic. 

There are currently 940 Covid-19 patients in Irish hospitals, down 80 since yesterday, and 89 patients in ICU, up six. 

As of January 13, 2,510,549 doses of the  Covid-19 booster vaccine have been administered in Ireland, while 7,569,952 first and second doses have also been administered. 

A total of 3,614,436 people have received at least two doses, while 237,538 people have received the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has reported 2,668 new cases of the virus and no further deaths. 

A total of 3,615,907 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends. 

January 14

Update 12:50 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 17,065 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 1,023 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 83 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,078,181 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Thursday, January 13.

There have been 6,035 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, in Ireland as of the weekly update on Wednesday, January 12. 

As of Thursday, January 13, there have been 7,675,268 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,717,978 people have received their first dose
• 237,538 people have received a single dose
• 3,614,436 people have received their second dose
• 105,316 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "We have seen exceptional levels of uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Ireland. To date, 59% of the adult population here have availed of a booster dose, compared with just 32% across Europe.

"The primary purpose of vaccination has always been to prevent serious illness and death – COVID-19 vaccines continue to prove remarkably effective in this regard and have provided significant protection to the most vulnerable and to our health system in recent weeks, with the booster dose restoring protection against severe disease to 90%. At present, just 20% of people in intensive care have been boosted.

"In addition, we know that those who have been boosted are less susceptible to infection and, if infected, are less infectious to others, compared with those who have not been boosted.

"It is important that those who have not yet availed of a booster vaccine now do so; appointments are available through vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies.

"Finally, it is also very important that those who have not yet availed of any vaccine, for whatever reason, come forward for it as soon as possible. Without vaccination, they remain susceptible to the severest effects of COVID-19. Your GP, pharmacist, obstetrician or midwife will be very happy to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about vaccination. Further information on vaccines can be found at HSE.ie."

Update 12:10 pm EST: There have been 2,954 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 475,146 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 23,108 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,008,725 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,068,997 lab-reported tests, and 1,929,791 rapid lateral flow tests.

30 of Northern Ireland’s 96 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 25 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,035. All four of the newly reported deaths occurred inside the current reporting period, 10 am January 13  - 10 am January 14.

As of January 14, there have been 3,609,748 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,408,771 were first doses, 1,303,385 were second doses, 19,398 were third doses, and 878,194 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today published the next in the series of weekly results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modelled positivity estimates for Northern Ireland for the week up to January 6, 2022.

The Department notes that due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within its sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.

• During the most recent week of the study (31 December 2021 – 6 January 2022), it is estimated that 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 83,800 to 116,800). 
• This equates to 5.41% of the population (95% credible interval: 4.57% to 6.36%) or around 1 in 20 people (95% credible interval 1 in 20 to 1 in 15).
• Modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 6 January in Northern Ireland.
• In the latest six-week period, there were 14,939 swab tests taken in total from 11,509 participants. Of these, 378 participants tested positive from 295 different households.
• In the latest two-week period, of the 3,451 participants in the study, 146 tested positive from 119 households.
• In Northern Ireland, the percentage testing positive increased for those of secondary school age, young adults and older adults, but the trend was uncertain for those of primary school age.
• During the most recent week of the study, COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Delta compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron continues to be the dominant variant across the UK.

January 13

Update 1:10 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 18,904 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 1,011 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 92 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,061,116 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Wednesay, January 12.

There have been 6,035 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of the weekly update on Wednesday, January 12. 

As of Wednesday, January 12, there have been 7,666,107 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,710,383 people have received their first dose
• 237,507 people have received a single dose
• 3,613,416 people have received their second dose
• 104,801 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "It is important to note that the latest public health advice around self-isolation and restriction of movement places an increased emphasis on the use by cases and close contacts of higher-grade face masks, as opposed to cloth masks. Other protective measures including strict limiting of social contacts are also advised for the full 10 days following a confirmed COVID-19 infection or close contact. These combined measures are intended to offset any increase in risk of transmission that may result from the reduction and or removal of the requirement to self-isolate or restrict movements.

"It is now recommended that medical grade or FFP2 masks are used by:

• anyone 13 years and older who is a confirmed case, a close contact or who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
• over 60s and vulnerable people of all ages in indoor or crowded outdoor places
• anyone visiting a healthcare setting or when visiting those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 in any setting

"Masks can play a key role in reducing transmission of COVID-19 if made correctly, well fitted and worn properly – that is they cover the nose, mouth and chin.

"By layering up on the basic public health measures, including vaccination, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infection. Continue to practise social distancing and good hand hygiene, work from home unless necessary to attend, avoid crowds and ensure indoor spaces and public transport are ventilated (open windows)."

Update 12:20 pm EST: There have been 2,980 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 472,192 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 23,848 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,005,622 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,054,442 lab-reported tests, and 1,908,964 rapid lateral flow tests.

29 of Northern Ireland’s 97 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 24 COVID patients are ventilated.

14 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,031. All 14 of the newly reported deaths occurred inside the current reporting period, 10 am January 12  - 10 am January 13

Responding to today’s 14 deaths, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann said: “My thoughts are very much with the families and friends of those who have passed away.

“These tragic losses once again underline the reality that the virus still represents a very serious threat to our population.

“We have undoubtedly made progress in pushing down Omicron numbers, thanks to the efforts everyone has made and the rapid roll-out of vaccine boosters.

“However, we must never lose sight of the fact that COVID-19 can still cause devastation to families and communities.

“Please do all you can to prevent the spread of the virus. Even if you think the risk to you from infection may be relatively low, you could still pass it on to someone who is very vulnerable.

“I would again appeal for more people to come forward for their boosters without delay. If you are not yet vaccinated, please get your jab. Boosters and first and second doses are widely available across Northern Ireland.”

Health Minister Robin Swann has expressed his deep sadness at the news that 14 further COVID-related deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today.

Read ➡️https://t.co/0Jzoli1yjQ pic.twitter.com/lbyNSpR2CP

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 13, 2022

As of January 13, there have been 3,602,749 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,407,989 were first doses, 1,302,751 were second doses, 19,364 were third doses, and 872,645 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

January 12

Update 1:35 pm EST: As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 20,909 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 1,055 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 92 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,042,212 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Tuesday, January 11.

There have been 6,035 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of today’s weekly update on Wednesday, January 12. 83 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s update.

As of Tuesday, January 11, there have been 7,656,274 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,702,423 people have received their first dose
• 237,449 people have received a single dose
• 3,612,110 people have received their second dose
• 104,292 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Today’s changes to the public health management of COVID-19 cases and close contacts are framed in light of available evidence, expert views and the international experience of COVID-19, including the recently published guidance from ECDC.

"The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is continuing to have a significant impact on all areas of our society and economy due to its increased growth advantage compared to Delta. There are some early, positive indicators however, that suggest infection from Omicron results in less severe illness and reduced requirement for care in hospital.

"It is important to note that the changes announced today cover a range of measures from self-isolation and restriction of movements to mask wearing and testing. These measures are more proportionate to the current level of infection and the impact it is having. In particular, while we are reducing the requirement to self-isolate and restrict movements for cases and close contacts respectively, we are strengthening guidance relating to mask wearing and reduced social contact for the full 10 days following diagnosis or last known close contact.

"These measures are intended to maintain our protection of public health while reducing pressure on the health service and enabling the continued operation of other economic and social sectors in society, including essential services.

"If you do not have a confirmed COVID-19 infection or have been identified as a close contact, the best way you can continue to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 is to Layer Up on the public health advice:

• get your vaccine/booster
• clean your hands
• wear an appropriate mask
• maintain social distance
• avoid crowds
• open windows

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today announced that from Friday, January 14, rules around isolation and close contacts will change.

If you have symptoms, you should immediately isolate. Only people aged 0-3 and 39 and older, as well as healthcare workers, should seek a PCR test, everyone else should use repeated antigen tests. If your antigen test is positive, you should “regard it as definitive” and log it with the HSE - a PCR test is not required.

Anyone with symptoms should self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have “substantially or fully resolved.”

If you have a positive test result, you should isolate for seven days. Ending isolation after seven days should be on the basis that symptoms have “substantially or fully resolved.” You can end isolation after seven days if you have a mild cough or changes to your taste or smell.

Anyone who is symptomatic, or had a positive PCR or antigen test, should self-isolate for seven days. Self-isolation starts from the date of onset of symptoms, or, if asymptomatic, from the day of your first positive test.

Exit from self-isolation on day seven only if you have no fever and your symptoms have mostly cleared up for two days or more before day seven.

If you are a close contact aged 13 and over and are boosted, use a well-fitting mask for 10 days and take regular antigen tests over seven days with the last test on day seven. You do not have to restrict your movements unless you become symptomatic.

It's important that we all continue to follow public health advice and #LayerUp and stay dafe for the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/rUJEh22RUS

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) January 12, 2022

Update 12:00 pm EST: There have been 2,922 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 469,212 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 27,934 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 2,002,688 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,042,687 lab-reported tests, and 1,886,876 rapid lateral flow tests.

29 of Northern Ireland’s 97 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 24 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,017. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred inside the current reporting period, 10 am January 11  - 10 am January 12.

As of January 12, there have been 3,593,453 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,407,324 were first doses, 1,302,313 were second doses, 19,334 were third doses, and 864,482 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today published headline results from its COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). The findings set out in this report relate to modelled positivity estimates for Northern Ireland for the week up to the 6 January 2022.

The Department notes that due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within its sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution.

• During the most recent week of the study (31 December 2021 – 06 January 2022), it is estimated that 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 83,800 to 116,800). 
• This equates to 5.41% of the population (95% credible interval: 4.57% to 6.36%) or around 1 in 20 people (95% credible interval: 1 in 20 to 1 in 15).
• Modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 06 January in Northern Ireland.
• COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, and Omicron continues to be the most common variant across all UK countries; Delta compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across the UK.

The Department of Health has today published headline results from the latest COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS).

Read➡️https://t.co/OCqpReZUUt pic.twitter.com/hhLCRvvaH5

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 12, 2022

January 11

Update 1:10 pm EST: As of 5:45 pm today in Ireland:

• 19,290 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 1,062 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 92 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 1,021,303 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Monday, January 10. There have been 5,952 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of the weekly update on Wednesday, January 5. 

As of Monday, January 10, there have been 7,616,554  doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,664,773 people have received their first dose
• 237,398 people have received a single dose
• 3,610,364 people have received their second dose
• 104,019 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 10:30 am EST: There have been 3,420 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 466,290 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 33,666 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,999,964 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,033,379 lab-reported tests, and 1,867,103 rapid lateral flow tests.

31 of Northern Ireland’s 95 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 22 COVID patients are ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,015. The newly reported deaths occurred outside the current reporting period, 10 am January 10  - 10 am January 11.

As of January 11, there have been 3,585,875 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,406,701 were first doses, 1,301,888 were second doses, 19,377 were third doses, and 857,909 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

January 10

Update 1:05 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 23,909 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 1,063 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 89 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 978,104 confirmed cases of COVID in the country up to Saturday, January 8. There have been 5,952 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of the weekly update on Wednesday, January 5. 

As of Sunday, January 9, there have been 7,614,761 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,663,924 people have received their first dose
• 237,379 people have received a single dose
• 3,609,647 people have received their second dose
• 103,811 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Today, we continue to report a very high level of incidence of COVID-19 in the community. It is essential for everyone to protect themselves and others from infection. Every small action to limit the spread of this disease is vital, as we continue to experience a large volume of patients in hospital, up a third on this time last week.

"Remember that behind each hospital statistic and ICU figure is an individual, with family and friends, and a team of healthcare workers providing care to them in very difficult circumstances. The best way we can continue to support our health service and protect each other is to continue to follow the public health advice as best we can – staying home and isolating if we have symptoms, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, opening windows, wearing facemasks and working from home where possible.

"Our most important layer of protection throughout this pandemic continues to be the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine programme is now open to all children between 5 -11 years of age and we know that the benefits of vaccinating children far outweigh the risks.

"Most children will experience a very mild form of this disease. For a small few, they may become severely ill. The COVID-19 vaccines are doing an excellent job of preventing severe illness and disease in those who are fully vaccinated.

"Getting your child vaccinated is a decision between you and your child. I would encourage all parents and guardians to discuss this update to our vaccination programme with your child and ensure that they are aware that vaccination is available to them. I would also encourage you to engage with the trusted health advice available on the HSE website, and with your own family clinician if you have any concerns about bringing your child for this vaccine."

Update 12:00 pm EST: There have been 2,706 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 462,870 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 37,419 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,996,625 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 5,021,738 lab-reported tests, and 1,845,027 rapid lateral flow tests.

31 of Northern Ireland’s 95 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 22 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,014. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 9 - 10 am January 10.

As of January 10, there have been 3,578,297 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,406,273 were first doses, 1,301,486 were second doses, 19,463 were third doses, and 851,075 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer has emphasised the significant additional protection a vaccine booster dose provides, on top of first and second doses.

Professor Sir Michael McBride said those delaying coming forward for their booster are gambling unnecessarily with their health and the risk of hospitalisation.

“When it comes to vaccination, the message is simple – it takes three for the general 16 plus population, and four if you are immunosuppressed.

“Don’t just rely on the fact that you have already had two doses.  Your booster dose provides vital additional protection, particularly against hospitalisation.

“There is a growing body of evidence to support this. For instance, recently published Health Security Agency (UKHSA) analysis indicates that vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation of older people increases to around 90%  two weeks after a booster dose and remains at around that level for over ten weeks. As the JCVI has reported in recent days, the current data shows the booster dose is continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease, even for the most vulnerable older age groups.

“I would again appeal particularly to all those aged 50 and over to not delay getting boosted. You are at more risk from COVID-19, compared to younger age groups, and you don’t need to gamble unnecessarily with your health.

“It is again worth highlighting local data on vaccine effectiveness. Recently published NI statistics showed that compared to fully vaccinated individuals who have also received their booster or third dose, unvaccinated individuals age 50 and over are almost 30 times as likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19.”

The Chief Medical Officer said NI is now in the midst of the expected Omicron surge, adding: “The impact of the Omicron surge has been blunted by the acceleration of the booster roll-out before Christmas and the actions of everyone.

“We still need more people coming forward for their jabs to keep building up our population’s defences.”

Booster doses are freely available at locations across NI. Anyone aged 16 and over is eligible, provided it is three months since their second dose. This also now applies children aged 12-15 in a clinical risk group who can receive their boosters via a Trust vaccination centre. Anyone who has caught COVID has to wait 28 days after infection - for those under 18 this timescale may vary.

January 9 

Update 9:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 21,384 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 978,104. 

There are currently 984 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, with 83 requiring intensive care. 

A total of 2,382,753 doses of the COVID booster vaccine have been administered in Ireland, while 7,509,056 first and second-dose vaccinations have also been administered. 

As of January 8, a total of 3,608,674 people have received two doses of the vaccine, while 237,345 people have received the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 3,760 new cases of the virus and two further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 3,009.

Only limited figures are available in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

No vaccination figures are available today due to a technical issue. 

January 8

Update 10:30 am EST: A record 26,122 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Ireland, with the total number of cases in Ireland now standing at 956,720. 

The previous record daily total of 23,817 was announced on January 6. 

There are currently 917 patients in Irish hospitals with Covid-19, while 83 Covid patients require intensive care. 

A total of 2,362,211 doses of the Covid booster vaccine have been administered in Ireland as of Friday, January 7, while 7,507,026 first and second doses have also been administered. 

A total of 3,607,699 people have received two doses of the vaccine, while 237,320 people have received the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 3,458 new cases of the virus and five further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 3,007. 

A total of 3,569,851 doses of the Covid vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

January 7

Update 12:55 pm EST:  As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 21,926 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 936 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 84 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 908,672 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, January 5. There have been 5,952 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of the weekly update on Wednesday, January 5. 

As of Thursday, January 6, there have been 7,611,069 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,660,774 people have received their first dose
• 237,260 people have received a single dose
• 3,606,552 people have received their second dose
• 106,482 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Updated Digital COVID Certificates will issue to those who have received an additional vaccine dose in Ireland's vaccine centres, GPs, and community pharmacies.

Over the coming week, updated Digital COVID Certificates will issue to those who have received an additional vaccine dose in our vaccine centres, GPs and community pharmacies.

Find out more - https://t.co/NFEABiiQZO pic.twitter.com/xJeEpqZZQc

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) January 7, 2022

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly shared this information about deciding on COVID-19 vaccination for children.

It's natural that as parents we might have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and it's important we all look at reliable information. This page on the @HSELive website is a really good resource: https://t.co/9LQ5JczWID #ForUsAll https://t.co/yTr874vJLs

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) January 7, 2022

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 6,444 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 452,946 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 47,723 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,985,035 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,981,568 lab-reported tests, and 1,775,110 rapid lateral flow tests.

31 of Northern Ireland’s 95 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 26 COVID patients are ventilated.

No COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today; the total number of deaths reported in the region remains at 3,002.  This is the first time since July 2021 that no new deaths were reported.

As of January 7, there have been 3,560,914 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,404,659 were first doses, 1,300,341 were second doses, 19,436 were third doses, and 836,478 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

January 6

Update 12:45 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 23,817 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 941 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 90 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(The Department of Health notes: Given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional. The HPSC and surveillance partners will continue to notify and process cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 on CIDR over this period.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 908,672 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, January 5. There have been 5,952 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of the weekly update on Wednesday, January 5. 

As of Wednesday, January 5, there have been 7,607,767 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,659,795 people have received their first dose
• 237,201 people have received a single dose
• 3,605,025 people have received their second dose
• 105,746 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said on Wednesday that Digital COVID Certs will be updated soon to reflect additional vaccine. 

The EU is applying a maximum 9 mth validity to certs based on a completed primary vaccination course. 

? Digital COVID Certs will be updated soon to reflect your additional vaccine.
The EU is applying a maximum 9 mth validity to certs based on a completed primary vaccination course.
You can also request a DCC of Recovery if you've recovered in the last 6months via online portal pic.twitter.com/VtGHkOHOqR

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) January 5, 2022

Update 11:40 am EST: There have been 6,877 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 446,502 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 49,270 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,979,018 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,957,227 lab-reported tests, and 1,753,826 rapid lateral flow tests.

30 of Northern Ireland’s 93 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 24 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 3,002. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 5 - 10 am December 6.

As of January 6, there have been 3,550,883 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,404,156 were first doses, 1,299,712 were second doses, 19,389 were third doses, and 827,626 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

The Department of Health has confirmed that a number of travel rules previously introduced to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant will be removed.

From 4 am on Friday, January 7, fully vaccinated passengers and under 18s will no longer need to take a pre-departure test or self-isolate on arrival. However, fully vaccinated passengers are still required to complete a passenger locator form and take a test on or before day 2 of their arrival. From Sunday 9 January, this can be either a lateral flow (LFD) or PCR test. NHS Test and Trace tests cannot be used for international travel, LFDs for this purpose must be purchased from a private provider.

Anyone with a positive lateral flow test will be required to book a free confirmatory PCR test and isolate. If the subsequent mandatory confirmatory PCR is negative, then the isolation period can end.

Individuals who are not deemed as fully vaccinated are required to complete a passenger locator form, take a pre-departure test, have booked a PCR day 2 and day 8 test package and complete 10 days self-isolation.

✈️ Travel update: From 4am tomorrow, fully vaccinated passengers and under 18s will not need to take a pre-departure test or self-isolate on arrival to NI.

Full details: https://t.co/ZKS3ZDMAL2

Keep up to date: https://t.co/1xH6ST7iO3 pic.twitter.com/XcSPrPFEwC

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 6, 2022

January 5

Update 1:05 pm EST:  As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 17,656 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 928 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 94 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 884,855 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, January 4. There have been 5,952 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of today’s weekly update on Wednesday, January 5. 40 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s update.

As of Tuesday, January 4, there have been 7,604,276 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,658,515 people have received their first dose
• 237,128 people have received a single dose
• 3,603,531 people have received their second dose
• 105,102 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "It is concerning to see the rising number of people with COVID-19 in hospital. This means that our collective efforts to follow the public health advice remain very important. I know that many have sacrificed valuable time with friends and family to protect themselves and the wider community. These continued efforts are helping to slow the spread of this virus and will protect many from infection in the next few weeks.

"The COVID-19 vaccine booster will protect the majority of people from severe disease. The booster programme is now open to everyone aged 16 and over. If you are not yet fully vaccinated or are yet to receive a booster dose, please take this opportunity to protect yourself as soon as possible.

"The best way for all of us to stay safe and to continue to protect our loved ones over the coming weeks is to isolate immediately if symptomatic, to keep your social contacts as low as possible, to avoid high risk activities and poorly ventilated environments and to continue to follow all of the public health measures that we know can stop the spread of COVID-19."

Update 12:00 pm EST: There have been 7,133  new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 439,625 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 50,250 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,972,840 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,936,310 lab-reported tests, and 1,729,912 rapid lateral flow tests.

32 of Northern Ireland’s 95 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 24 COVID patients are ventilated.

Three more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,998. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 4 - 10 am December 5.

As of January 5, there have been 3,538,916 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,400,386 were first doses, 1,297,911 were second doses, 19,316 were third doses, and 821,303 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today said that more than one million Rapid Lateral Flow Tests have been delivered into the region in the past 48 hours with the additional tests reinforcing supplies available to the public. Tests are available at more than 580 sites across NI, while you can also order them online for free home delivery. Under the latest guidance, anyone who is attending an event or social gathering should take a test before they go. Results should be reported online here. 

From today, people in Northern Ireland who get a positive lateral flow test will no longer need a PCR test to confirm that result. If your lateral flow is positive, you should assume you have COVID-19 and that you are infectious. You should therefore self-isolate immediately for the required period. You won’t need to take a confirmatory PCR test.

The Department of Health has today published headline results from its latest COVID-19 Infection Survey (CIS). Due to the relatively small number of tests and positive swab results within our sample, credible intervals are wide and therefore results should be interpreted with caution:

• During the most recent week of the study (December 25 – December 31), it is estimated that 72,900 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 56,800 to 90,100). 
• This equates to 3.97% of the population (95% credible interval: 3.10% to 4.91%) or around 1 in 25 people (95% credible interval 1 in 30 to 1 in 20).
• Modelling suggests the trend in the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending December 31 in Northern Ireland.
• COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase rapidly across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland in the week ending December 31, 2021 and Omicron is now the most common variant across all UK countries.

January 4

Update 1:20 pm EST: As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 21,302 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 884 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 90 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 867,199 confir1med cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, January 3. There have been 5,912 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of the last weekly update on Wednesday, December 29. 

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "For the second January in a row, a significant surge in infection from COVID-19 is having a major impact on essential services across all sectors, including the health service.

"As one of our key essential services, the education sector, prepares to restart in person education this week, it is important that we continue to minimise, as much as we can, discretionary mixing indoors with people from other households.

"We saw a significant reduction in incidence of COVID-19 in primary school going children through December. However, given the very high and rising incidence of COVID-19 across all age groups in the community, it is inevitable that children will pick up this infection from household contacts in the days and weeks ahead. We also know, as a result, that there will be cases and outbreaks in schools and childcare settings. The Irish and international experience of the pandemic continues to give us reason to believe that schools are a lower risk environment for the transmission of COVID-19 and that the majority of children who are infected experience a mild form of this disease. It is also important to note that children between the ages of 5 – 12 are now eligible for vaccination. You can get more information on HSE.ie.

"Children who have symptoms of COVID-19, or who live in a household where someone has received a positive or “detected” test result either on a PCR or an antigen test, should not attend school.

"It is important that all of us continue to support schools, business owners, family and friends to keep to the spirit of public health advice. We must continue to restrict our movements to the greatest extent possible, by limiting the people we interact with from other households, if we are to suppress transmission of COVID-19 and sustain our essential services."

Elsewhere today, it was confirmed that schools in Ireland will reopen from this Thursday, January 6 after the Christmas break. 

“Public health officials advised that there is no public health rationale to delay the reopening of schools later this week,” the Department of Education said in a statement. 

“Schools will operate in line with their COVID-19 response plans, which set out a range of mitigation measures for schools, including hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Schools have also been provided with guidance on maintaining good ventilation."

Update 10:20 am EST: There have been 30,423 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland from midnight December 30, 2021, to midnight January 3, 2022.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 432,492 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 50,627 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,966,477 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,913,629 lab-reported tests, and 1,707,065 rapid lateral flow tests.

31 of Northern Ireland’s 95 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 25 COVID patients are ventilated.

15 more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland from midnight December 23 to midnight December 28, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,995. Five of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am January 3 - 10 am December 4, while ten deaths occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of January 4, there have been 3,530,777 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,399,866 were first doses, 1,297,302 were second doses, 19,246 were third doses, and 814,363 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

January 3

Update 2:00 pm EST: Northern Ireland is not updating its COVID-19 dashboard until tomorrow, January 4.

In Ireland, provisional data shows that 16,986 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported today. As of 8 am today in Ireland, 804 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised of which 93 are in ICU.

The @hpscireland has today been notified of 16,986* confirmed cases of #COVID19.

As of 8am today, 804 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised of which 93 are in ICU.

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) January 3, 2022

January 2

Update 9 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 17,071 new cases of Covid-19. 

There are currently 717 patients in Irish hospitals with Covid-19, while 87 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly noted that hospitalizations and ICU figures remained low compared to January 2021 despite the high number of positive cases. 

He said on Twitter that Ireland has the second-highest uptake of booster vaccines in the EU and described Ireland's vaccination rollout as "superb". 

The Northern Ireland Department of Health will not update the region's Covid figures until January 4. 

December 31

Update 11.10 am EST: Ireland's Department of Health has reported a further 20,110 new cases of Covid in the Republic today with 682 of these in hospital with 86 of these patients in intensive care. Northern Ireland has recorded 7,215 new Covid cases. 

Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan, told the RTE: "Once again, we are reporting another very high number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. The number of people in hospital with [the disease] is continuing to increase.

"I know many people have canceled or postponed planned social and family events, not just for New Year's Eve, but right throughout the Christmas period.

"The occasions in life we most look forward to have been changed utterly by this pandemic. However, these collective efforts are necessary to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our health service."

December 30

Update 2:20 pm GMT:

• 20,554 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• As of 8 am today, 619 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, of which 88 are in ICU.
  

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 768,449 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, December 30. There have been 5,912 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 29. 

Health officials have warned that the level of Covid-19 cases in the community is much higher than the 16,428 reported yesterday, due to people having difficulty booking PCR tests. 

The Government is also set to consider reducing the amount of time a boosted person who gets Covid will have to isolate to seven rather than the current ten days. This is likely to take effect from 3 January.

Update 11:53 am EST: There have been 4,701 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland as of midnight December 29.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 394,854 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 31,643 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,931,974 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,811,026 lab-reported tests, and 1,593,564 rapid lateral flow tests.

32 of Northern Ireland’s 94 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 24 COVID patients are ventilated.

3 more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland from as of midnight December 29, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,979. 

As of December 30, there have been 3,504,889 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,398,342 were first doses, 1,295,873 were second doses, 19,116 were third doses, and 791,558 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

December 29

Update 2:45 pm EST: Ireland’s Department of Health today reports that 16,428 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been notified to the HPSC.

(The Department notes: “In anticipation of large volumes of case numbers over the coming period the daily case number announced will be based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional.”)

As of 8 am today, 568 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, of whom 93 are in ICU.

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 747,895 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, December 28.

There have been 5,912 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 29. 22 deaths have been newly notified in the week preceding today's update.

As of Wednesday, December 29, there have been 7,587,751 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,652,230 people have received their first dose
• 236,836 people have received a single dose
• 3,594,920 people have received their second dose
• 103,765 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:35 pm EST: There have been 22,972 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland from midnight December 23 to midnight December 28. 

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 390,153 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 30,883 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,926,246 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,796,310 lab-reported tests, and 1,571,990 rapid lateral flow tests.

35 of Northern Ireland’s 96 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 29 COVID patients are ventilated.

14 more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland from midnight December 23 to midnight December 28, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,976. 

As of December 29, there have been 3,492,932 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,397,846 were first doses, 1,295,315 were second doses, 19,112 were third doses, and 780,659 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency is now urging the public to only book PCR tests when necessary. 

The call comes as record numbers of people have been tested this week – for example, over 21,000 tests were done on Monday 27th December. The agency has also put in place new PCR testing protocols to help protect the testing system in Northern Ireland and ensure availability of testing for those who need it.

Dr. Bríd Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “We are adapting the testing model in Northern Ireland. We want to make sure people with symptoms can get tested in a timely way for the next fortnight.

“Fully-vaccinated close contacts will no longer be required to take a PCR test, instead they will be advised to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test as soon as possible and continue to take daily lateral flow tests until the tenth day after the last date of contact with the positive case. If an LFD turns positive at any time during the 10 days, they should arrange a PCR test. Unvaccinated people will have to continue to self-isolate for 10 days as before.

“It is no longer necessary for children under five years of age to take a PCR test – even if they have symptoms like a cough or temperature – unless advised to do so by their doctor. If they develop symptoms, parents are encouraged to carry out a lateral flow test on them. If this is positive they should, if possible, book a PCR test for them.

“Our PCR testing service is part of a 4-nation UK-wide network. These planned changes to testing should help ensure the continued and targeted delivery of the service. The number of cases currently coming through the system means that this is the correct time for these steps to be taken. These changes have been made, to allow valuable PCR tests to be directed towards those who have symptoms and who are most likely to test positive.”

These arrangements take effect from 12 midday on the 29th December 2021.

December 28

Update 7.50 am EST: Ireland has recorded a further  9,006 new cases and the Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive, Paul Reid, has said that testing in Ireland is now seeing a positivity rate of 50 percent. He told the RTE there is "no doubt now" that Covid-19 is "absolutely running rife in our communities".

He told Morning Ireland "If you think that you have Covid, it's most likely that you have it."

As of 8am on Tues, Dec 28, there were 521 patients in hospital in the Republic of Ireland. Of those, 92 are in ICU. 

Reid said 250k PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests had been carried out in Ireland in the last seven days. He urged the Irish public to stick with them as the HSE works on increasing testing capacity. 

December 27

Update 10 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 6,735 further cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 722,461.

There are currently 461 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, up 35 on yesterday, while there are 91 patients in intensive care, unchanged from yesterday. 

The HSE estimates that 87% of cases in Ireland are now attributable to the Omicron variant. 

Vaccinations centers reopened on Monday following a two-day closure over Christmas. 

Almost two million doses of the COVID-19 booster vaccination have been administered in Ireland to date. 

December 26

Update 10:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 10,404 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 715,726.

There are currently 426 patients in Irish hospitals who have tested positive for COVID-19, up 48 from yesterday, with 91 patients requiring intensive care, up four. 

The Department of Health estimates that 83% of current cases in Ireland are attributable to the Omicron variant. 

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan urged people to reduce their social contacts to help slow the spread of the virus. 

"We know that this variant is more transmissible than even the highly transmissible Delta variant. As such, please do not socialize or meet indoors with people from other households," he said on Christmas Day after a record 13,765 new cases were announced. 

A major analysis of the omicron variant by The UK Health Security Agency found that it is up to 70% less likely to result in hospitalization. 

Holohan encouraged people to take every measure possible to protect themselves against the variant, including obtaining the COVID-19 booster vaccine. 

"All of the available evidence indicates that a booster vaccine will offer good protection against infection with the Omicron variant," he said. 

Northern Ireland's COVID data will not be updated December 25 - 28 inclusive, as well as January 1 - 3 inclusive.

December 25 

Update 9:40 am EST: Northern Ireland's COVID data will not be updated December 25 - 28 inclusive, as well as January 1 - 3 inclusive.

Update 7:45 am EST: As of 12 pm today in Ireland:

• 13,765 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 378 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 87 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been705,322 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Friday, December 24. There have been 5,890 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 22.

As of Friday, December 24, there have been 7,584,434 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,650,999 people have received their first dose
• 236,773 people have received a single dose
• 3,593,160 people have received their second dose
• 103,502 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

December 24

Updated 10:12 am EST: In the Republic of Ireland, 11,182 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed on Dec 24. There are393 Covid patients are in hospital, with 89 of those patients in intensive care (ICU).

In Northern Ireland, on Christmas Eve 3,286 positive cases and sadly, 3 deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.  So far in Northern Ireland, 3,471,215 vaccines have been administered in total.

The Republic of Ireland reported its highest figure of new Covid cases, 11,182, since the pandemic began at the beginning of 2020. The HSE reports that 83% of cases are now due to the Omicron variant.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said in a statement that 1.84m vaccines have been administered as part of the booster program. This means Ireland has the second-highest uptake rate in the European Union for booster and third dose vaccination.

December 23

Update 1:05 pm EST: As of 5:45 pm today in Ireland:

• 7,411 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 390 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 98 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 680,375 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, December 22. There have been 5,890 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 22.

As of Wednesday, December 22, there have been 7,580,533 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,649,595 people have received their first dose
• 236,757 people have received a single dose
• 3,591,370 people have received their second dose
• 102,811 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: “With Omicron now accounting for almost three quarters of cases in Ireland, today’s high number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is not unexpected, and we expect to see a rapid increase in case figures over the coming short period of time.

"It is imperative that all of us, to the greatest extent possible, make every effort we can in the next two to three weeks to only meet with members of our own households. Consider you plans over the Christmas period and into the early part of the New Year and try to keep your contacts as low as possible.

"If someone in the household receives a “detected” or “positive” test result either via a PCR test or an antigen test, then all members of the household should restrict their movements and not attend work or socialise with others.

"Even though we recognise that it is very difficult at this time of year to stay away from loved ones, it is really important that anyone who receives confirmation of a confirmed COVID-19 infection self-isolate for ten days. If you are identified as a close contact and have received a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, then you should restrict your movements for five days. If you have not yet been boosted, you should restrict your movements for ten days.

More information is available on the HSE website.

"If you are yet to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, then you should take every measure you can to protect yourself until you are eligible to receive it. This includes avoiding risky environments and keeping your contacts as low as possible. All of the available evidence indicates that a booster vaccine will offer good protection against infection with the Omicron variant.

"If you have recently arrived in Ireland from overseas, then you are advised to take an antigen test for the five days following your arrival into Ireland. If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, then you must self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test."

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today announced a further acceleration of Ireland’s booster vaccination programme:

Further details will be soon be made available by the Department of Health and the HSE. Thanks to all those involved who are making such an enormous contribution.

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) December 23, 2021

Update 12:35 pm EST: There have been 3,227 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 363,895 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 17,248 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,883,700 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,681,348 lab-reported tests, and 1,458,380 rapid lateral flow tests. 

34 of Northern Ireland’s 98 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 26 COVID patients are ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,959. The newly reported death occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 22 - 10 am December 23.

As of December 23, there have been 3,455,229 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,395,685 were first doses, 1,294,004 were second doses, 18,966 were third doses, and 746,574 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland hehttps://vaccinations.covid-19.hscni.net/bookingre.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the roll-out of new and effective treatments for COVID-19 patients who are most at risk of serious illness.

Two types of COVID-19 treatment are available at this time (others may become available later):

• neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nMABs). This is usually administered as a single intravenous infusion delivered as an outpatient.
• oral antiviral medicine, currently molnupiravir (Lagevrio), which is usually taken in capsule form at home.  

You can learn more about these treatments in Northern Ireland here.

'It’s vital we further bolster our response to COVID-19 by ensuring access to the world’s best treatments.'

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the roll-out of new & effective treatments for patients who are most at risk of serious illness.

Read ➡️https://t.co/UoEItyGqbt pic.twitter.com/GaouysJ14N

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 23, 2021

Also today, Minister Swann has strongly warned against complacency over the COVID-19 Omicron variant, saying in part: absolutely vital that we don’t let our guard down or be swayed by uninformed talk on social media.

“We must keep doing all we can to protect each other and limit the spread of Omicron. Get boosted as soon as you can. If you are not yet vaccinated, please don’t delay any further.

“If we all keep making safer choices in our daily lives, we can help push infection rates down.”

‘We must not drop our guard on Omicron. We must keep doing all we can to protect each other and limit the spread of Omicron' - Minister Swann

Get your vaccine as soon as you can and protect those closest to you➡️https://t.co/G1kNMIFZpX

➡️https://t.co/qkYCe9HanY#GetBoostedNI pic.twitter.com/6kiVPTSejb

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 23, 2021

December 22

Update 3:40 pm EST: The Northern Ireland Executive has today agreed to a range of new health measures that come into effect this Sunday, December 26. You can read more here.

The Executive has agreed to introduce new measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.⁰⁰Details of the measures, including when they take effect, available here ⬇️https://t.co/E9iVEw1ClK

— NI Executive (@niexecutive) December 22, 2021

Update 1:55 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 6,307 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 429 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 100 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 672,964 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, December 21. There have been 5,890 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 22. 55 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s update.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Our recent research has shown that many people have reviewed their plans for Christmas, reduced their social contacts and changed or postponed plans in order to protect themselves and their loved ones. This is a big sacrifice that many have made and will do much to protect all of us over the festive period.

"It is important that we remember that COVID-19 will still be circulating at a high level after Christmas and into the New Year, and even though it is a difficult message to hear, we must all continue to keep our social contacts low and do all we can to continue to adhere to the public health advice.

"We know that our young people are making a really big effort to act responsibly and to follow the public health advice and I would like to thank them for their significant efforts. It is really important that we all remember there is no one person or group or thing to blame for the situation we find ourselves in, other than the COVID-19 virus.

"Booster vaccination is accelerating across the country and the images we see of people queuing for their vaccine, prioritising that appointment before Christmas are heartening. Please stick with all of the measures that we know work as we move through the next few difficult weeks, including attending for vaccination.

"If you display any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, then self-isolate and arrange a PCR test as soon as you can. This is the single most important piece of basic public health advice. Do not meet up with others and put them at risk of COVID-19 or another respiratory infection. Do not rely on a negative antigen test as a basis for not isolating."

Update 11:40 am EST: There have been 3,231 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 360,668 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 16,027 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,876,447 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,658,146 lab-reported tests, and 1,438,337 rapid lateral flow tests.  [

34 of Northern Ireland’s 94 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 26 COVID patients are ventilated. 

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,958. Two of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 21 - 10 am December 22, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period. [https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-db-141221.pdf -- page 18]

As of December 22, there have been 3,428,802 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,394,545 were first doses, 1,293,141 were second doses, 18,926 were third doses, and 722,190 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

In Northern Ireland, pregnant women of all ages, including those aged under 18, are being urged to come forward for vaccination if they haven’t already done so.

Department of Health’s Midwifery Officer Dr. Dale Spence, said: “The data show that pregnant women are at increased risk of serious consequences from coronavirus and that the majority of pregnant women admitted to hospitals across the UK with severe COVID-19 have been unvaccinated.

“Whilst these new data clearly show that outcomes of COVID-19 for pregnant women and their babies are getting worse, it also shows the very strong protection that receiving a vaccination provides.”

Pregnant women urged to get #COVID19 vaccine following JCVI update

'Pregnancy puts you at higher risk and that's why it’s so important that you avail of the protection that the vaccine provides while you're pregnant' - Dr Carolyn Bailie, Chair NI @RCOG

➡️https://t.co/9T3Q8s36aI pic.twitter.com/mHoNh1uNQJ

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 22, 2021

Additionally today, the head of Northern Ireland’s vaccination programme has urged people to help their friends, family members and neighbours get their booster jabs before Christmas.

Patricia Donnelly stressed: “There’s still time to get your booster before Christmas.  Health Trusts, GPs and pharmacies are pulling out all the stops to get more people jabbed. With the Omicron surge coming, boosters provide vital protection.

“I would appeal to people to help others who may have difficulties getting to a clinic to lend a hand if possible. This could involve simply giving a lift, or help with online booking.”

"This could be the best Christmas present you give"

Support friends, family and neighbours to get their boosters before Christmas by giving them a lift to a clinic, or help with online booking.

Get your vaccine➡️https://t.co/G1kNMIFZpXhttps://t.co/9w7Z6QYDqJ#GetBoostedNI pic.twitter.com/QXZxbFz3rH

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 22, 2021

December 21

Update 1:00 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 5,279 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 443 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 102 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 666,657 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, December 20. There have been 5,835 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 15. 

As of Monday, December 20, there have been 7,571,869 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,646,199 people have received their first dose
• 236,693 people have received a single dose
• 3,587,374 people have received their second dose
• 101,603 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "As we continue to see incidence rising in our young adult population, I would urge all parents, guardians and extended friends and family to support the young people in your lives to reduce their contacts.

"I know that this is not an easy task for any of us and it can feel very unfair that we continue to ask so much of our young people, particularly at this special time of year.

"This group have made significant sacrifices in order to protect loved ones and I would like to thank them for that. It is important now that we continue to encourage and support each other to make sacrifices, take responsible actions and continue to follow the public health advice.

"This week, try and only meet with the people with whom you will spend Christmas Day. Keep your contacts as low as possible in order to protect those around you.

"As we roll out the booster programme, it is important to remember that approximately one in six young adults are yet to come forward for vaccination or are not fully vaccinated. Vaccination offers very good protection against severe illness, so it is important that everyone who is eligible for a vaccine comes forward for one.

"If you display any symptoms of COVID-19 then you must self-isolate straight away and arrange a test. This is the single most important piece of basic public health advice. Do not meet up with others and put them at risk of COVID-19 or another respiratory infection. Do not rely on a negative antigen test as a basis for not isolating.

"Omicron now accounts for about two thirds of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. Public health teams are reporting a higher level of infection among household close contacts as a result of Omicron infection. If there is one positive test, whether from a PCR or an antigen test, within a group such as a household then there is a significant chance that others are already infected, even if not yet testing positive. If one person from a household tests positive prior to an event or gathering, then none should attend."

Update 10:50 am EST: There have been 2,096 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours. 

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 357,437 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 14,876 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,869,282 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,635,240 lab-reported tests, and 1,420,849 rapid lateral flow tests.  

34 of Northern Ireland’s 97 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 26 COVID patients are ventilated.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,955. Two of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 20 - 10 am December 21, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of December 21, there have been 3,396,177 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,393,753 were first doses, 1,292,111 were second doses, 18,762 were third doses, and 691,551 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

December 20

Update 12:50 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,799 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 467 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 104 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 661,388 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, December 19. There have been 5,835 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 15. 

As of Sunday, December 19, there have been 7,568,727 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,644,999 people have received their first dose
• 236,660 people have received a single dose
• 3,585,894 people have received their second dose
• 101,174 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "The level of disease and positivity rate amongst young adults has increased sharply in the last week. One in four people in the 16 – 34-year-old age group that are going for a PCR test have received a “detected” result. This is one of the highest rates since the beginning of the pandemic.

"This high level of disease in young people represents a high risk to those they come into contact with who have yet to be vaccinated or receive their booster. Therefore, if you have not yet received your booster you are best to avoid unnecessary contact with people outside your household.

"Christmas week is an important time for many of us. However, it is also a time that presents unique opportunities for COVID to spread because of the possible extent of inter-household and inter-generational mixing. Each of us can take actions this week to protect ourselves and our loved ones, even if this means rethinking plans for the Christmas period, especially if you are not yet boosted or vaccinated.

"As difficult as it may seem, limiting as much as possible your Christmas to small numbers and very close family will protect them. This is an exceptional sacrifice to ask after the very difficult year all of us have had, so please remember that it may be the decision that protects yourself or a loved one from the severe impacts of COVID-19.

"It's also a concern that our latest Amarach tracking data shows that only half of people with symptoms are isolating. This is the single most important piece of basic public health advice - it is vital that you isolate as soon as you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 and arrange a PCR test. Do not meet up with others and put them at risk of COVID-19 or another respiratory infection. Do not rely on a negative antigen test as a basis for not isolating."

The latest round of public health restrictions in Ireland comes into effect today, including:

• All restaurants, bars, and cafes, excluding take-away or delivery services, close at 8 pm. This also applies to hotel restaurants and bars, except for overnight residents.
• No indoor events, including entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events, will take place after 8pm. In relation to events happening earlier in the day, attendance should be limited to 50% of venue capacity or 1,000 attendees, whichever is the lower. This includes cinemas. This does not affect religious, educational or normal workplace business activity and business events (for example: conferences, trade fairs).
• Wedding receptions can take place with a capacity limit of 100 guests and continue after 8pm. Midnight closing time still applies.
• Visits to private homes should be kept to a maximum of 3 other households (that is, 4 households in total).

Update 12:05 EST: There have been 2,148 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.  

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 355,341 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 14,632 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,863,414 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,619,764 lab-reported tests, and 1,404,215 rapid lateral flow tests.

34 of Northern Ireland’s 97 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 23 COVID patients are ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,952. The newly reported death occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 19 - 10 am December 20. (Following data validations, 1 previously reported death was removed from the cumulative number of reported deaths.)

As of December 20, there have been 3,364,925 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,392,640 were first doses, 1,290,988 were second doses, 18,592 were third doses, and 662,705 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health is encouraging all adults eligible for their booster to get the jab at one of the many vaccination clinics in operation this week.

As of yesterday, all those aged over 18 who received their second dose at least three months ago, can now take up the opportunity to get boosted.

More than 50% of those eligible for their booster in Northern Ireland have now received it. 

You can learn more about getting a booster in Northern Ireland here.

'Boosters give you the best possible protection against the virus. It's essential we all protect ourselves and others from Covid-19.'

Please get boosted now at your local Trust or pharmacy clinic. Booking is preferred➡️https://t.co/G1kNMIFZpX#GetBoostedNI @publichealthni pic.twitter.com/BsQWJJHDhh

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 20, 2021

December 17

Update 12.48 pm EST: The Republic of Ireland has today reported the lowest number of people in hospital with Covid in the last nine weeks. The figure today stands at 420 people in hospital. Down 23 since yesterday. 

One-hundred-and-five of the current hospital patients are receiving intensive care.

There have been 3,628 new cases of Covid-19 reported. 

Currently, the Health Service Executive reports that an estimated 35% of Covid cases are the Onicron variant. They added that the "strongest and most pre-emptive strike" against Omicron is the vaccine booster program

Speaking to RTE radio, the HSE CEO Paul Reid said the executive is looking at scaling up ICU capacity and how to move into a surge if required.

The vaccine booster program is now being rolled out at centers as well as doctor's offices and pharmacies. Those in the 40s age cohort have been called for vaccination next week. As older cohorts and the vulnerable have already been offered the vaccine booster.

Update 12.15 pm EST:

Today in Northern Ireland there has been 1,887 new infections announced, with 312 patients in hospital and 34 in ICU. A further 6 deaths have been announced. This brings the death toll in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic to 2,945.

As the weekend approaches the National Health Service in Northern Ireland is encouraging the public to engage with the booster vaccination program. 

The head of NI’s vaccination program has welcomed hugely encouraging demand for booster doses. An impressive tally of 104,933 boosters has been reported on the vaccination dashboard in the past five days alone.

Praising all those involved in the concerted drive to get people jabbed as quickly as possible, Patricia Donnelly said: “GPs, pharmacists and Health Trusts are all working flat out on the emergency escalation of the booster program. We are all hugely encouraged by the numbers of people continuing to come forward. Every effort is being made to keep waits to a minimum and to further increase the program’s capacity.

“Our official total for boosters and third doses administered now stands at 639,357. I expect that to grow substantially in the coming days. From next week, the booster program will be open to 18-29-year-olds who received their 2nd dose at least 3 months previously.

“People are also still coming forward for their first and second doses and I would urge anyone who still remains unvaccinated to take up this opportunity as soon as possible. Eighty-seven percent of the population aged 12 and over have now had at least a first dose. That increases to some 91% for the 18 plus age group.”

December 16

Update 1:25 pm EST: As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,141 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 443 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 108 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

NPHET said today that following further data validation, the total number of Omicron cases confirmed through whole genome sequencing in Ireland to date has been revised down to 39 confirmed cases.

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 640,548 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, December 15. There have been 5,835 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 15. 

As of Wednesday, December 15, there have been 7,556,513 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,640,201 people have received their first dose
• 236,599 people have received a single dose
• 3,579,905 people have received their second dose
• 99,808 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today said that Ireland is now third in the EU for booster vaccination:

Ireland is now third in the EU for booster vaccination.

One third of adults have now had a booster here - this includes our most vulnerable and most at risk.

Remember when offered your booster, please take it up#ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/Mhfg6Txe7a

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) December 16, 2021

Update 11:50 am EST: There have been 2,237 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 347,433 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,548 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,831,542 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,552,664 lab-reported tests, and 1,311,658 rapid lateral flow tests.

32 of Northern Ireland’s 98 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 25 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,942. All six of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 15 - 10 am December 16.

As of December 16, there have been 3,292,432 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,389,588 were first doses, 1,287,587 were second doses, 18,321 were third doses, and 596,936 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed plans to transform TEC Belfast in the historic Titanic Quarter into Northern Ireland’s latest mass vaccination centre.

The new large-scale facility will offer walk-in and appointment options for boosters and first and second doses of Pfizer. Not to be confused with the nearby Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, the TEC normally hosts large-scale events such as trade shows.

Latest developments in the big booster push also include:

• people aged 18-29 will be able to get boosters at Health Trust vaccination centres from Monday. As with other age groups, they will only be eligible for boosters if it has been three months or more since their second dose.
• booster jabs for 18-29 year olds will only be available on a walk-in basis initially, but they will be able to book jab appointments at the Trust centres from later next week.
• the majority of GPs are also extending to the 18-29 age group, and community pharmacies are doing the same.
• work continues to further extend the booster programme capacity with additional vaccination sites being finalised. Mass vaccination centres are being reactivated by Trusts. The Western Trust mass vaccination centre at Foyle Arena in Derry/Londonderry is back up and running and the Southern Trust is reopening its centre at South Lake Leisure Centre, Craigavon tomorrow (Friday). The latest details of all the Trust vaccination locations and opening times are available on Trust websites. The NI Direct website also has detailed information on the vaccination programme.
• the requirement for a 15-minute wait after vaccination has been temporarily stood down, a move that will help reduce waiting times at all vaccination locations.

December 15

Update 12:55 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,235 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 470 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 105 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

Ireland’s Department of Health has confirmed that 24 additional cases of the Omicron variant have been detected, bringing to 42 the total number of cases that have been identified following whole genome sequencing.

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 636,407 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, December 14. There have been 5,835 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 15. 47 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s update

As of Tuesday, December 14, there have been 7,553,579 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,639,198 people have received their first dose
• 236,590 people have received a single dose
• 3,578,555 people have received their second dose
• 99,236 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Today marks ten days before Christmas. If you contract COVID-19 today your isolation period will include Christmas Day. This can be avoided by ensuring you take every step possible to protect yourself.

"If you are planning to spend Christmas with older family members, anyone immunocompromised or vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, it is best that you take precautions from today. Avoid crowds, limit your contacts, work from home unless absolutely necessary, risk assess your environments and make safe choices over the coming days and weeks.

"Everyone should be aware that Omicron spreads very easily and we have now identified community transmission in Ireland, to the extent that this variant accounts for approximately 13% of all reported cases.

"Taking the opportunity to get a booster dose of vaccination is as vital today as getting the first dose was earlier this year. You will begin to receive the benefit of your booster protection within seven days of receiving your third dose.

"Layer up on the basic measures to protect you and your loved ones from infection:

• practise social distancing
• work from home, where possible
• avoid crowds
• ensure indoor spaces and public transport are ventilated (open windows)
• hand and respiratory hygiene
• use face masks
• stay at home and isolate if you experience symptoms

Update 11:25 am EST: There have been 2,156 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 345,196 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,166 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days. 

To date, 1,824,326 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,531,180 lab-reported tests, and 1,293,558 rapid lateral flow tests.

32 of Northern Ireland’s 98 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 27 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,936. All four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 14 - 10 am December 15.

As of December 15, there have been 3,262,441 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,388,472 were first doses, 1,286,401 were second doses, 18,242 were third doses, and 569,326 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland is to remove all countries from its Red List for travel in line with a decision taken by all UK regions following a meeting of Ministers today. The move comes into effect from 4am on Wednesday 15th December.

The 11 countries to be removed from the red list are Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Pre-Departure Testing (PDT) for vaccinated arrivals over 12-year-olds 2 days prior to starting the first leg of their journey to Northern Ireland remains in place as does the requirement for vaccinated non-red list arrivals to self-isolate and take a day 2 PCR test.

Arrivals must also remain in isolation until either they get a negative result from the day 2 PCR test or they remain in self-isolation for 10 days from their arrival in Northern Ireland if their day 2 test result is positive.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today published its report on Vaccination Status of Deaths and Hospitalisations Weeks 45 to 48 (8th November to 5 th December 2021)

The report says in part:

• By early December 2021, approximately 2.6 million first and second doses of the vaccine have been administered, with 89% of adults receiving their first dose and 86% receiving their second dose. 
• By early December 2021, approximately half a million booster or third doses have been administered. From 12th December 2021, anyone aged 30 or over and who received their second dose at least 3 months ago is eligible for a booster dose. 

Hospital Admissions:

• 64% of adult COVID-19 inpatients aged under 50 are unvaccinated. 22% of COVID-19 inpatients aged 50 and over are unvaccinated. 
• Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are almost 6 times as likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID19 than fully vaccinated individuals. 
• For adults under 50, whilst the numbers admitted to hospital are lower, an unvaccinated individual is more than 10 times as likely to need hospitalisation from COVID-19. 

Deaths:

• Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are 4 times as likely to die than fully vaccinated individuals. 

The Department of Health has published updated statistics on vaccination and hospitalisation.

Read➡️https://t.co/ujvvwMk1gS

The right time to get your Covid-19 vaccine jab is right now.

More info➡️https://t.co/ygDvQlhn3L@NISRA @publichealthni @HSCBoard @nidirect pic.twitter.com/J1aBR1Lg5C

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 15, 2021

December 14

Update 1:15 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,887 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 493 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 109 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 632,177 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, December 13. There have been 5,788 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 8.

As of Monday, December 13, there have been 7,550,331 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,638,398 people have received their first dose
• 236,576 people have received a single dose
• 3,577,232 people have received their second dose
• 98,125 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Results today suggest that approximately 14% of our cases are due to the Omicron variant.

"In line with the experience of many other countries, we can expect this proportion to rise rapidly over the coming days.

"The goal now is to limit the spread of COVID-19 through our tried and tested preventive measures. These measures can protect us and our families and will allow time for the booster vaccination programme to take effect.

"This means that as we move closer to Christmas, we must try to reduce the number of people we meet, avoid crowds and work from home unless it is essential to attend in person.

"I encourage anyone eligible for a booster vaccination to take that opportunity. Boosters are proven to be effective in restoring protection against all variants of COVID-19."

Yesterday, Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced that he accepted NIAC’s recommendation to reduce the interval period between the primary schedule of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose from six months to three months. 

The Department of Health and the HSE will now work to operationalize these updates.

? I have this evening accepted a recommendation from NIAC that the gap between completion of primary schedule of COVID-19 vaccination and a booster dose will be reduced to three months. Boosters will continue to be offered in the priority order previously recommended. pic.twitter.com/W394WqjG74

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) December 13, 2021

Update 11:45 am EST: There have been 1,581 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 343,040 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 11,772 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,817,748 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,510,606 lab-reported tests, and 1,279,591 rapid lateral flow tests.  

31 of Northern Ireland’s 97 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 27 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,932. All four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 13 - 10 am December 14.

As of December 14, there have been 3,238,116 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,387,504 were first doses, 1,285,566 were second doses, 18,190 were third doses, and 546,856 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

December 13

Update 4:55 pm EST: As of 9 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,688 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 518 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 108 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)
• 8 additional cases of Omicron varient but testing shows that approximately 11% of cases reported in Ireland are now due to the Omicron variant.

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 628,306 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, December 12. There have been 5,788 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 8.

As of Sunday, December 12, there have been 7,547,482 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,637,553 people have received their first dose
• 236,564 people have received a single dose
• 3,576,049 people have received their second dose
• 97,316 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: “Today we are reporting a further 8 cases of Omicron variant, confirmed by whole genome sequencing, bringing the total confirmed in Ireland to 18.

"Possible Omicron cases can be identified by the number of PCR results with 'S gene target failure' - just as we did when the alpha variant emerged a year ago. Using this methodology, we estimate that 11% of cases are now due to the Omicron variant, an increase from less than 1% only one week ago.

“While evidence on disease severity and immune escape is still emerging, it is clear this variant is more transmissible. We are hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.

“Over the coming days and weeks global health authorities will learn more about this variant and the risks it poses. In the meantime, we continue to have confidence in the basic measures to reduce transmission.”

Layer up on the basic measures to protect you and your loved ones from infection:

• practice social distancing
• work from home, where possible
• avoid crowds
• ensure indoor spaces and public transport are ventilated (open windows)
• hand and respiratory hygiene
• use face masks
• stay at home and isolate if you experience symptoms

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 1,431 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 341,459 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,084 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,812,429 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,497,536 lab-reported tests, and 1,267,305 rapid lateral flow tests. 

32 of Northern Ireland’s 96 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 29 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,928. All four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 12 - 10 am December 13.

As of December 13, there have been 3,212,726 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,386,231 were first doses, 1,284,350 were second doses, 18,009 were third doses, and 524,136 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Free rapid lateral flow tests are available for collection in Northern Ireland. To find a collection location close to you, go to the site finder online Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests in Northern Ireland here.

December 12 

Update 11:20 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 4,667 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 623,623.

There are currently 504 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, with 109 requiring intensive care. 

Four additional cases of the omicron variant have been reported in Ireland, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 10. 

The Irish Times reports that the Irish Government is "very eager" to offer COVID-19 booster vaccinations to people in their 40s. 

Minister for Education Simon Harris told RTÉ's The Week in Politics that the Government is set to reach 1.5 million booster vaccinations before Christmas, although he refused to comment on whether people in the 40 to 49 cohort will be eligible to receive a booster by December 25. 

"I want to wait until we have the plan but I think we’re very eager to move ahead with people above the age of 40 but it’s very important that we check how that can be operationalized best," Harris said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has reported 1,548 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,924. 

A total of 3,203,049 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends. 

December 11

Update 11 am EST: The Department of Health has reported 4,004 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of infections in Ireland to 618,956.

There are currently 481 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, with 111 patients requiring intensive care. 

HSE CEO Paul Reid declined to comment on reports that booster vaccinations could be made available to people aged between 40 and 49 before Christmas. 

Reid said that booster vaccinations are currently available to people aged between 50 and 59 or with underlying conditions and added that this remained the HSE's main focus. 

A total of 1.16 million doses of the booster vaccine have been administered in Ireland to date and that figure could reach 2.2 million by the end of the year. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,446 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,921. 

A total of 3,195,368 doses of the vaccine have been administered in the region to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

December 10

Update 12:25 pm EST:  As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,115 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 511 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 110 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 614,952 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, December 9. There have been 5,788 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 8.

As of Thursday, December 9, there have been 7,538,548 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,634,840 people have received their first dose
• 236,551 people have received a single dose
• 3,571,642 people have received their second dose
• 95,515 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "We are in a very uncertain and unstable position due to the high incidence of COVID-19 in Ireland driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant. This is a matter of very significant concern as we wait for more evidence relating to the Omicron variant and the impact it may have to emerge.

"At the moment, based on the evidence available to us, we believe that the public health measures we are so familiar with will work to slow and stop the transmission of the Omicron variant, as well as the Delta variant. Early indications suggest that a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine will offer good protection against infection from Delta and Omicron.

"If you are eligible for a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, then please take the opportunity to receive your vaccine as soon as it is available to you. Similarly, if you are yet to receive a primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine then please come forward as soon as possible. You can get more information on where you can receive your vaccine, as well as trusted public health information on HSE.ie, or by contacting your GP or local pharmacy.

"We are all aware that this day two weeks is Christmas Eve, a time of year when we all look forward to coming together with friends and family.

"You can take measures today and in the next few days that will ensure the safest possible interaction with your loved ones over Christmas.

"Risk assess the environments you plan to be in over the next two weeks - consider if they offer the opportunity to protect yourself with each layer of the public health advice and if you can:

• avoid crowds and reduce your contacts
• wear a mask, including in crowded outdoor environment
• keep your distance - if you feel unsafe, feel empowered to leave
• open windows and avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• clean your hands regularly

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 1,806 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 337,034 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,153 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,795,447 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,459,958 lab-reported tests, and 1,222,195 rapid lateral flow tests. 

40 of Northern Ireland’s 96 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 31 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,918. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 9 - 10 am December 10.

As of December 10, there have been 3,182,222 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,383,679 were first doses, 1,282,373 were second doses, 17,863 were third doses, and 498,307 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised that free Rapid Lateral Flow Tests are available online and from a network of local pharmacies.

The Health Department is advising anyone who is meeting friends or family, or attending an event or social gathering, to take a test before they go. It’s particularly important to test before visiting or meeting someone who is older or more vulnerable. Regular twice-weekly lateral flow testing is also encouraged. People should also take a Lateral Flow Test before travelling home to Northern Ireland from GB or RoI.

Free Lateral Flow Tests are available from a range of convenient sources, including:

• online home delivery
• collection at over 580 sites across Northern Ireland, including over 500
• community pharmacies
• workforce testing schemes

All results, even if negative, should be logged online.

“Lateral flow tests should be seen as another line of defence against the virus. We also need to keep making safer choices in our daily lives. That includes vaccination, wearing face coverings, meeting up outdoors or in well ventilated settings, limiting our contacts and washing hands frequently and well,” the Minister said.

December 9

Update 1:25 pm EST: As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,022 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 530 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 115 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 610,855 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, December 8. There have been 5,788 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 8.

As of Wednesday, December 8, there have been 7,535,335 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,633,998 people have received their first dose
• 236,545 people have received a single dose
• 3,570,407 people have received their second dose
• 94,385 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "There are now 6 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Ireland. A number of other probable cases are under investigation. Although this is a new variant, our early understanding gives us confidence that a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine will offer good protection against Omicron and Delta infection.

"Our current wave of disease continues to be driven by the Delta variant of COVID-19. We know that the public health measures we are so familiar with will break the chains of transmission of Delta, and we are confident they will work on Omicron.

"Please continue to layer up on the public health advice by getting vaccinated and boosted, reducing contacts, wearing masks, keeping distance, opening windows and cleaning hands regularly.

"It is heartening to see the large numbers of people who attended walk-in vaccination centres today to receive their COVID-19 booster dose as soon as it became available to them.

"If you are eligible for a booster dose, then please do not wait until after Christmas to receive it. You will begin to receive the benefit of your booster protection within seven days of receiving your third dose. This means that anybody who receives their booster vaccine this week or next can be confident in the protection the booster will offer as we move closer to the Christmas period.

"If you are yet to receive a primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine, please make arrangements to do so. The HSE will be very happy to see you. If you have any concerns about receiving your COVID-19 vaccine, I encourage you to engage with the trusted health advice available on HSE.ie, and with your own clinician."

Update 11:40 am EST: There have been 1,819 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 335,228 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,281 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,789,386 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,439,196 lab-reported tests, and 1,210,344 rapid lateral flow tests. 

38 of Northern Ireland’s 98 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 30 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,916. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 8 - 10 am December 9.

As of December 9, there have been 3,166,599 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,382,138 were first doses, 1,281,400 were second doses, 17,801 were third doses, and 485,260 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s booster programme is expanding from today, as people in the 40-49 age group can book or attend a community pharmacy for a booster, or attend a Health Trust vaccination hub.

From next Wednesday, December 15, those in the 40-49 age group who are three months since their second dose will be able to book their booster using the online system.

From today, 40-49 year olds who are three months since their second dose can

?book or attend a community pharmacy for a booster

?attend a Health Trust vaccination hub.

From Wed 15 December, they can also book their booster using the online system.

➡️https://t.co/iR5ang0B2f pic.twitter.com/Gr6WtR4B2C

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 9, 2021

Also today, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that a range of new treatment options will be made available to COVID-19 patients who are at the highest risk from the effects of the virus.

New treatments have been authorised for use in eligible non-hospitalised patients to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and death. These treatments are a further measure in addition to vaccinations, which remain the best way to protect everyone.

The treatments include the oral antiviral Molnupiravir (also called Lagevrio), procured by the UK Antivirals Taskforce and approved by the MHRA on 4 November 2021, and the monoclonal antibody treatment Ronapreve which has only been used in hospitals to date. Another treatment, Xevudy, was approved by the MHRA on 2 December 2021 and will be deployed in due course.

In addition, oral antiviral agents will also be available through a new nationwide drug study, PANORAMIC, which is being run by the University of Oxford. You can learn more about these COVID treatments in Northern Ireland here.

December 8

Update 12:45 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,152 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 543 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 118 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 606,852 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, December 7. There have been 5,788 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 8. There were 81deaths newly notified in the week preceding today’s update.

As of Tuesday, December 7, there have been 7,531,396 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,633,048 people have received their first dose
• 236,530 people have received a single dose
• 3,568,914 people have received their second dose
• 92,904 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "As noted by the World Health Organization today, new data on the Omicron variant are emerging every day, but scientists need time to complete studies and interpret the results. We must be careful about drawing firm conclusions until we have a more complete picture.

"Our high incidence of disease from COVID-19 is driven by the Delta variant. We know how to break the chains of transmission of COVID-19 – these measures have worked against previous variants of COVID-19, they can successfully supress transmission of the Delta variant and we are optimistic that they will work against the Omicron variant.

"Today’s announcement that a COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available to children is welcome news and a significant positive step. In the meantime, vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect ourselves from severe illness and death from COVID-19. I would encourage anyone yet to receive a first dose to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible.

"Please prioritise your booster vaccine appointment as soon as you are called for it. Do not wait until after Christmas to receive your booster vaccine. The benefits of receiving your booster dose far outweigh any potential risks that may arise in the meantime. You will begin to receive the benefit of your booster protection within seven days of receiving your third dose. This means that anybody who received their vaccine this week can be confident in the protection the booster will offer them as we move closer to the Christmas period.

"As such, is it vital that all of us prioritise our booster appointments as soon as we receive them or make the time to attend a walk-in vaccination clinic if that option is available."

Stephen Donnelly, Ireland’s Minister for Health, today said that children aged between 5 and 11 will soon be offered COVID vaccinations in Ireland in the wake of a recommendation from NIAC.

A COVID-19 vaccine will soon be offered for 5-11 year-olds following recommendations from NIAC.

We're working with @HSELive on planning for this when the first vaccines arrive next week.

Full information for parents will also be made available. https://t.co/YQELsEJZJk pic.twitter.com/h5gLT2hGb6

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) December 8, 2021

Update 11:55 am EST: There have been 1,933 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 333,409 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,465 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,783,596 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,419,932 lab-reported tests, and 1,199,608 rapid lateral flow tests. 

38 of Northern Ireland’s 92 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 34COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,912. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 7 - 10 am December 8, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of December 8, there have been 3,149,534 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,380,512 were first doses, 1,280,350 were second doses, 17,723 were third doses, and 470,949 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Health Minister Robin Swann has marked one year since the first Covid-19 vaccine was administered in Northern Ireland.

Minister Swann, said: “A year ago today Sister Joanna Hogg made history when she received her vaccine in the Royal Victoria Hospital vaccination centre and 12 months on, almost 1.4 million people have followed in her footsteps across Northern Ireland and received their Covid-19 vaccinations.

“It can be easy to forget the progress we have made but our vaccination programme truly has been phenomenal. In excess of three million doses have been administered to date, saving countless lives and undoubtedly reducing pressures on our health service.”

The Minister added: “The overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland recognise the importance of vaccination with nine out of 10 adults here now vaccinated. And in recent weeks, we’ve also seen more and more people who had remained unvaccinated come forward for their first jab. If you happen to remain unvaccinated, it’s not too late to take up the offer of vaccination.

"Vaccination remains the single most important thing we can do to protect ourselves from serious illness and it will also reduce the chances of you passing the virus on to those around you which in turn will help reduce unnecessary strain on the health service.”

One year ago today Sister Joanna Hogg made history when she received her #COVID19 vaccine.

Since then:
✔️Over 1.3 million people have been vaccinated
✔️More than 3 million doses have been administered
✔️90% of over 18s now vaccinated

➡️ https://t.co/NdLGU0bNYt pic.twitter.com/jZwgorTG8j

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 8, 2021

December 7 

Update 1:05 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 5,590 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 602,726. 

There are currently 505 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, with 117 requiring intensive care. 

A total of 7,437,096 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland excluding booster vaccinations, with 3,568,103 receiving two doses and a further 236,522 people receiving the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Additionally, 1,005,656 people have now received the COVID-19 booster vaccine. 

However, Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Dáil that thousands of people had not turned up for booster vaccinations over the past week, revealing that just 93,000 of the 180,000 people offered booster vaccinations over the past seven days had turned up for their appointment. 

He also revealed that just 80,000 of the 208,000 people offered COVID-19 vaccinations since November 22 had turned up for their appointment. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,658 new cases of the virus, taking the total number of cases in the region to 331,476. 

The Department also announced a further five COVID-related deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,907. 

There are currently 317 COVID-19 patients in Northern Irish hospitals, with 35 requiring intensive care. 

Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 105%, while there are 32 active outbreaks in Northern Irish care homes. 

A total of 3,133,807 doses of the vaccine have now been administered in Northern Ireland. 

December 6

Update 1:25 pm EST: As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 2,950 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 536 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 110 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 597,161 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, December 5. There have been 5,707 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 1. 

As of Sunday, December 5, there have been 7,524,911 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,631,415 people have received their first dose
• 236,518 people have received a single dose
• 3,566,754 people have received their second dose
• 90,224 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "During these winter months it is vital that if any of us experience symptoms of COVID-19, we isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test.

"We all know the actions 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 our distance and, of course, coming forward for vaccination and booster dose when eligible.

"The ongoing efforts by all of us to work with the public health advice during this pandemic continue to be fundamental to our work to drive down the incidence of COVID-19 in our communities."

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 1,635  new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 329,818 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,876 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,773,560 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,385,521 lab-reported tests, and 1,183,430 rapid lateral flow tests. 

34 of Northern Ireland’s 93 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 28 COVID patients are ventilated.

One more COVID-19 death has been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,902. The newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 5 - 10 am December 6.

As of December 6, there have been 3,121,608 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,378,135 were first doses, 1,278,405 were second doses, 17,280 were third doses, and 447,788 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

December 5

Update 11:35 am EST: Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today announced that from 4 am this Tuesday, December 7, anyone arriving into Northern Ireland from abroad will be required to take a pre-departure PCR or LFD Covid test.

Travelers must take the test within the 2 days before they travel to Northern Ireland.

This will apply whether you qualify as fully vaccinated or not.

Some people, including children aged 11 and under are exempt from taking the test.

It is a temporary measure and will be reviewed prior to December 20.

More information on traveling to Northern Ireland from abroad is available here.

✈️ Travel update: As of 4am on Tuesday 7 December, anyone arriving into Northern Ireland from abroad will be required to take a pre-departure Covid test.

➡️ https://t.co/zo0PnxshFs pic.twitter.com/n2nYOGKLvn

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 5, 2021

Update 11:20 am EST: From today, December 5, Ireland is requiring all travelers arriving into the country to present a negative COVID-19 test.

Vaccinated or recovered:

• Antigen Test: Negative test no more than 48 hours before you arrive
• RT-PCR Test: Negative test no more than 72 hours before you arrive

Not vaccinated

• Antigen Test: Not valid
• RT-PCR Test: Negative test no more than 72 hours before you arrive

If you do not have proof of vaccination or recovery, you will have to show a negative ('not detected') RT-PCR test which was carried out no more than 72 hours before you arrive in Ireland.

If you have proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, you can show a negative ('not detected') antigen test which was carried out no more than 48 hours before you arrive in Ireland. Alternatively, you can show a negative ('not detected') RT-PCR test which was carried out no more than 72 hours before you arrive

Only Rapid Antigen Tests which are listed on the common EU Rapid Antigen Test list will be accepted and it must be carried out by a health professional or skilled testing personnel – you can’t test yourself.

In situations where a person is unable to provide evidence of a negative ('not detected') RT-PCR test due to a persistently positive RT-PCR test after recovery, then proof of a negative/’not detected’ antigen test and proof of recovery will be accepted.

All passengers from a scheduled State are required to have a negative ('not detected') RT-PCR test result taken 72 hours prior to arrival to Ireland. This applies to all passengers even if they have vaccination or recovery certificates.

If a passenger arrives into Ireland without the required negative pre-departure test result are required to home quarantine and take a RT-PCR test within 36 hours of arrival. If no RT-PCR test is taken the passenger must remain in home quarantine for 10 days after arrival. It is an offense not to comply with the testing and quarantine requirements.

In addition to a negative COVID-19 test, all travelers arriving into Ireland must complete a Passenger Locator Form.

More details about entry regulations into Ireland are available here.

Update 11:10 am EST: Ireland’s HPSC has today been notified of 5,156 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Daily case numbers may change due to future data validation. 

According to Ireland’s COVID-19 DataHub, there have been 594,250 COVID cases in Ireland as of Saturday, December 4. 

As of 8 am today, 503 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 110 are in ICU.

Update 11:00 am EST: There have been 1,422 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

There have been seven deaths reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

Northern Ireland’s COVID-19 dashboard will be updated with further information tomorrow, December 6.

December 4

Update 10 am EST: The Department of Health has reported 5,622 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 589,094. 

There are currently 487 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, while 114 patients require intensive care. 

It represents the lowest number of COVID hospitalizations in four weeks and a significant decrease compared to the 536 COVID patients who were hospitalized on this day last week. 

There were also 121 COVID patients in ICU last Saturday. 

Tanáiste Leo Varadkar said on Twitter that the fall in COVID hospitalizations was evidence that "the plan is working". 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,642 new cases of the virus and nine further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,894. 

A total of 3,094,393 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends. 

December 3

Update 1:35 pm EST: Taoiseach Micheál Martin has just addressed the nation with a COVID update, which includes new restrictions coming into play, including the closure of nightclubs from December 9 - January 7. You can watch here: 

WATCH: Taoiseach announces new measures to tackle Covid-19. | Read more: https://t.co/CYAOUCjlbx https://t.co/DexKxDqXQM

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 3, 2021

Update 1:25 pm EST:  As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 5,419 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 528 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 110 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 583,472 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, December 2. There have been 5,707 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 1. 

As of Thursday, December 2, there have been 7,513,848 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,627,456 people have received their first dose
• 236,492 people have received a single dose
• 3,561,959 people have received their second dose
• 87,941 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:15 pm EST: There have been 1,908 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 325,119 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,426 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,756,764 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,346,453 lab-reported tests, and 1,146,283 rapid lateral flow tests. 

30 of Northern Ireland’s 90 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 28 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,885. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 2 - 10 am December 3, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of December 3, there have been 3,085,767 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,374,040 were first doses, 1,275,441 were second doses, 16,871 were third doses, and 419,415 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann is urging people to apply for Domestic Covid Status Certification which has now been introduced for licensed premises and other designated settings and events across Northern Ireland.

Swann said that almost 86,000 people have applied for certification since Monday this week and in total, almost 254,000 users have activated their domestic certificates.

Certification allows individuals to prove their Covid status by a range of different methods including the CovidCert NI smartphone app and a paper certificate with a secure QR code. The regulations were introduced on Monday 29 November but there will be a grace period, when fixed penalty notices will not be issued, until 13 Dec 2021.

The Covid Status Certification scheme allows people to prove their status by three different methods: Proof of Full Vaccination by various methods; Negative Lateral Flow antigen test within the previous 48 hours; Previous positive test for COVID-19, between 30-180 days old.

Another Big Jab Weekend will take place in Northern Ireland at 50 community pharmacies on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December.

Community pharmacists are holding special vaccination clinics this weekend to help the big booster push.

?1st & 2nd doses available as well as boosters.

Follow our #thread for this weekend's local initiatives.

Where to get your booster➡️https://t.co/nXsxpQkd94@compharmacyni pic.twitter.com/UblK5yeamD

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 3, 2021

December 2

Update 12:40 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,163 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 545 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 117 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 578,064 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, December 1. There have been 5,707 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 1. 

As of Wednesday, December 1, there have been 7,508,656 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,625,499 people have received their first dose
• 236,474 people have received a single dose
• 3,560,494 people have received their second dose
• 86,189 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "The additional efforts to adhere to the public health measures we have all been taking over the last few weeks are having a positive impact. We are beginning to see stabilisation in a range of key indicators of incidence of COVID-19.

"While this progress is very welcome, the level of disease in the community is still a concern.

"Stabilisation is happening at too high a level. The current high incidence is driven by the Delta variant, which, coupled with the presence of the Omicron variant, means that the trajectory of the disease remains uncertain. In the last seven days 478 people with COVID-19 were admitted to hospital with 46 people admitted to ICU.

"We know that public health measures we are all familiar with work to limit transmission of COVID-19 in the community. Choosing to follow the public health advice is difficult, particularly at this time of year. However, it is the key to changing the trajectory of the disease.

"Please continue to wash your hands regularly, keep your distance, choose outdoors instead of indoors for meeting up and open windows indoors, use good respiratory hygiene, reduce your social contacts and wear your mask if it is recommended for you.

"In the over 75 age group, where people have been taking up the offer of a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in high numbers, we are seeing significant reductions in the incidence of disease. This is another positive development and further evidence that getting a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine helps to protect from the most severe effects of COVID-19. I urge everyone, when your turn comes, take the vaccine that is offered to you as soon as it is available.

"The seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine is also still available to adults to help protect you against flu and to reduce the spread of the flu in the community. Children and young people aged 2 to 17 can get the nasal flu vaccine for free."

Update 12:10 pm EST: There have been 2,272 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 323,211 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 12,122 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,750,474 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,328,604 lab-reported tests, and 1,135,006 rapid lateral flow tests. 

30 of Northern Ireland’s 89 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 28 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,881. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am December 1 - 10 am December 2.

As of December 2, there have been 3,068,005 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,372,426 were first doses, 1,274,046 were second doses, 16,766 were third doses, and 404,767 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has confirmed that as of today, 90% of people aged 18 and over have now received at least one jab.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today said: “Getting your official COVID status certificate can benefit you at home and abroad.”

There are three stages to the application process for digital certification:

1) Provide confirmation of your identity by setting up your personal NI Direct account.

2) Apply for the foreign travel Covid certification app for your phone or other mobile device. You don’t need to be travelling abroad anytime soon to apply for this. The app will also automatically renew itself.

3) After you get your foreign travel certificate in the document wallet of the app, click on the button to activate a domestic use certification. This will include taking a selfie pic that will provide photo ID when entering premises (so you won’t ned to bring additional ID).

If you cannot apply online, you can request a paper version of vaccine certification using the telephone service 0300 200 7814, available Monday to Sunday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.

This process will take longer than the digital process and you will be required to verify your identity in person by presenting documents at an appointed time and location.

Once identity checks have been completed it may take up to 10 working days for the printed certificate to arrive.

December 1

Update 1:20 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,793 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 578 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 117 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 573,905 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, November 30. There have been 5,707 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, December 1. 55 deaths were newly notified in the past week.

As of Tuesday, November 30, there have been  7,503,706 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,624,114 people have received their first dose
• 236,458 people have received a single dose
• 3,558,893 people have received their second dose
• 84,241 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Today’s notification of a confirmed case of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) should not change how we are responding to the public health measures that are already in place. The best mitigation we have against transmission of this virus, regardless of the variant, are the public health measures that we are so familiar with and more importantly, that we know will work.

"For at least the next two weeks, if we can all make a concerted effort to reduce our contacts, then I am hopeful that we can make a real difference to incidence of disease in Ireland.

"There is no group who should feel the public health advice does not apply to them. It is only if we act together that we can keep ourselves, our loved ones and health and social care facilities safe.

"As we look to the month ahead, consider your choices and make the right ones. Do not go into work tomorrow if you can work from home. If you are an employer, facilitate remote working for your employees.

"It is vital that if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, you isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test – not an antigen test. Do not go to work, school, college or socialise if you are symptomatic.

"If you do choose to socialise, think about the risk associated with the activities you have planned. Remember the simple steps you can take to keep both you and the people you meet with safe:

• wear a mask correctly
• meet outside if possible
• avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• practise good hand and respiratory hygiene

"Be mindful of your contacts in the days after socialising, and especially consider anyone you meet who may be immunocompromised or vulnerable to COVID-19."

Update 12:15 pm EST: There have been 1,992 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 320,939 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 11,517 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,743,736 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,305,293 lab-reported tests, and 1,125,352 rapid lateral flow tests. 

30 of Northern Ireland’s 92 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 24 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,879. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 30 - 10 am December 1, while two occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of December 1, there have been 3,048,854 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,370,570 were first doses, 1,272,784 were second doses, 16,649 were third doses, and 388,851 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today published its report on the vaccination status of patients who have been hospitalised from COVID-19 and of those who have died from COVID-19 for weeks 43 to 46 (October 25 to November 21, 2021). 

Hospital Admissions 

• 62% of adult COVID-19 inpatients aged under 50 are unvaccinated. 19% of COVID-19 inpatients aged 50 and over are unvaccinated. 
• Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are more than 4 times as likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 than fully vaccinated individuals. 
• For adults under 50, whilst the numbers admitted to hospital are lower, an unvaccinated individual is more than 8 times as likely to need hospitalisation from COVID-19. 

Deaths 

• Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are almost 4 times as likely to die than fully vaccinated individuals. 

The report notes: “The success of the vaccination programme has resulted in a very small percentage of unvaccinated individuals, particularly for the older age cohorts. When there is a very high vaccine coverage in the population, even with a highly effective vaccine, it is expected that a large proportion of cases, hospitalisations, and deaths would occur in vaccinated individuals. This is simply because a larger proportion of the population are vaccinated than unvaccinated and no vaccine is 100% effective. This is especially true because vaccination has been prioritised in individuals who are more susceptible or more at risk of severe disease. Individuals in risk groups may also be more at risk of hospitalisation or death due to non-COVID-19 causes, and thus may be hospitalised or die with COVID-19 rather than because of COVID-19. Death and admissions rates per 100,000 should therefore be interpreted with

caution.”

November 30

Update 1:25 pm EST:  As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 5,471 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 579 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 122 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 570,115 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, November 29. There have been 5,652 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 24. 

As of Monday, November 29, there have been 7,497,362 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,621,900 people have received their first dose
• 236,425 people have received a single dose
• 3,557,052 people have received their second dose
• 81,985 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "The ongoing efforts by parents and children to adhere to the public health advice during this pandemic has been fundamental to our work to drive down the incidence of COVID-19 in the community.

"Our priority continues to be to minimise risk and protect as many people as possible from severe illness.

"In a very short period of time, we have seen a significant and rapid deterioration in the epidemiological situation, in the as-yet-unvaccinated 5 – 11-year-olds. This has resulted in a sharp increase in incidence in this age group.

"In addition to the public health advice to all of us to reduce discretionary social contact and for at least the next two weeks, the following events and activities should be avoided:

• indoor birthday parties and play dates – these should take place outdoors and should be kept small
• sleepovers
• indoor community gatherings involving children including communions, confirmations, nativity and other seasonal events

"Further to this, parents should:

• not let children attend school or creche if they have any symptoms of COVID-19. Help them to isolate at home and arrange a PCR test straight away
• reduce their own contacts. This means work from home unless it is essential to attend the workplace in person. It also means making difficult decisions to avoid indoor social gatherings
• meet others outdoors where possible
• wear a mask if you cannot keep a distance from others
• ensure that your child wears a mask if it is recommended for them

"If anyone in your household is symptomatic, they should isolate and get a PCR test. You should not use or rely on the results of an antigen test if you have symptoms.

"If your child is a close contact of a case in school, you may be asked to use antigen tests, supplied by the HSE, as an additional tool. If any stage your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 or an antigen test is ‘positive’ they should be isolated at home and parents should arrange a PCR test for them.

"One in five young adults are not yet vaccinated. Please consider vaccination for any older children in your household not yet protected.

"These measures are not what any of us want to hear, particularly at this time of year. We know that it adds an additional burden at what has been a very difficult time for all of us, particularly those with young families.

"NPHET has recommended, on a temporary basis, the wearing of face masks for children:

• aged 9 years and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings as currently required for those aged 13 and over, with exemptions as appropriate; and
• in third class and above in primary school

"This measure will be subject to review by NPHET in mid-February 2022.

"I am hopeful that if we all make a concerted effort to follow these measures for at least the next two weeks, we can make a real difference to incidence of disease in this cohort and in the wider public."

Update 12:45 pm EST: The Irish government has today announced new public health measures, including the requirement for negative COVID tests when entering the country effective this Friday, and mask-wearing guidelines for children. You can read more here.

Update 10:20 am EST: There have been 1,585 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 318,947 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 11,328 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,737,964 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,285,284 lab-reported tests, and 1,118,585 rapid lateral flow tests. 

29 of Northern Ireland’s 95 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 23 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,875. One of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 29 - 10 am November 30, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of November 30, there have been 3,030,662 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,368,796 were first doses, 1,271,490 were second doses, 16,539 were third doses, and 373,837 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has confirmed a major expansion of NI’s COVID-19 vaccination programme to help meet current and forthcoming demand for booster doses.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) today recommended the phased extension of the booster programme to all adult age groups.

It advised that boosters should now be offered to everyone aged 18 and over in order of descending age groups, with priority given to the vaccination of older adults and those in COVID-19 at-risk groups. Booster vaccination can now be given from three months of completion of the primary course.

Minister Swann said today: “I would again urge people not to be put off getting their first, second or booster doses due to concerns or speculation about the Omicron variant.

“It remains very likely that vaccination will continue to protect against severe illness from Omicron as it does against other variants of SARS-CoV-2.

“In addition, our vaccines provide very good protection against the Delta variant, which remains the predominant strain in Northern Ireland at this point.”

November 29

Update 1:30 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 4,607 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of infections in Ireland to 564,657. 

There are currently 579 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals with 115 patients requiring intensive care. 

A total of 7,413,414 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland to date, excluding booster vaccinations. 

A total of 3,555,917 people have received two doses of the vaccine, while a further 236,413 have received the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

There have also been 779,596 booster vaccinations administered in Ireland to date. 

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said on Monday that the high incidence rate of COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact on the Irish health service. 

"We are still seeing a concerning number of people who are in hospital and require critical care for Covid-19," Holohan said. 

"This wave of infection is driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant of Covid-19.

"We know that the news of the Omicron variant is causing some concern. However, we also know how to break the chains of transmission of Covid-19 - these measures have worked against previous variants of Covid-19, they can successfully suppress transmission of the Delta variant and we are optimistic that they will work against the Omicron variant."

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,464 new cases of the virus, taking the total number of infections in the region to 317,362.

The Department also announced four further COVID-19 deaths on Monday as Northern Ireland's death toll rose to 2,873.

There are currently 340 COVID-19 patients in Northern Irish hospitals with 28 requiring intensive care. 

Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 100%, while there are 32 outbreaks in care homes across the region. 

A total of 3,012,036 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland, with 1,257,405 receiving two doses of the vaccine. 

November 28

Update 12:10 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 3,735 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland 560,054. 

There are currently 566 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 117 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said that it is not yet known if there are any cases of the new Omicron variant in Ireland. 

“We do a lot of testing, and it hasn't been picked up yet, as far as I understand,” Ryan told RTÉ’s The Week in Politics. 

Ryan said that it will take up to three weeks to determine whether the new variant increases transmission and sickness.

Three cases of the variant have been identified in the UK to date. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,405 new cases of COVID-19 and two further deaths, taking the regions death toll to 2,869. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

November 27

Update 9:30 am EST: The Department of Health 4,791 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 556,319.

There are currently 536 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 121 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

There were 640 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals at the same time last week, while 65 people have been discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,482 new cases of the virus and two further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,867.

Only limited figures are reported in northern Ireland on weekends.

November 26

Update 1:30 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 4,620 new cases of the coronavirus. 

There are currently 571 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 118 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that the COVID-19 situation in Ireland remains “vulnerable”. 

Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly announced on Friday morning that COVID-19 booster shots will be offered to everyone over the age of 16. 

The booster program had previously been confined to people over the age of 50 and people with lowered immune systems. 

However, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has now recommended booster shots for everyone over the age of 16, starting with pregnant women and people aged between 40 and 49 followed by those aged between 16 and 39 in descending order. 

Booster shots can be administered to anyone who received the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least five months ago. 

They can be administered to anyone who received the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine at least three months ago. 

Anyone has tested positive for COVID-19 since getting the vaccine should wait at least since months since the infection was diagnosed before receiving their booster shot, Donnelly confirmed. 

The HSE announced on Thursday that it is preparing to vaccinate children aged between five and 11 after the EU’s drug regulator approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine in that age cohort. 

The European Medicines Agency has said that children under the age of 12 should receive a lower dosage than teenagers or adults, paving the way for NIAC to prepare for the rollout of the vaccine amongst children in Ireland. 

Earlier on Friday, the European Commission said that it was proposing a ban on travel from southern Africa due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, which the World Health Organization has labelled Omicron. 

Tanáiste Leo Varadkar has said that Ireland will “act quickly” against the new variant. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 2,004 new cases of the virus and nine further deaths, taking the region’s death toll to 2,865. 

There are currently 370 patients in Northern Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 33 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

Northern Ireland’s hospital occupancy currently stands at 102%, while there are 33 active outbreaks in Northern Irish care homes. 

A total of 2,986,203 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

November 25

Update 1:30 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 4,764 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of infections in Ireland to 546,909. 

There are currently 598 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 126 patients in ICU have tested positive for the virus. 

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that there have been 62,401 cases of the virus have been reported in Ireland over the past two weeks and said that the country's incidence rate remains "concerningly high". 

He called on people to make every effort to curb the spread of infection.

"Covid-19 spreads when an infected person is in close proximity to other people. The best way we can stop Covid spreading to the people we meet is by meeting fewer people and avoiding crowds." 

As of November 24, 7,401,001 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland excluding booster shots. 

A total of 3,549,637 people have been received two doses of the vaccine, while 236,374 people have received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

Meanwhile, 666,137 booster vaccines have also been administered in Ireland. 

Elsewhere, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,549 new cases of the virus and five further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,856.

A total of 31,007 cases of the virus have been reported in the region to date. 

There are currently 395 COVID-19 patients in Northern Irish hospitals, with 35 patients in ICU. Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 104%, while there are currently 33 outbreaks of the virus in nursing homes. 

A total of 2,970,748 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland. 

November 24

Update 12:50 pm EST:  As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,893 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 611 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 132 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 542,146 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, November 23. There have been 5,652 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 24. 43 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s weekly update.

As of Tuesday, November 23, there have been 7,468,246 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,613,243 people have received their first dose
• 236,372 people have received a single dose
• 3,546,495 people have received their second dose
• 72,136 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Approximately 1 in 7 adults in the last week have had flu-like, cold-like, or COVID-like symptoms.

"The most important action you can take if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 is to self-isolate immediately. This means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people, including, in so far as possible, those you live with. Arrange to take a PCR test, not an antigen test, and continue to self-isolate while you wait for your test and the results.

"I understand this is difficult, but in order to avoid passing COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses on to your friends, family or work colleagues, rapidly self-isolating as soon as symptoms begin is the most important thing you can do.

"It’s also important to remember you still need to isolate for as long as you're symptomatic, and until 48 hours after your symptoms have settled, even if your PCR did not detect COVID-19."

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, said today: “We're surging up on ICU beds & managing huge pressures all across healthcare. 5,800 staff now out on Covid related absence.”

210,000 #COVID19 lab tests completed in the past 7 days.600,000 boosters & 3rd doses administered now.We're surging up on ICU beds & managing huge pressures all across healthcare. 5,800 staff now out on Covid related absence. The public's understanding is appreciated. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) November 24, 2021

Update 11:25 am EST: There have been 1,931 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 309,458 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 11,704 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,712,554 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,199,773 lab-reported tests, and 1,077,845 rapid lateral flow tests. 

36 of Northern Ireland’s 99 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 25 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,851. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 23 - 10 am November 24.

As of November 24, there have been 2,952,297 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,359,404 were first doses, 1,263,765 were second doses, 15,847 were third doses, and 313,281 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

November 23

Update 12:50 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,666 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 638 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 130 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 538,255 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, November 21. There have been 5,609 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 17.

As of Monday, November 22, there have been 7,460,719 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,610,882 people have received their first dose
• 236,359 people have received a single dose
• 3,544,750 people have received their second dose
• 68,728 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "We know that the level of worry has increased to levels last seen in April this year.

"We know what we are asking people to do to help suppress the spread of disease in our communities is very difficult. If we all make a concerted effort it can make a difference.

"Our research tells us that people are listening to the public health advice and are reducing the number of people they are planning to meet, and are cancelling social events, to reduce their contacts.

"Over the coming weeks, focus on these five actions to reduce your risk and keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

1. If you have cold or flu like symptoms, isolate immediately and get a PCR test, not an antigen test
2. Prioritise who you need to meet
3. Meet others outdoors and open windows when indoors
4. Wear a mask properly
5. Use the right test and understand what the test result means

Update 11:40 am EST: The Northern Ireland Executive has today issued a statement calling for action on COVID to reduce pressure on hospitals and keep society and the economy open. You can read more here.

Update 10:45 am EST: There have been 1,476 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 307,527 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 11,502 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,707,656 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,181,089 lab-reported tests, and 1,072,620 rapid lateral flow tests. 

33 of Northern Ireland’s 99 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 25 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,847. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 22 - 10 am November 23.

As of November 23, there have been 2,933,054 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,357,693 were first doses, 1,262,592 were second doses, 15,632 were third doses, and 297,137 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland is hosting another Big Jab Weekend this weekend, November 27 - 28. You can learn more here.

Aged 12-17 years old?

Visit your local vaccine clinic to get your first #Covid19 jab this weekend.

Full list of walk-in clinics➡️https://t.co/ygDvQlhn3L@WesternHSCTrust @setrust @NHSCTrust @SouthernHSCT @BelfastTrust @publichealthni pic.twitter.com/jF9nvgR0L4

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 23, 2021

November 22

Update 1:10 pm EST:  As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 5,634 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 684 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 126 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 534,594 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, November 21. There have been 5,609 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 17.

As of Sunday, November 21, there have been 7,457,821 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,610,038 people have received their first dose
• 236,331 people have received a single dose
• 3,544,155 people have received their second dose
• 67,297 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "Incidence of COVID-19 is continuing to rise, and today, we are once again reporting a concerning number of confirmed cases.

"We know that every 1,000 cases of COVID-19 will lead to 20-25 people in hospital and between 2-3 people requiring critical care in ICU. We also know that, since June of this year, 1 in 4 people who had COVID-19 and required critical care in our hospitals have sadly passed away.

"This information is not easy to hear, but it is an important reminder of the serious risk that COVID-19 continues to pose to all of us.

"We can change the trajectory of this disease by breaking the chains of transmission and the best way to do that is to continue to adhere to all the layers of the public health advice. We know that this will work, and we know that people are making many additional efforts to drive down incidence of disease in the community.

"Our latest data from Amárach is showing that almost 57% of people are reducing the number of people they plan to meet between now and Christmas and 45% have cancelled plans.

"We can also see that the level of compliance with the Digital COVID Cert has increased by almost 10% to 85%.

"None of this is easy, particularly at this time of year. However, the data above shows that people are making a concerted effort to reduce their risk. If we can keep this going, it will have a positive impact on disease transmission.

"As such, it is important to continue to follow all of the public health advice:

• if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms at all, isolate immediately and get a PCR test, not an antigen test
• prioritise who you need to meet and meet others outdoors
• open windows when indoors
• avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• wash your hands regularly
• wear a mask

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is encouraging the public to “layer up” in the fight agaisnt COVID:

We can continue to protect ourselves and others from #COVID19 infection this winter.

We need to #LayerUp our protections - vaccines and boosters, reducing our contacts, social distancing, masks, ventilation and avoiding high risk activities. #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/NtlvI5VXJZ

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 22, 2021

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 1,469 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 306,051 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 11,930 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,703,888 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,169,369 lab-reported tests, and 1,066,158 rapid lateral flow tests. 

36 of Northern Ireland’s 103 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 26 COVID patients are ventilated.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,843. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 21 - 10 am November 22.

As of November 22, there have been 2,916,048 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,356,343 were first doses, 1,261,448 were second doses, 15,263 were third doses, and 282,994 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

November 21

Update 9:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 4,181 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 528,964. 

There are currently 668 people in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 125 people in ICU have tested positive for the virus. 

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said on Sunday that Irish people can change the trajectory of the disease by making small changes.

"We can change the trajectory of this disease. Small changes, by all of us, will make a big difference collectively." 

However, he said that the current rate of infection was placing a huge burden on Irish health services.

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,406 new cases of the virus and seven further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,833.

A total of 2,907,848 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends. 

November 20

Update 9:20 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 5,959 new cases of the coronavirus.

There are currently 640 people in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 121 people in ICU have tested positive for the virus. 

Dr. Cillian de Gascun, who is chair of NPHET's Expert Advisory Group, told RTÉ Radio 2 that Ireland cannot afford to continue on the same trajectory with COVID-19. 

De Gascun encouraged people to continue practising the public health measures that have been in place for almost two years.

"We know that the public health measures that people have been practising over the last two years will be effective against this virus," he said.

"The problem is that we have to do them better and do them for a longer period of time to get the same benefit with Delta as we would have had with the original virus back in 2020, and even with Alpha around the start of the new year." 

De Gascun said that he wasn't criticizing people but added that people needed to reduce their "discretionary contacts". 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,846 new cases of the coronavirus and six further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,826. 

A total of 2,902,394 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends. 

November 19

Update 1:10 pm EST: As of 5:45 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,138 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 643 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 118 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 515,691 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, November 17. There have been 5,609 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 17.

As of Wednesday, November 17, there have been 7,435,732 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,603,627 people have received their first dose
• 236,310 people have received a single dose
• 3,534,373 people have received their second dose
• 61,422 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: “Anyone who is going to get COVID-19 in December has not yet been infected. Their infection is not inevitable and there is still time to prevent it by small changes in our behaviour.

• those of us who have symptoms must stay home, self-isolate and get a PCR test – not an antigen test.
• all of us who are household contacts of a confirmed case need to restrict our movements and stay at home for 5 days.
• the rest of us need to minimise our chances of coming into contact with the virus by reducing the number of people we meet and layering up on the public health advice - vaccine/booster, clean hands, masks, open windows, avoid crowds, work from home unless absolutely necessary.

Update 11:15 am EST: There have been 1,690 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 301,330 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 11,302 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,692,601 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,134,465 lab-reported tests, and 1,049,413 rapid lateral flow tests. 

33 of Northern Ireland’s 103 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 21 COVID patients are ventilated.

Seven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,827. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 18 - 10 am November 19.

As of November 19, there have been 2,890,873 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,354,392 were first doses, 1,259,572 were second doses, 15,573 were third doses, and 261,336 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

For travel into Northern Ireland, the "fully vaccinated" list has now been expanded. More information is available here on NI Direct.

Travel update✈️

The "fully vaccinated" list has now been expanded.

Visit @nidirect for more information➡️https://t.co/KLv0UAyYMb pic.twitter.com/bS2UQV48v9

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 19, 2021

November 18

Update 12:45 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,650 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 643 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 118 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 515,691 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, November 17. There have been 5,609 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 17.

As of Wednesday, November 17, there have been 7,435,732 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,603,627 people have received their first dose
• 236,310 people have received a single dose
• 3,534,373 people have received their second dose
• 61,422 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Approximately 1 in 6 people in Ireland experienced COVID-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, high temperature or other flu-like symptoms in the past week.

"The single most important action you can take if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 is to self-isolate and arrange a PCR test – not an antigen test. If you want to avoid passing COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses on to your friends, family or work colleagues, rapidly self-isolating as soon as your symptoms begin is the most important thing you can do."

You can learn more about COVID symptoms here.

Ireland’s Department of Health today published this explainer on when and when not to use an antigen test.

No symptoms of #COVID19? Antigen tests may be used as an additional protective measure

➕antigen test - isolate & get a PCR test
➖antigen test - you may still have the virus; keep up other protective measures

Symptoms? Isolate & get a PCR test; do NOT use/rely on antigen tests pic.twitter.com/7O9EtKSS0O

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) November 18, 2021

Also today, a new portal has been launched which enables all Irish passport-holders who were vaccinated outside of the EU to apply for an EU Digital COVID Certificate. You can access the new self-service portal online here.

Update 12:35 pm EST: There have been 1,681 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 299,640 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 11,122 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,688,054 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,116,265 lab-reported tests, and 1,043,844 rapid lateral flow tests. 

34 of Northern Ireland’s 103 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 22 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,820. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 17 - 10 am November 18.

As of November 18, there have been 2,871,669 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,351,919 were first doses, 1,258,632 were second doses, 15,244 were third doses, and 245,874 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann has today unveiled the latest plans to accelerate the roll-out of COVID vaccine boosters and further increase first dose take-up.

Forthcoming vaccination initiatives in Northern Ireland include:

• A dedicated walk-in clinic weekend for young people on November 27 and 28, providing first doses for 12-17 year olds (see notes below for full details). This will complement the school vaccination programme which is now in its most intensive period.
• A number of pharmacists are planning to provide a weekend of additional walk-in clinics for all those eligible for booster, first and second doses on December 4 and 5. Further details will be announced next week.
• Trust vaccination hubs will be offering first doses for everyone aged 12 and over; as well as booster doses for the 40-49-year-old age group who are at least 6 months from their second dose. These hubs will be rolled out on a phased basis, with two major locations already up and running with immediate effect and others operational across Northern Ireland by late November/start of December.

Minister Swann said: “People are still coming forward for first doses and there are indications that demand for first doses is increasing again. Within the past week alone, community pharmacies administered in the region of 1,000 first doses to people aged 18 and over. The planned programme of additional walk-in clinics will help meet demand for first doses, as well as for boosters.

“Overall, the vaccination programme provided 97,000 jabs in the last week. We owe a great debt of gratitude to everyone involved in making this happen.

“It should be remembered that this vaccination programme is being delivered by a health and social care system experiencing the most sustained and severe pressures in its history.”

Health Minister Robin Swann has unveiled the latest plans to accelerate the roll-out of COVID vaccine boosters and further increase first dose take-up.

READ MORE ➡️https://t.co/RSmo5hRplf pic.twitter.com/vm0RYxwKd4

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 18, 2021

November 17

Update 1:35 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,633 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 634 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 119 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 511,045 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, November 16. There have been 5,609 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 17. 43 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s update.

As of Tuesday, November 16, there have been 7,431,044 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,602,023 people have received their first dose
• 236,299 people have received a single dose
• 3,533,160 people have received their second dose
• 59,562 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:55 am EST: Northern Ireland is set to adopt a mandatory COVID vaccine passport scheme for entry into pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, and large events after proposals received majority support in Stormont today. Northern Ireland’s Department of Health is now due to produce a paper with more details on the matter tonight or tomorrow. More details as they become available.

Update 11:25 am EST: There have been 1,848 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 297,959 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 10,889 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,683,784 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,099,714 lab-reported tests, and 1,037,838 rapid lateral flow tests. 

33 of Northern Ireland’s 105 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 26 COVID patients are ventilated.

12 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,814. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 16 - 10 am November 17.

As of November 17, there have been 2,849,952 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,349,159 were first doses, 1,257,5405 were second doses, 14,428 were third doses, and 228,600 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today published updated statistics on vaccination and hospitalisation for the period between October 11 and November 7.

Hospital Admissions 

• 70% of adult COVID-19 inpatients aged under 50 are unvaccinated.  20% of COVID-19 inpatients aged 50 and over are unvaccinated. 
• Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are almost 5 times as likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID19 than fully vaccinated individuals. 
• For adults under 50, whilst the numbers admitted to hospital are lower, an unvaccinated individual is almost 11 times as likely to need hospitalisation from COVID-19. 

Deaths

• Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are more than 4 times as likely to die than fully vaccinated individuals.  

Get your #COVID19 vaccine jab.

The Department of Health has published updated statistics on vaccination and hospitalisation.

Read➡️https://t.co/s9vdiD1J50

Find out where you can get your jab➡️https://t.co/ygDvQlhn3L pic.twitter.com/MgJJlQXgpL

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 17, 2021

November 16

Update 2:00 pm EST: Amid a COVID surge, a new set of health measures that come into effect this week in Ireland has been announced. You can learn more about the new health measures here.

Update 1:00 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,407 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 614 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 114 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 507,413 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, November 15. There have been 5,566 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 10.

As of Monday, November 15, there have been 7,427,052 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,600,553 people have received their first dose
• 236,288 people have received a single dose
• 3,531,995 people have received their second dose
• 58,216 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "In the last 14 days, we have been notified of almost 55,000 cases of COVID-19. The only time we have had more cases in a 14-day period was in January this year, and, unfortunately, we do expect this figure to increase in the coming days.

"This case level is unsustainable. When incidence of disease is as high as this, we must all act as though we are close contacts and as though we are at risk of transmitting the virus to others. We are more likely to contract COVID-19 from someone we know - a friend, a work colleague, a teammate - than a stranger passing by in a shop or on the bus. Please prioritise who you need to meet.

"Over two million people are now eligible for a booster vaccine, including everyone over 50 and those aged over 16 with underlying medical conditions. It is important that you attend for your booster appointment as soon as it is offered to you. Given the risk to you from the current force of infection in the community, it is really important that you minimise, as much as possible, your social contacts, while waiting for your booster.

"Family and friends of all those who will soon be called for a booster should also continue to follow the public health advice. This is the best way to protect your loved one."

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today announced updates to the country’s COVID-19 Vaccination programme as per recommendations made by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). The CMO has endorsed these recommendations.

The NIAC has recommended that a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine now be offered to:

• all those aged 16-59 years who have an underlying condition*
• all residents in long-term healthcare facilities, irrespective of age, many if not all of whom will have an underlying condition
• all those aged 50 to 59 years who have completed their primary course with any COVID-19 vaccine

As per previous booster dose recommendations, the additional dose will be given at least five months following completion of the primary vaccination schedule.

If a person in a group for whom a booster dose is recommended has had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection after a completed primary vaccine course (that is, a breakthrough infection), the booster dose should be delayed for at least six months after the COVID-19 infection was diagnosed.

I'm announcing updates to the COVID-19 Vaccination programme. Boosters will be offered to all those aged 50-59, all remaining residents in healthcare facilities not covered previously, all those aged 16+ with underlying conditions.#ForUsAll #BoostersWork https://t.co/0dXz7TUtsa pic.twitter.com/A4yFleLnel

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 16, 2021

Update 9:50 am EST: There have been 1,698 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 296,111 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 10,653 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,679,254 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,081,555 lab-reported tests, and 1,033,751 rapid lateral flow tests. 

35 of Northern Ireland’s 103 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 26 COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,802. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 15 - 10 am November 16.

As of November 16, there have been 2,831,525 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,347,213 were first doses, 1,256,509 were second doses, 14,242 were third doses, and 213,561 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Update 9:00 am EST: The Irish government is expected to announce later today that Irish hospitality - pubs, clubs, and restaurants - will be subject to an earlier curfew of midnight effective this Thursday.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to give an address at 6pm Irish time today.

November 15

Update 12:55 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 4,570 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 622 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 117 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 498,448 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Saturday, November 13. There have been 5,566 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 10.

As of Saturday, November 13, there have been 7,424,445 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,599,087 people have received their first dose
• 236,282 people have received a single dose
• 3,531,343 people have received their second dose
• 57,733 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

The number of people in hospital in Ireland has now reached its highest level since February 2021. Dublin’s Mater Hospital has moved to ICU Surge capacity.

Dr. Colman O’Loughlin, President of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland, said on RTE’s Today with Claire Byrne: “It is capacity levels. We are borrowing, begging, stealing capacity anywhere we can.”

He added: “The last few times I’ve talked to you, I tried to reassure people that we were coping, I just can’t say that at the moment. The background to all of this is a lack of visibility of how this is going to turn around, that’s a concern.”

Ireland’s sub-committee on COVID-19 is set to meet tonight, and a full Cabinet meeting is set to take palace tomorrow, November 16.

Update 11:25 am EST: There have been 1,457 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 294,413 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 10,490 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,675,011 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,068,152 lab-reported tests, and 1,027,305 rapid lateral flow tests. 

37 of Northern Ireland’s 102 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 28 COVID patients are ventilated.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,797. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 14 - 10 am November 15, while one death occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of November 15, there have been 2,814,862 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,344,980 were first doses, 1,255,645 were second doses, 13,795 were third doses, and 200,442 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the JCVI recommendation to extend the COVID-19 vaccine booster to the 40-49-year-old age group. The JCVI has also recommended that 16-and-17 year olds be offered a second vaccination dose.

Minister Swann said: “Both of today’s recommendations will be implemented in Northern Ireland, in line with our policy of following JCVI guidance.

“I know the expansion of the booster programme will be very welcome news to those in the 40-49-year-old age bracket.

“I am pleased to see our numbers for booster and third doses accelerating. As I have said, I want to see the total climb further and faster.

“I intend to announce very shortly the first in a series of initiatives to complement current vaccination work. These initiatives will include a further programme of walk-in and pop-up clinics - for booster doses, as well as vaccination opportunities for 12-17-year-olds, and for first and second doses generally.

“I would again urge people who have not yet come forward for their first dose to do so without further delay. Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect each other and support our health service during what will be an incredibly tough winter.”

Today's important #COVID19 vaccine update, following JCVI recommendations to:

?Extend the #COVIDBooster vaccine to 40-49 year olds.

?Offer a second dose vaccine to 16-17 year olds.

Read➡️https://t.co/CfDuBrrQFF pic.twitter.com/JZglghquyH

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 15, 2021

November 14

Update 10 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 3,805 new cases of the coronavirus. 

There have been 5,566 COVID-19 deaths, including possible and probably deaths, as of Wednesday, November 10. 

There are currently 582 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 106 patients in ICU have tested positive for the virus. 

Professor Luke O'Neill, who teaches immunology at Trinity College Dublin, said that further restrictions may be needed to help curb the spread of the virus. 

"Sadly, we are heading in the wrong direction," he told RTÉ News. 

However, O'Neill said that it would be "far too dramatic" to introduce another lockdown. 

He also called for widespread antigen testing in homes across the country to help deal with the current outbreak of the virus. 

"This could be another weapon used to control this virus and we should have done it sooner," he said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,377 new cases and five further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,792. 

A total of 2,808,111 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends.

November 13

Update 12:30 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 4,642 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of infections in Ireland to 494,643.

There have been 5,566 COVID-19 deaths, including possible and probably deaths, as of Wednesday, November 10. 

There are currently 556 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 107 patients in ICU have tested positive for the virus. 

It represents the highest number of patients in ICU since March 3 during the third wave of the pandemic.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said on Twitter that current transmission rates were among the highest for the whole pandemic and urged people to avoid taking risks when leaving their homes. 

"Before you leave the house, think about the number of people you are going to meet, and the risk associated with the activities you have planned," Holohan said on Twitter. 

"Keep your contacts low and avoid crowds; Wear a mask correctly; Meet outside if possible; Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces; Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene."

HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid said on Twitter that it was everyone's responsibility to "turn this around". 

"The virus is now prolific in most communities and nobody wants to be the next hospitalised case," Reid said.

"An immediate reduction by all of us of risk activities is needed to turn this around." 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,806 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,787. 

A total of 2,801,975 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

November 12

Update 12:35 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 5,483 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 549 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 96 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 490,001 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, November 11. There have been 5,566 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 10.

As of Wednesday, November 10, there have been 7,410,468 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,593,212 people have received their first dose
• 236,262 people have received a single dose
• 3,525,916 people have received their second dose
• 55,078 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Today we are reporting one of our highest ever daily figures of confirmed cases of COVID-19. This is another indication of the very significant increase in the incidence of disease in almost all age groups across the population.

"As we look ahead to the weekend, we need to continue to make every effort we can to drive down incidence of disease and break the chains of transmission. Before you leave the house, think about the number of people you are going to meet, and the risk associated with the activities you have planned. The following simple measures can reduce this risk:

• keep your contacts low and avoid crowds
• wear a mask correctly
• meet outside if possible
• avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• practise good hand and respiratory hygiene

"Vaccines remain extraordinarily effective against severe disease, and the vast majority of people with COVID-19 are experiencing mild symptoms. However, the outcome for any one individual who is diagnosed with COVID-19 is uncertain and it remains vital that we all continue to adhere to the public health advice in order to protect ourselves and our families.

"There are currently 549 people in hospital, 96 people are receiving critical care and this disease continues to have a very significant impact on families, communities and across the health service.

"If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you should assume that you have this virus, self-isolate immediately and arrange a test. Do not assume that it’s just a cough or a cold."

Dr. Holohan, in a letter to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, has recommended that “the Government consider re-instating previous advice to work from home where possible.”

NEW: Letter from CMO to Minister for Health re COVID-19 - 11 November 2021 https://t.co/OfZ4ek9COx

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) November 12, 2021

Citing Dr. Holohan’s latest letter, Minister Donnelly today said that the Expert Advisory Group on Rapid Testing has recommended the regular use of antigen testing by individuals who engage in activities including attending bars, restaurants, nightclubs, the cinema, multi-household visits, contact sports, and car-sharing.

You can learn more about COVID testing in Ireland here.

The Expert Advisory Group on Rapid Testing chaired by @profmaryhorgan has recommended the regular use of antigen testing by individuals who engage in activities including attending bars, restaurants, nightclubs, the cinema, multi household visits, contact sports and car sharing

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 12, 2021

Update 11:40 am EST: There have been 1,087 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 289,773 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,923 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,664,143 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,035,910 lab-reported tests, and 1,011,389 rapid lateral flow tests. 

34 of Northern Ireland’s 104 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 27 COVID patients are ventilated.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,784. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 11 - 10 am November 12.

As of November 12, there have been 2,790,786 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,342,676 were first doses, 1,254,145 were second doses, 13,263 were third doses, and 180,702 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health is encouraging people to take Rapid Tests and report their results. You can learn more here.

Are you planning to meet up with friends and family this weekend? Protect those closest to you and take a Rapid Test.

Report every result - positive, negative or void - to help scientists spot outbreaks quickly.

Order or collect your tests today➡️https://t.co/IQNL0XGKg8 pic.twitter.com/gWPtzgP0j1

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 12, 2021

November 11

Update 12:25 pm EST: As of 4 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,680 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 543 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 97 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 484,523 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, November 10. There have been 5,566 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 10.

As of Wednesday, November 10, there have been 7,410,468 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,593,212 people have received their first dose
• 236,262 people have received a single dose
• 3,525,916 people have received their second dose
• 55,078 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 1,462 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 288,686 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 9,030 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,660,962 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,022,624 lab-reported tests, and 1,006,092 rapid lateral flow tests. 

37 of Northern Ireland’s 108 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 30 COVID patients are ventilated.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,782. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 10 - 10 am November 11.

As of November 11, there have been 2,773,870 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,340,618 were first doses, 1,252,813 were second doses, 13,102 were third doses, and 168,337 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

November 10

Update 11:45 am EST: As of 2 pm today in Ireland:

• 2,975 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 551 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 89 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: A technical issue impacted processing on CIDR on 9 November 2021 resulting in an artificially low number of notifications. Once the technical issue is resolved, cases will be processed and reflected in notifications in the coming days.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 480,846 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, November 9. There have been 5,566 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 10. 74 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s update.

As of Tuesday, November 9, there have been 7,406,672 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,591,584 people have received their first dose
• 236,253 people have received a single dose
• 3,524,598 people have received their second dose
• 54,237 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "A pandemic can be a long and exhausting experience and I am aware that we are all tired of this virus – but the reality is that the virus is here and is circulating at too high a level.

"The virus moves when we are in close contact with a COVID positive person. This person could be a family member, a friend, a colleague or a stranger. It could be someone with no symptoms who is fully vaccinated.

"The action needed now is for all of us to reduce our social contacts and give the virus less opportunity to spread. Reduce the people you intend to meet this week by half. If we all do this collectively, we can suppress current levels of infection."

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "The high incidence of COVID-19 in the community is concerning but there are simple steps we can take to protect ourselves from COVID-19.

"Firstly, COVID-19 vaccines are providing excellent protection against the serious effects of COVID-19 and if you are yet to come forward for vaccination, you can still do so in your local pharmacy, GP or by booking online.

"When around other people from outside your household, whether you know them or not, be sure to layer up on your protection by wearing a face covering, washing/sanitising your hands frequently, keeping your distance, meet up outdoors where possible, and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated. You have the power to protect yourself and stop the onward spread."

Professor Karina Butler, Chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, said today: "Each week, we are continuing to see people who have not received any dose of COVID-19 vaccine come forward for their vaccine. We are delighted to see this and I would encourage anyone who is yet to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Our vaccination clinics across the country are open and ready to welcome you.

"If you are pregnant, please be assured that the benefits to you and to your baby of receiving a COVID-19 far outweigh the risks. If you have concerns, then speak to your trusted clinician - be that your GP, obstetric team or midwife. They are the people most familiar with your medical background and are in the best position to offer advice particular to your own situation."

Dr. Cillian De Gascun, Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory and Medical Virologist, said today: "As we socialise indoors more often over the winter months it is important to be aware of how COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses spread and how you can limit the risk of transmission. Ventilation is very important if socialising indoors – ensure windows are open and air is circulating. Keep social distance of 2m where possible and use face coverings. All of this combined with vaccination, hand hygiene and the suite of public health behaviours will protect you and limit the spread of infection."

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), said today that 55% percent of patients in ICU are not vaccinated:

There are 551 #COVID19 patients in hospital today, 83 in ICU. 55% of patients in ICU aren't fully vaccinated. Over 250 patients are receiving enhanced supports including non invasive ventillation. Please continue to protect yourself & if unvaccinated, we're still here. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) November 10, 2021

Stephen Donnelly, Ireland’s Minister for Health, said that “We're continuing to examine booster doses for other groups.”

1.3 million people are currently getting a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We're continuing to examine booster doses for other groups, such as those with underlying conditions and those under 60. Boosters are one part of our response. #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/1VAfdlFiB7

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 10, 2021

Update 11:35 am EST: There have been 1,765 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 287,224 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,775 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,657,138 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 4,008,421 lab-reported tests, and 1,000,746 rapid lateral flow tests. 

36 of Northern Ireland’s 105 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 28 COVID patients are ventilated.

Seven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,776. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 9 - 10 am November 10.

As of November 10, there have been 2,756,029 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,338,808 were first doses, 1,251,729 were second doses, 12,703 were third doses, and 152,789 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today announced plans to further increase booster vaccine take-up in the region.

Health Minister Robin Swann said today: “While the welcome increase in booster numbers reflects very hard work by a health system under severe pressure, I want to see the total climb further and faster.

“I have tasked officials with developing further initiatives to complement the current work. I am pleased to report that these are being finalised and should include a programme of walk-in and pop-up clinics - for booster doses, as well as vaccination opportunities for 12-17-year-olds, and for first and second doses generally. Further details of these initiatives will be made public shortly.”

In Northern Ireland, Those who are eligible for a booster at least six months on from their second dose include:

• those living in care homes
• all adults aged 50 years or over
• frontline health and social care workers
• all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19
• adult carers (including foster carers)
• adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

More information is available here via NI Direct.

November 9

Update 12:55 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,578 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 520 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 83 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: A technical issue impacted processing of COVID-19 cases on CIDR on November 2, 2021. Given the impact on CIDR notifications, the daily case numbers reported between November 3 and 8 were based on SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the COVID Care Tracker. These data were provisional. Daily case reporting of notified cases on CIDR has recommenced today. The total number of notified cases on CIDR for the week from November 2 to midnight November 8 is 25,727. The cumulative total number of notified cases on CIDR as of midnight November 8 is 477,878.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 477,878 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, November 8. There have been 5,492 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 3.

As of Monday, November 8, there have been 7,403,271 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,590,040 people have received their first dose
• 236,245 people have received a single dose
• 3,523,488 people have received their second dose
• 53,498 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Today we are reporting 3,578 cases of COVID-19, with 520 cases in hospital and 83 in ICU.

"We have reported over 44,000 cases in the past 14 days. The volume of disease in the community is really very high and represents a significant risk to those who are most vulnerable in our society.

"We need to continue to use all of the tools available to us to protect ourselves and others. By layering all of the public health measures with which we are now so familiar, we can help to break the chains of transmission. Ensure that you are washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask on public transport and in other social settings, try to meet others outdoors, and ensure that indoor spaces are well-ventilated. And of course, it remains essential that anyone with symptoms isolates and gets tested."

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today noted the decline of COVID incidence in the older population:

Continued decline of Covid incidence in our older population is likely to be at least partly attributable to booster vaccination, alongside continuing adherence to public health measures. We must all continue our efforts to keep everyone safe. #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/eF1oAAHZ1q

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 9, 2021

Update 11:10 am EST: There have been 1,228 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 285,459 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,184 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,652,876 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,990,312 lab-reported tests, and 997,145 rapid lateral flow tests. 

39 of Northern Ireland’s 106 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 28 COVID patients are ventilated.

Seven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,769. Six of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 8 - 10 am November 9, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of November 9, there have been 2,741,091 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,337,018 were first doses, 1,250,850 were second doses, 12,468 were third doses, and 140,755 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today announced a number of changes to international travel, including the recognition of additional vaccines for the fully vaccinated policy and confirmation that under 18s will be treated as fully vaccinated.

The Department said today: “Following a public health assessment, international travellers vaccinated with vaccines on level 4 of the Vaccine Recognition Framework of the World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) will now be recognised as fully vaccinated when arriving into Northern Ireland.

“From 4am on 22 November, passengers vaccinated with a full course of the Sinovacm, Sinopharm Beijing and Coraxin vaccines will be treated as fully vaccinated. These vaccines will be added to the list of the currently recognised Oxford / AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna and Janssen vaccines.

“This means that individuals vaccinated with a full course of any of the above named vaccines will not need to self-isolate. However they must:

complete a UK Passenger Locator Form on arrival or in the 48 hours before arrival in Northern Ireland
before travelling, book and pay for either a day two PCR or LFD test to be taken on or before day two following your arrival in Northern Ireland

“In addition, every international arrival under the age of 18 who is travelling or returning to Northern Ireland from a non-red list country will also be treated as being fully vaccinated. Currently only those under the age of 18 who are residents of the UK or from certain non red-list countries are deemed as fully vaccinated.

Further details are available on NI Direct.

Travel update ✈️

A number of changes to international travel have been announced, including the recognition of additional vaccines for the fully vaccinated policy and confirmation that under 18s will be treated as fully vaccinated.

➡️https://t.co/tcw4P7f5OC pic.twitter.com/cemjDzOQcb

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 9, 2021

November 8

Update 12:30 pm EST:  As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,161 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 498 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 78 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: A technical issue impacted processing of COVID-19 cases on CIDR on 2 November 2021. Given the impact on CIDR notifications, the daily case numbers reported since 3 November are based on SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the COVID Care Tracker. These data are provisional and do not represent notified cases. The technical issue has been resolved and daily case reporting through CIDR will recommence in the coming days.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 472,547 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, November 7. There have been 5,492 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 3.

As of Sunday, November 7, there have been 7,401,810 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,589,465 people have received their first dose
• 236,241 people have received a single dose
• 3,522,986 people have received their second dose
• 53,118 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Today we are reporting 3,161 cases of COVID-19 and 498 hospitalisations, with 78 of those patients in ICU. We know that vaccination provides our strongest defence against severe illness and hospitalisation. I encourage anyone who has yet to be vaccinated to come forward for vaccination. It is not too late to become part of our vaccinated pool of people and your participation in the COVID-19 vaccine programme will be welcomed.

"We are now also boosting and offering a third vaccine dose to healthcare workers and people over the age of 60. We are beginning to see encouraging signs, in the decreasing levels of infection among those age groups that have received their booster dose. The importance of coming forward cannot be overstated. If it is time for your booster, please come forward to receive that booster.

"Finally, I would also like to note that the flu (influenza) vaccine programme is currently open and I encourage people of all ages to avail of it. Children are twice as likely to get the flu than adults. Children are also more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu. The flu vaccine will help protect your child against flu and reduce the spread of flu to others such as siblings, parents and grandparents. Children and young people aged 2 to 17 can get the nasal flu vaccine for free.

"Please continue to practise basic public health interventions to limit the spread of disease this winter - washing our hands, opening windows, wearing masks and most importantly, staying home when we have symptoms. These simple measures are very successful at breaking the chains of transmission of disease."

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 1,028 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 284,231 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,215 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,649,528 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,978,533 lab-reported tests, and 992,024 rapid lateral flow tests. 

44 of Northern Ireland’s 102 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 31 COVID patients are ventilated.

11 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,762. Ten of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 7 - 10 am November 8, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

November 7

Update 11:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 3,428 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 469,386. 

There are currently 475  patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 75 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

The Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,035 new cases of the virus and four further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,751. 

A total of 2,722,452 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date.

Only limited figures are released in Northern Ireland on weekends.  

November 6

Update 12 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 3,685 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to 465,958.

There are currently 444 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 74 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

There are 19 fewer COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals and two fewer in ICU compared to the same time yesterday.

As of Thursday, November 4, a total of 7,341,341 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland with 3,519,855 people receiving two doses and 236,236 people receiving the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

More than 88% of the Irish population above the age of 12 have now been fully vaccinated against the virus. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,194 new cases of the virus and six further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,747. 

A total of 2,715,731 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are available in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

November 5

Update 2:25 pm EST:  As of 6 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,903 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 463 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 76 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: A technical issue impacted processing of COVID-19 cases on CIDR on 2 November 2021. Given the impact on CIDR notifications, the daily case numbers reported since 3 November are based on SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the COVID Care Tracker. These data are provisional and do not represent notified cases. The technical issue has been resolved and daily case reporting through CIDR will recommence in the coming days.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 462,273 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, November 4. There have been 5,492 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 3.

As of Thursday, November 4, there have been 7,391,472 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,585,250 people have received their first dose
• 236,236 people have received a single dose
• 3,519,855 people have received their second dose
• 50,131 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "Today we are reporting 3,903 confirmed cases of COVID-19. This is a very concerning figure and a stark reminder that this virus is highly contagious. This is not a situation any of us want to be in, but our reality remains that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic.

"Ireland has been tracking ahead of other Western European countries when it comes to this fourth wave of the pandemic. We are now starting to see a rise in incidence across the continent in line with our own recent experience. There is some good news in that the number of people per 1,000 cases requiring hospitalisation and critical care as a result of COVID-19 infection has reduced as the average age of cases is reducing and as a result of some early impact of the booster vaccination.

"While COVID-19 vaccines give good protection from serious illness and hospitalisation, we know that fully vaccinated people can still get and transmit the COVID-19 virus. However, if you are vaccinated, you are more likely than before to experience a mild form of the disease. This is the key difference between the situation we find ourselves in this winter compared to last.

"The best way we can protect ourselves and our vulnerable loved ones is, firstly, to ensure we receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to us. This includes booster doses.

"Secondly, we must protect ourselves from COVID-19 as best we can by layering up on all elements of the public health advice. These are the tools we are all so familiar with - washing hands, covering coughs, wearing masks, choosing outdoor or well-ventilated indoor activities where possible and maintaining a social distance. When planning social occasions, please keep the public health advice in mind and feel empowered to leave if you do not feel safe.

"Thirdly, if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 do not meet up with others at school, work or socially - including in your own home. Self-isolate immediately and arrange a test.

"Finally, while it is wonderful to see the continued reopening of our society, it is important that we continue to be conscious of the vulnerable people in our lives. If you socialise, be mindful of your contacts in the days after, especially consider anyone you may meet who may be immunocompromised or vulnerable to COVID-19."

Update 12:05 pm EST: There have been 1,164  new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 280,974 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 7,993 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,641,447 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,952,914 lab-reported tests, and 978,964 rapid lateral flow tests. 

43 of Northern Ireland’s 101 ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. 32 COVID patients are ventilated.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,741. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 4 - 10 am November 5, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of November 5, there have been 2,707,819 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,333,577 were first doses, 1,247,566 were second doses, 11,158 were third doses, and 115,518 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

November 4

Update 1:35 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,024 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 458 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 90 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: A technical issue impacted processing of COVID-19 cases on CIDR on 2 November 2021, resulting in an artificially low number of notifications reported on CIDR on that date and an elevated count the following day, 3 November 2021.

Given the impact on CIDR notifications for these days, the daily case numbers of 3,174 and 3,024 reported on 3 and 4 November respectively are based on SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the COVID Care Tracker.

The technical issue has been resolved and daily case reporting through CIDR will recommence in the coming days.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 458,370 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, November 3. There have been 5,492 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 3.

As of Wednesday, November 3, there have been 7,386,220 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,583,333 people have received their first dose
• 236,222 people have received a single dose
• 3,518,356 people have received their second dose
• 48,309 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today said that Ireland’s vaccination programme is “the envy of the world” and that 93% of the eligible population that stepped forward. 

THREAD: We're the envy of the world with our COVID-19 vaccine programme.

Thanks to the 93% of the eligible population that stepped forward.

The uptake has been very strong across all age groups - but we can still do more.

For those aged 12-15 - 71% have registered. pic.twitter.com/BZTdBNbAva

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 4, 2021

Update 11:05 am EST: There have been 1,481 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 279,810 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,020 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,638,257 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,939,833 lab-reported tests, and 974,388 rapid lateral flow tests. 

12 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,737. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 3 - 10 am November 4.

As of November 4, there have been 2,694,799 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,331,683 were first doses, 1,246,319 were second doses, 10,549 were third doses, and 106,248 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health says now is the right time to download your vaccine certification app. It now offers separate vaccination certificates for both foreign travel and domestic use.

These QR codes provide official confirmation that you have had both your Covid-19 vaccine doses.

You no longer have to be travelling abroad within a set time period to apply.

Further information and download details are available via NI Direct, the Apple Store, and Google Play.

November 3

Update 12:40 pm EST: As of 3 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,174 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 460 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 86 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

(NPHET notes: A technical issue impacted processing on CIDR on 02/11/2021 resulting in an artificially low number of notifications. As such, the case number reported today is based on SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the COVID Care Tracker. These data are provisional. The technical issue has now been resolved and cases will be processed and reflected in CIDR notifications in the coming days.)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 455,346 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, November 2. There have been 5,492 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, November 3. 56 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s update.

As of Friday, October 29, there have been 7,366,197 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,575,919 people have received their first dose
• 236,197 people have received a single dose
• 3,512,608 people have received their second dose
• 41,473 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "Over the past week, incidence is increasing rapidly in those aged 19-24 years and across all adult age groups up to 75 years. This high incidence is likely associated with mid-term socialising and greater levels of social activity across communities.

"If you socialise, be mindful of your contacts in the days after, especially consider anyone you may meet who may be immunocompromised or vulnerable to COVID-19.

"If you experience symptoms isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test. Do not go to school, college, or socialise until you receive a negative result."

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said today: "Incidence is high and increasing. Test positivity has increased across all age groups. The level of socialisation in the population is at its greatest level since the pandemic began. While we have high vaccine uptake in our country, it is not the only intervention needed to suppress waves of infection. Infection prevention action in your own daily life will help limit transmission in your own circles, as well as the wider community."

Professor Martin Cormican, Clinical Lead on Infection Prevention, HSE said today: "Life is gradually getting back to normal and with most people out and about again. This helps common viruses to spread and there are a lot of different viruses about. There are things you can do to protect you and your family from catching COVID-19 and other viruses.

"The key things are to get all the recommended vaccines for you, avoid crowded indoor places when you can, keep your social circle small, wear a mask and clean your hands where recommended, keep some distance from other people when you can and ask people not to visit your home if they have a virus. If someone in the family catches a virus they can help to protect others in the house if they can keep to themselves, clean their hands and use a mask and have some ventilation as much as practical if they are in a room with others.

"Please remember that whatever type of virus you have, COVID-19, flu or something else, you need to keep away from work, school, clubs any kind of social or religious gathering until 2 days after your symptoms have gone. This is to keep you from spreading the virus to other people."

Dr. Cillian De Gascun, Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory and Medical Virologist said today: "Booster doses of vaccine have been recommended for anyone over the age of 60, anyone immunocompromised, and Healthcare Workers.

"While we know the vaccines remain very effective in protecting against severe disease and hospitalisation, recent data indicate that vaccine effectiveness in preventing infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 may decline over time. As such, even when vaccinated, you should continue to be mindful of your potential to transmit the virus to others, and continue to adhere to the other public health measures."

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said today that Ireland will administer about 1.3 million booster COVID vaccine doses.

We're administering around 1.3 million booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines. These are being given to the most vulnerable, because of age, the fact they are our healthcare workers or because they are immunocompromised. When you are due a booster you will be contacted. #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/qcdCQH4vxL

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 3, 2021

Update 11:35 am EST: There have been 995 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 278,329 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 7,779 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,634,444 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,921,474 lab-reported tests, and 969,121 rapid lateral flow tests. 

Nine more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,725. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 2 - 10 am November 3.

As of November 3, there have been 2,682,730 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,330,594 were first doses, 1,245,772 were second doses, 10,085 were third doses, and 96,279 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health yesterday shared these key points to know about COVID vaccine boosters. You must have completed your first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccinations at least 6 months before getting the booster vaccination. Boosters are currently being offered in Northern Ireland to:

• those living in care homes
• all adults aged 50 years or over
• frontline health and social care workers
• all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, and adult carers 
• adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

Boosters are free in Northern Ireland, regardless of who is providing them. You can learn more about booster vaccines in Northern Ireland here.

November 2

Update 2:00 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 3,726 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 493 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 90 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 452,172 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, November 1. There have been 5,436 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 27.

As of Friday, October 29, there have been 7,366,197 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,575,919 people have received their first dose
• 236,197 people have received a single dose
• 3,512,608 people have received their second dose
• 41,473 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

(*Updates of vaccination figures are paused between October 30 and November 2 due to maintenance of the HSE's vaccination information system. Updates will resume on November 3.)

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "COVID-19 is circulating widely in our community, but we have the tools to limit its spread.

"We know that vaccination is very successful at preventing severe illness and hospitalisation and I urge anyone who still needs to get their COVID-19 vaccine to do so.

"We also know that, even when vaccinated, we still need to practise basic public health interventions - washing our hands, opening windows, wearing masks and most importantly, staying home when we have symptoms. These simple measures are very successful at breaking the chains of transmission of this disease.

"As we practise all elements of the public health advice, we keep ourselves, and our communities, safe."

Yesterday, Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced that booster vaccines for Ireland’s healthcare workers will begin to be administered within a few days. Today, Minister Donnelly said he is working with the HSE and the Department of Health on a quick rollout:

Working with @roinnslainte and @HSELive today to ensure we begin the booster programme for healthcare workers as quickly as possible. pic.twitter.com/s0w6cEGLqd

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 2, 2021

Also today, Donnelly asked the Oireachtas to extend emergency COVID-19 powers for three more months.

Today I'm asking the Oireachtas to extend emergency COVID-19 powers for three more months. Given the disease incidence is very high and rising, we must keep our guard up, including these powers. Those who oppose this extension are behaving recklessly. pic.twitter.com/O5Myp3Ntrm

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) November 2, 2021

Update 12:35 am EST: There have been 1,114 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 277,334 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,087 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,631,471 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,909,810 lab-reported tests, and 965,168 rapid lateral flow tests. 

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,716. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am November 1 - 10 am November 2. (Note: Following validation, the total number of deaths reported on November 1, 2021 has been revised down to 2,714 from 2,715.)

As of November 2, there have been 2,672,447 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,329,893 were first doses, 1,244,920 were second doses, 9,858 were third doses, and 87,776 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

November 1

Update 1:35 pm EST: As of 5 pm today in Ireland:

• 2,855 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 515 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 91 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 448,449 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, October 31. There have been 5,436 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 27.

As of Friday, October 29, there have been 7,366,197 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,575,919 people have received their first dose
• 236,197 people have received a single dose
• 3,512,608 people have received their second dose
• 41,473 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland’s COVID vaccination centres are closed today as the Health Service Executive (HSE) conducts “planned, essential updates to our vaccination and computing software today.” Services will resume tomorrow, November 2.

We are conducting planned, essential updates to our vaccination & computing software today. Our #COVIDVaccine centres are closed, and you will not be able to register for your vaccine as we carry out these updates. Services will resume fully tomorrow. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/gcJRk41TlG

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) November 1, 2021

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s HSE, welcomed the number of people coming forward for vaccination in Ireland:

Positively, we continue to see a steady number of people come forward for vaccination. Over the past 6 days almost 15,000 people have come to a Vaccination Centre via an appointment or walk in. Almost 7,000 via walk in. Avg 1,800 registering per day. Its never too late. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) November 1, 2021

Update 11:50 am EST: There have been 948 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 276,220 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,227 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,628,230 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,899,104 lab-reported tests, and 960,010 rapid lateral flow tests. 

10 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,715. Nine of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 31 - 10 am November 1, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of November 1, there have been 2,663,473 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,329,419 were first doses, 1,244,076 were second doses, 9,332 were third doses, and 80,646 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has launched the first dedicated assessment and treatment services for patients with post-Covid-19 syndrome (pcs) in Northern Ireland.

Minister Swann said: The Minister said: “Establishing dedicated services for the assessment and treatment of Post-Covid-19 syndrome patients has been a priority for me.  Many people are suffering long-term effects of Covid-19 and these clinics will offer services across multiple disciplines including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nursing.  The clinics will allow people to have a comprehensive assessment of their condition and will help them access the services and expert advice they need to support them in their recovery.”

Today sees the launch of the first dedicated assessment & treatment services for patients with post #Covid19 syndrome in NI.

Multidisciplinary assessment clinics will now be accepting referrals in all Trust areas.

Read➡️https://t.co/mgpJCusagB@WesternHSCTrust @setrust pic.twitter.com/qHRQun4iRp

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) November 1, 2021

October 31

Update 12:30 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,963 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 445,594. 

There are currently 500 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 93 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus.

HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Colm Henry said that there was "no doubt" that the virus was putting Irish hospitals under pressure. 

He added that up to 3,500 Irish healthcare workers were off work due to COVID-19-related illnesses. 

However, Henry said that Ireland's vaccination program had helped blunt the conversion of cases into harmful infections.

As of October 28, a total of 7,321,145 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,511,230 people receiving two doses and 236,189 receiving the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,001 new cases of the virus and six further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,705.

A total of 2,659,609 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

October 30

Update 10:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 2,966 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of infections in Ireland to 443,631.

It is the highest number of cases reported in a single day since the middle of the third wave of the virus in January. 

There are currently 470 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 92 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus.

As of October 28, a total of 7,321,145 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,511,230 people receiving two doses and 236,189 receiving the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,207 new cases of the virus and eight further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,699. 

A total of 2,656,176 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

October 29

Update 1:55 pm EST: As of today in Ireland:

• 2,549 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 481 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 97 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 440,665 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, October 28. There have been 5,436 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 27.

As of Thursday, October 28, there have been 7,359,525 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,573,726 people have received their first dose
• 236,189 people have received a single dose
• 3,511,230 people have received their second dose
• 38,380 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said today: “Today we are reporting a high number of cases across the entire population, with the highest incidence amongst 5-12 year olds. 

"While the COVID19 vaccines give high protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death, the way to break transmission is by following all aspects of the public health advice.

“This weekend, you can enjoy your favourite Halloween activities safely by taking some simple precautions:

"If you are having visitors over, provide hand sanitizer, open windows and try to ensure people can spread out and keep their distance from one another – avoid crowded parties.

"For trick-or-treaters, give out treats outdoors if possible. Wash or sanitize hands frequently, and before eating or handling treats.

“Neither children nor adults should go trick-or-treating or meet up with others if they have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if symptoms are minor – instead, please isolate and get a test.”

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 1,321 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 273,064 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,224 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,619,202 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,873,442 lab-reported tests, and 944,383 rapid lateral flow tests. 

Seven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,691. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 28 - 10 am October 29.

As of October 29, there have been 2,650,769 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,327,040 were first doses, 1,242,418 were second doses, 8,454 were third doses, and 72,857 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today announced that from 4 am on October 31, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to take a post-arrival lateral flow test. From November 1, the remaining ‘red list’ countries will also be removed. You can learn more here.

Travel Update ✈️

From 31 October fully vaccinated travellers will be able to take a post arrival lateral flow test.

From 1 November the remaining ‘red list’ countries will also be removed.

Update ➡️https://t.co/r9KsSX2ARJ pic.twitter.com/2YvQnqsQUN

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) October 28, 2021

October 28

Update 1:05 pm EST: For the second month in a row, Ireland has topped Bloomberg's Covid Resilience Rankings. You can read more here.

Update 1:00 pm EST: As of 5:15 pm today in Ireland:

• 2,605 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 487 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 99 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 438,124 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, October 26. There have been 5,436 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 27.

As of Saturday, October 23, there have been 7,333,353 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,565,267 people have received their first dose
• 236,148 people have received a single dose
• 3,503,320 people have received their second dose
• 28,618 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:40 pm EST: There have been 1,122 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 271,743 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,091 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,615,369 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,858,581 lab-reported tests, and 939,853 rapid lateral flow tests. 

Nine more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,684. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 27 - 10 am October 28.

As of October 28, there have been 2,643,224 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,325,287 were first doses, 1,241,684 were second doses, 8,108 were third doses, and 68,145 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

October 27

Update 12:10 pm EST:  As of 2:45 pm today in Ireland:

• 1631 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 503 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 101 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 435,526 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, October 26. There have been 5,436 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 27. 67 deaths were newly notified in the week preceding today’s update.

As of Saturday, October 23, there have been 7,333,353 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,565,267 people have received their first dose
• 236,148 people have received a single dose
• 3,503,320 people have received their second dose
• 28,618 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: “Incidence of COVID-19 is increasing at a concerning rate. The 7 day moving average is now 2,043, up from 1,138 only three weeks ago. Incidence is increasing across all age groups, highest in those aged 5-12 years.

“A combination of higher levels of social contact, a move to socialisation indoors and a collective relaxing of basic public health behaviours combined has led to this surge of infection.

“The importance of individual, institutional and sectoral attention to risk mitigation is crucial at this point. I encourage all of us to ensure we are following basic public health advice and to expect the presence of infection prevention control measures in settings we visit.”

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: “There is no one intervention that will protect you and those around you from contracting COVID-19. We need a multi-layered approach to this disease, using all the tools we have at our disposal; vaccination, wearing a face mask, well ventilated spaces indoors, hand hygiene and cough etiquette, social distancing when appropriate and isolating at the onset of symptoms. These measures combined are the most effective way you can protect yourself and loved ones from COVID-19.”

Professor Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health, HSE West, HSE, said today: “Incidence is growing across the population. High community incidence threatens all settings. A particular concern is for environments with vulnerable people, such as nursing homes, hospital and care environments, and long term residential facilities. High community transmission poses a substantial risk to this population. A combined effort to reduce incidence is needed to protect the most vulnerable."

Dr. Deirdre Robertson, Behavioural Research Unit, ESRI, said today: “The population are quite good at recognising that meeting more people and going to different types of locations increases the risk of spreading and catching COVID-19. The data suggests they are less likely to recognise that taking precautionary measures like wearing masks and keeping socially distanced decreases the risk, and those preventive behaviours have been gradually decreasing since the start of the year.”

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today said that pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics are taking place in maternity hospitals and maternity units. More information about getting a COVID vaccine while pregnant is available here.

This week pop up COVID-19 vaccination clinics are taking place in our maternity hospitals and maternity units. Some highlighted in the graphic. #ForUsAll

More details about pregnancy and getting a COVID-19 vaccine - https://t.co/DRN6bAkxq6 pic.twitter.com/JvEPRktVfR

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) October 27, 2021

Update 11:30 am EST: There have been 1,291 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

According to Northern Ireland's Department of Health, 270,621 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,389 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,612,236 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,844,856 lab-reported tests, and 935,573 rapid lateral flow tests. 

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,675. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 26 - 10 am October 27, while two occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of October 27, there have been 2,634,021 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,323,733 were first doses, 1,240,821 were second doses, 7,630 were third doses, and 61,837 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

October 26

Update 12:50 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm today in Ireland:

• 2193 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 513 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 97 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 433,902 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, October 25. There have been 5,369 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 20.

As of Saturday, October 23, there have been 7,333,353 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,565,267 people have received their first dose
• 236,148 people have received a single dose
• 3,503,320 people have received their second dose
• 28,618 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: “I am increasingly worried about the rising incidence of the disease nationwide. Our primary focus now must be to protect the most vulnerable from COVID-19.

“We are seeing a continuing increase in hospitalisation and intensive care admissions – a substantial amount of whom are not fully vaccinated - placing our frontline healthcare services, including non-COVID care, under significant pressure.

“It is essential that we do everything we can to break the chains of transmission of the Delta variant, in the community, in the workplace and in our homes. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated, please stay at home, isolate from others and arrange a free test immediately.

“If you have not done so already, please choose to protect yourself by availing of your free COVID-19 vaccine which will significantly reduce your risk of severe illness if you contract the disease.

“The vaccine, our best defence against COVID-19, is not the only tool we have to drive down the spread of the disease. Please continue to regularly wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, open windows and ensure spaces are well ventilated, wear masks on public transport, shops, indoor workplaces and crowded outdoor areas, and by keeping a safe 2m distance from others as much as possible.”

Update 11:50 am EST: There have been 1,124 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours. 269,330 individuals in Northern Ireland have now tested positive for COVID to date. 8,569 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days, according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health.

To date, 1,608,860 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,831,726 lab-reported tests, and 931,860 rapid lateral flow tests. 

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,669. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 25 - 10 am October 26.

As of October 26, there have been 2,625,815 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,322,277 were first doses, 1,239,986 were second doses, 7,386 were third doses, and 56,166 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

In Northern Ireland, free Rapid COVID-19 tests are available at over 550 sites, including 504 community pharmacies.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann said today: “Even if you have already been vaccinated, regular Rapid Testing is important in limiting the spread of the virus, helping to protect those who are vulnerable, as well our health and social care system.

“For those who don’t already test on a regular basis, I would encourage you to avail of the free Rapid Tests that are available and make testing part of your routine. Tests are now readily available for collection right across Northern Ireland and can also be ordered online for delivery straight to your door.”

You can collect free Rapid #COVID19 Tests in over 500 community pharmacies.

If you have no symptoms, test twice a week to keep your friends and family safe.

Reporting every result helps scientists track the virus.

Find out more➡️https://t.co/IQNL0XGKg8 pic.twitter.com/15tG8cda6Y

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) October 26, 2021

October 25

Updated 10:35am EST: In the Republic of Ireland, 1,845 new cases of Covid-19 were reported by the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive. 

There are now 497 patients in hospital who have tested positive for Covid-19. This is an increase of 24 from yesterday, Sun, Oct 24, and an increase of 48 from Sat, Oct 23. Ninety-nine patients are being treated in intensive care. 

In Northern Ireland, the National Health Service reports 1,019 new Covid cases. There were a further four death. In the North, there were 348 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom 33 were in intensive care.

Meanwhile, the head of the Health Service Executive's Covid-19 vaccination program has said that, since Thursday, the number of people coming forward for a vaccine has increased from 800-1,000 per day to around 2,000 a day.

October 23 

Update 9:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 2,427 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 428,152. 

There are 449 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 93 intensive care patients tested positive for the virus. 

A total of 7,297,243 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,499,515 people receiving two doses and 236,140 people receiving the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

More than 88% of the Irish population above the age of 12 have now been fully vaccinated against the virus. 

HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid said on Saturday that COVID-19 was putting "severe pressure" on the Irish health system. 

"It's a real challenge for us, particularly as we head into winter, this is going to be probably one of the most difficult winters we faced for many years, so it is difficult for us," Reid told RTÉ's Kate Hannon. 

There are currently 11 free adult ICU beds in Irish hospitals and no available pediatric ICU beds. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,323 new cases of the virus and ten further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,656.

A total of 2,611,178 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are released in Northern Ireland on weekends.  

October 22

Update 12:10 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 2,466 new cases of the coronavirus. 

There are currently 457 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals, with 90 intensive care patients testing positive for the virus.

HSE Chief Operations Office Anne O'Connor said that there are just 23 adult ICU beds available in hospitals across the country and added that there are no pediatric ICU beds available. 

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that the bank holiday weekend will bring increased levels of socializing in Ireland, especially with nightclubs set to reopen for the first time in almost 60 0days. 

Holohan encouraged people to exercise care if they are planning on socializing over the long weekend. 

"With the current trajectory of the disease in Ireland, it is important that every individual knows and acts on the basic measures to limit the spread of Covid-19.

"Keep social distance, wear a face mask appropriately, wash your hands regularly and manage your contacts. If you are meeting indoors with others, ensure the room is well ventilated, avoid crowded situations and if it feels like an unsafe environment, leave.

"Be mindful of the symptoms of the disease such as fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms. If you do experience any symptoms, self-isolate immediately and seek a PCR test as soon as possible."

Update 11:45 am EST: The Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,355 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 264,803. 

The Department also announced seven further COVID deaths, taking Northern Ireland's death toll to 2,646.

There are currently 358 COVID-19 patients in Northern Irish hospitals, while 33 patients in intensive care have tested positive for the virus. 

Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 106%, while there are currently 54 active outbreaks of the virus in Northern Irish care homes.

A total of 2,606,061 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date.

October 21

Update 1:10 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 2,029 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 448 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 88 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 423,260 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, October 20. There have been 5,369 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 20.

As of Wednesday, October 20, there have been 7,315,692 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,559,665 people have received their first dose
• 236,130 people have received a single dose
• 3,497,486 people have received their second dose
• 22,411 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "We have seen a significant increase in transmission over the course of the last fortnight. We currently have in excess of 500 cases per 100,000 of the population and disease incidence is rising in all age groups and in every part of the country.

"COVID-19 vaccines are very safe and effective at protecting against severe infection and I encourage anyone who has still to receive one to come forward and take up the opportunity to do so as soon as possible. However, vaccines do not eliminate transmission of the disease and it is still possible for fully vaccinated people to pick up and transmit COVID-19. It is important that we continue to follow public health advice as we know vaccination alone, even at very high levels of uptake, will not be sufficient to achieve suppression of the disease. This is also the clear advice available from the ECDC.

"As we come into the bank holiday weekend, take particular care with the three Cs – crowded places with many people nearby, close contact settings - especially where people may not be vaccinated, and confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.

"It’s particularly important that people who are vulnerable to severe infection of the disease even when vaccinated, such as older people, plan their activities and recognise the risk factors, particularly in indoor settings. If you plan to meet indoors with others, please ensure the room is well ventilated. Please continue to wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts, and maintain your social distance. Where possible it’s really important to avoid crowded situations, especially indoors. If you are in an environment that feels unsafe then feel empowered to leave.

"Remember that if you have any fever, cough or flu like symptoms at all, self-isolate - do not meet up with others or attend any events - and arrange a PCR test through the HSE as soon as possible."

Elsewhere, Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, said today that "we can turn this around."

Now 86 patients under intensive critical care with #Covid19. This represents almost 30% of ICU beds. This is likely to increase. None of us want to be that person. We can turn this around with heightened individual and collective awareness over the coming days & weeks. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) October 21, 2021

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly welcomed new HSE guidance that will “ensure more open access” to maternity hospitals. 

I've been working with @HSELive and welcome new guidance being published today that will ensure more open access for partners in our maternity hospitals and units. pic.twitter.com/h9LhNySXQj

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) October 21, 2021

Update 12:05 pm EST: There have been 1,051 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 263,448 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 8,582 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,592,875 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,774,900 lab-reported tests, and 911,827 rapid lateral flow tests. 

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,639. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 20 - 10 am October 21.

As of October 21, there have been 2,599,370 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,319,098 were first doses, 1,235,242 were second doses, 5,462 were third doses, and 39,568 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

October 20

Update 11:35 am EST: As of 4 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 2,148 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 464 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 86 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 421,234 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, October 19. There have been 5,369 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 20.

As of Tuesday, October 19, there have been 7,304,879 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,556,330 people have received their first dose
• 236,112 people have received a single dose
• 3,493,835 people have received their second dose
• 18,602 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "Disease incidence is high and increasing across the country and across all age groups. However, vaccination has helped us prevent many serious illnesses and deaths.

"COVID-19 is one of the most contagious viruses we have ever experienced. We have achieved extensive suppression of this disease in the past, our collective commitment to the basic measures now need to be reviewed and enhanced.

"While vaccination rates are extremely high, they are only one tool we need to use in protecting ourselves against COVID-19. The other is compliance with basic public health measures by the general public and across sectors. This will be critical in the weeks ahead and while infection rates remain high.

"The appropriate use of masks, physical distancing, well-ventilated rooms, hand and respiratory hygiene, and the act of self-isolation with the onset of symptoms is vital if we are to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19 over the winter months."

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Booster vaccinations are underway for those 80 years or older, 65 or older and living in a nursing home or long-term care facility and, following a review by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), will also now be administered to those aged over 60.

"It is important that all those eligible for a booster vaccine avail of the opportunity when it is offered. Similarly, those eligible for flu vaccination should now avail of this as we are seeing an increase in circulation of other respiratory viruses."

Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health said today: "Over 30% of the eligible population under the age of 18 are not yet fully vaccinated. I would urge parents to re-evaluate their position on vaccination and contact their GP or a healthcare professional for advice and information to address their concerns. Vaccines protect individuals from the more severe symptoms of COVID-19."

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said today: "With relatively even levels of vaccination across all age groups, the median age of cases (36 years) has increased over recent weeks and is approaching the median age of the population (38 years) indicating that risk of infection is evenly distributed across the population. This also shows us that higher levels of socialisation rather than a waning of vaccine efficacy is the cause of this uptick in cases.

"Vaccination offers very high protection against severe disease, but incomplete protection against infection and onward transmission. It remains the case that vaccination combined with adherence to public health measures is the most effective way to suppress COVID-19."

Dr. Cillian De Gascun, Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory and Medical Virologist said today: "COVID-19 spreads primarily via droplet and aerosol transmission. Coughing and sneezing also generates droplets that can fall on surfaces and contaminate them. In congregated settings contaminated surfaces can lead to further transmission to people who touch the infected surface and proceed to touch their mouth, nose or eyes without first washing their hands.

"Understanding how the virus transmits is key to understanding how you can better protect yourself from contracting and spreading the virus further. Alongside mask wearing and good ventilation, regular hand washing remains an important protective measure against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses."

Update 11:20 am EST: There have been 1,423 new COVID cases reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 262,397 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 8,850 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

To date, 1,589,901 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. There have been 3,764,340 lab-reported tests, and 906,108 rapid lateral flow tests. 

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,635. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 19 - 10 am October 20, while two of the newly reported deaths occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of October 20, there have been 2,593,676 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,318,733 were first doses, 1,233,927 were second doses, 5,027 were third doses, and 35,989 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann today visited a Randox testing facility in Co Antrim. While there, he remarked: “We are continuing to see a high number of positive cases each day in Northern Ireland which is concerning. Therefore I would again remind people of the importance of getting tested should they develop symptoms. Alongside vaccination and contact tracing, Covid-19 testing remains one of the main pillars of protection against this virus. Please do the right thing.”

Also today, Minister Swann welcomed an easing of care home visiting restrictions, taking effect from today. He said: “Following the latest review, the restrictions on visiting in care homes have moved into the 'Gradual Easing' phase as set out in the 'Visiting With Care - A Pathway' document.  The main change will see an increase in the frequency of visits permitted and in the number of people permitted to visit care homes at the same time. Up to four people from no more than two households will now be able to visit together, with a maximum of four such visits per week being allowed.”

October 19

Update 1:10 pm EST: The Irish government has today published revised guidelines ahead of the October 22 planned reopening of the hospitality sector. You can learn more here.

Update 1:05 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 2,399 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 473 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 74 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)
• the 5-day moving average is 1,890

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 419,087 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, October 18. There have been 5,306 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 13.

As of Monday, October 18, there have been 7,303,077 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,555,936 people have received their first dose
• 236,111 people have received a single dose
• 3,493,274 people have received their second dose
• 17,756 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Update 12:50 pm EST: 1,367 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 260,974 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,585,712 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,861 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Eight more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,629. Seven of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 18 - 10 am October 19, while one of the newly reported deaths occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of October 19, there have been 2,578,675 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,317,991 were first doses, 1,225,250 were second doses, 4,235 were third doses, and 31,199 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

October 18

Update 12:40 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,578 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 484 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 73 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 416,690 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, October 17. There have been 5,306 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 13.

As of Sunday, October 17, there have been 7,299,863 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,555,120 people have received their first dose
• 236,098 people have received a single dose
• 3,491,860 people have received their second dose
• 16,785 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly welcomed the "substantial increase" at walk-in vaccine centers over the weekend:

Really great to hear of a substantial increase at walk-in vaccine centres at the weekend, while 3,000+ registered for the first time last week.

Booster vaccines for aged 65+ in LTRC and 80+ in community continue this week, College pop-ups continue also. #ForUsAll https://t.co/vHr0QTCdfl

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) October 18, 2021

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, said today that it is time "to hit the reset button."

Now 482 #covid19 patients in hospital, 74 in ICU. Time for us all to hit the reset button. 1.If unvaccinated, you're at higher risk, resulting in a disproportionate impact. Do the right thing. 2.For the rest of us,time to do the basics well again. Both of the above work.@HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) October 18, 2021

Update 12:10 pm EST: 1,091 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 259,607 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,581,563 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,946 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,621. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 17 - 10 am October 18.

As of October 18, there have been 2,575,125 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,317,506 were first doses, 1,224,810 were second doses, 4,025 were third doses, and 28,784 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

On Sunday, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann hailed the importance of localised initiatives to further improve Northern Ireland’s Covid-19 vaccination uptake.

A push to offer vaccinations in rural areas has led to more than 1,600 jabs being administered.

Minister Swann said in part: “I want to express my gratitude to everyone working hard to get more people vaccinated. While the Covid booster programme is vitally important this winter, we also need to keep reaching people who have not yet come forward for their first dose. The numbers involved are inevitably smaller than at earlier stages of the vaccination programme, but they are still making a difference. As I keep saying – every single jab counts.”

October 17 

Update 10 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,380 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to 415,114. 

There are currently 459 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 74 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

Immunologist Professor Luke O'Neill called on the Irish Government to roll out COVID-19 antigen tests to combat the spread of the virus. 

O'Neill said that antigen tests catch 80% of COVID cases and said that they provide results far quicker than PCR tests. 

"You will spot 80% of cases with antigen testing. It is a shame we haven't got them in every household," O'Neill told RTÉ. 

He added that anyone over the age of 60 should be given a booster vaccine as soon as possible. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 966 new cases of the virus and four further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,618. 

A total of 2,573,372 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date, 

Only limited figures are available in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

October 16 

Update 10 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 2,180 new cases of the coronavirus. 

A total of 406 patients in Irish hospitals have been diagnosed with the virus, while 71 intensive care patients have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,218 new cases of the virus and four further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,614. 

A total of 2,571,933 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been adminsitered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

October 15

Update 12:35 pm EST: As of 2 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,914 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 413 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 73 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 411,554 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, October 14. There have been 5,306 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 13.

As of Thursday, October 14, there have been 7,282,018 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,550,863 people have received their first dose
• 236,079 people have received a single dose
• 3,484,258 people have received their second dose
• 10,818 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland’s Department of Health shared this update from Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn today, noting that “With almost 20,000 cases in the last fortnight, incidence of #COVID19 is increasing.”

With almost 20,000 cases in the last fortnight, incidence of #COVID19 is increasing.

However, there is much we can do to protect ourselves & one another. @ronan_glynn

?ℹ️pic.twitter.com/TtdbrMUy2C

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) October 15, 2021

Update 12:20 pm EST: 1,349 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 256,332 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,572,632 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 9,052 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,610. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 14 - 10 am October 15.

As of October 15, there have been 2,569,617 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,317,005 were first doses, 1,223,097 were second doses, 3,683 were third doses, and 25,832 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

October 14

Update 12:25 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,627 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 415 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 70 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 409,647 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, October 13. There have been 5,306 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 13.

As of Wednesday, October 13, there have been 7,277,224 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,549,782 people have received their first dose
• 236,069 people have received a single dose
• 3,481,691 people have received their second dose
• 9,682 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Unfortunately, we have seen increases across key indicators of COVID-19 right across the country and the growth rate of the epidemic has accelerated in recent days. All indicators of COVID-19 are pointing towards a deteriorating disease trajectory nationally. We are seeing an increase in incidence in all age groups, including older age groups. The national incidence is now 415/100,000.

"As a result, we are seeing an impact on our hospital system with an average of 50 people being admitted to hospital per day (up from 35 per day at the end of September) and 5 admissions to intensive care per day.

"It’s important that anyone who is fully vaccinated is reassured that vaccines give very good protection from COVID-19. However, when incidence of disease is high, we will see breakthrough infections in vaccinated people - most people’s experience of infection will be mild, but some will end up in hospital and intensive care. We want to avoid that.

"Please continue to protect yourself by adhering to the public health advice. This will stop the spread and drive down incidence of COVID-19 in our communities.

"If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 including a high temperature, dry cough, or flu-like symptoms, please get a test and stay at home. Do not go to work, school, college or socialise. This applies even if you are fully vaccinated – please do not assume that because you are vaccinated you can’t get COVID-19.

"Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate – particularly in retail settings, on public transport and in healthcare settings; keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces, and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others.

"You should follow this advice regardless of your vaccination status."

Update 12:00 pm EST: 1,304 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 254,983 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,568,325 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,996 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,606. Five of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 13 - 10 am October 14, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of October 14, there have been 2,565,983 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,316,681 were first doses, 1,222,227 were second doses, 3,375 were third doses, and 23,700 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Paul Givan and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill are reminding the public to act responsibly as more COVID relaxations are rolled out in the region from today, October 14.

From today:

• The number of people permitted in private dwellings moves away from a maximum number of 15 people from four households to an overall cap of 30 people
• The requirement for audience members to be seated when watching performances in indoor venues will be removed.
• The regulations in relation to large house parties and raves will remain in place and are still not permitted.

A series of #COVID19 relaxations will begin to roll out from today – First Minister @paulgivan and deputy First Minister @moneillsf urge everyone to keep following public health guidance and making safer choices to protect themselves and others

Read more: https://t.co/Zosz2WHkjs

— NI Executive (@niexecutive) October 14, 2021

October 13

Update 1:05 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 2,066 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 408 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 69 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 408,021 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, October 12. There have been 5,306 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 13.

As of Tuesday, October 12, there have been 7,272,434 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,548,770 people have received their first dose
• 236,054 people have received a single dose
• 3,479,442 people have received their second dose
• 8,168 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "There has been fantastic uptake of COVID-19 vaccination over recent months.

"Unfortunately, there are still just under 300,000 adults who have not come forward for vaccination and a further 70,000 people have received just one dose of a two-dose schedule.

"The spread of disease in these 370,000 people is having a disproportionate impact on the profile of COVID-19 in our hospitals and intensive care units, with two out of every three people in intensive care not vaccinated.

"Some people will understandably have concerns about vaccination given the extent of misinformation that is circulating. Here are the facts:

• all vaccines approved by the EMA and in use in Ireland are remarkably safe and effective against getting severe COVID-19
• the vaccine for COVID-19 cannot and will not give you COVID-19
• COVID-19 vaccines do not create or cause variants of the virus that causes COVID-19
• COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way
• there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility – in men or women
• pregnant women with symptomatic COVID-19 may be more likely to be admitted to hospital, to need care in an ICU, and to die when compared with non-pregnant women. If you are pregnant, you should get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and your baby from the virus. You can do this at any stage of your pregnancy. If you have questions you should talk to your obstetrician, midwife or GP about the risks and benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine
• incidence of COVID-19 in Ireland is high and rising. Those who are not vaccinated are at high risk of contracting this virus and becoming severely unwell. The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated

"Choosing to get vaccinated is an act of protection for yourself – it may save your life - but it is also an act of solidarity with others; the more of us that get vaccinated, the safer we all are."

Update 11:55 am EST: 1,471 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 253,679 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,564,249 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,969 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

One more COVID-19 death have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,600. The newly reported death occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 12 - 10 am October 13.

As of October 13, there have been 2,561,250 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,316,225 were first doses, 1,221,045 were second doses, 2,939 were third doses, and 21,041 were booster. You can find out more about vaccinations in Northern Ireland here, and if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

October 12

Update 1:15 pm EST: As of 6 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,466 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 402 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 73 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 405,970 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, October 11. There have been 5,280 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 6.

As of Monday, October 11, there have been 7,269,306 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,548,037 people have received their first dose
• 236,035 people have received a single dose
• 3,477,623 people have received their second dose
• 7,611 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Over recent days we have seen an increasing number of people with COVID-19 admitted to hospital and to intensive care. Recently, approximately 70% of people being treated in intensive care for COVID-19 have not been fully vaccinated. This is a significant cause for concern.

"Vaccination, along with our continuing adherence to the public health advice, will break the chains of transmission and drive down incidence of COVID-19 in our communities. If you display any symptoms of COVID-19 including a high temperature, dry cough, or flu-like symptoms - please stay at home. Do not go to work, school, college, or socialise.

"I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to take up the opportunity to do so as soon as possible to best protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19.

"I also urge anyone who is eligible for a flu vaccine to come forward and receive it as soon as it is offered to you. You can arrange an appointment to receive your flu vaccine via your GP or local pharmacy.

"Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate – particularly in retail settings, on public transport and in healthcare settings; keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces, and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others.

"This suite of measures will help stop the transmission of COVID-19, seasonal influenza, common colds and other respiratory illnesses that are more prevalent over the winter months."

Update 11:55 am EST: 1,278 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 252,208 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,559,724 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,802 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,599. Five of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 11 - 10 am October 12, while one death occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of October 12, there have been 2,556,457 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,315,825 were first doses, 1,219,960 were second doses, 2,588 were third doses, and 18,084 were booster. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has set out the different components of the winter COVID and flu vaccination drive across the region. You can learn more here.

The Department of Health has set out the different components of the winter vaccination drive across Northern Ireland.

Read➡️https://t.co/p3NVQdzfiL pic.twitter.com/gYuC2a8Cq1

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) October 12, 2021

October 11

Update 12:45 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,358 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of infections in Ireland to 404,514. 

There are currently 400 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 75 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus.

It is the highest number of COVID hospitalizations in Ireland since March 8 when 418 patients were in hospital with the virus. 

The National Public Health Emergency Team has also confirmed that Ireland's five-day moving average currently stands at 1,578. 

A total of 7,257,996 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,474,917people receiving two doses and 236,020people receiving the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,109 new cases of the virus, taking the total number of cases in the region to 250,930. 

The Department also announced five further COVID-related deaths, taking Northern Ireland's death toll to 2,593. 

There are currently 329 patients in Northern Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 35 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 103%, while there are 69 active outbreaks in Northern Irish care homes. 

A total of 2,552,545 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date.

October 10 

Update 9:15 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,384 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of infections in Ireland to 403,157. 

There are currently 382 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 74 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus.

HSE CEO Paul Reid said that ICU cases have risen by 20% over the past week and added that 67% of COVID patients in intensive care are unvaccinated, while 3% are partially vaccinated. 

A total of 7,247,596 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,467,360 people receiving two doses and 235,954 people receiving the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,115 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,588. 

A total of 2,550,278 doses of the vaccine gave been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends.

October 9

Update 9 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,940 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to 401,773. 

There are currently 352 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 74 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

A total of 7,247,596 doses of the vaccine have now been administered in Ireland, with 3,467,360 people receiving two doses of the vaccine and 235,954 receiving the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine. 

More than 92% of Ireland's adult population are now fully vaccinated, while 93% of the population aged 16 and over have received at least one dose.

More than 75% of Ireland's total population are now fully vaccinated against the virus. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,274 new cases of the virus and four further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,585.

A total of 2,548,548 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends.

October 8

Update 1:50 pm EST:  As of 6 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 2,002 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 354 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 73 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 399,833 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, October 7. There have been 5,280 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 6.

As of Thursday 7 October, there have been 7,251,418 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,544,282 people have received their first dose
• 235,954 people have received a single dose
• 3,467,360 people have received their second dose
• 3,822 immunocompromised people have received their third dose

Ireland's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn, said today: "Today’s case number reflects an increased number of positive tests on specimens collected over the last three days.

"However, the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in the last 7 days (8,845 cases) is fewer than the previous 7 days (9,115 cases), with the seven-day moving average of daily cases at 1,264 today, compared to 1,302 a week ago.

"We will continue to monitor this situation closely to see if the trend in new infections over recent days is sustained.

"If you are experiencing a high temperature, dry cough, or flu-like symptoms - please stay at home. Do not go to work or socialise.

"To keep yourself and your family safe please continue to regularly wash your hands, wear a mask when appropriate, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces, and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others."

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, noted that COVID hospitalizations have risen this week:

Thankfully we're all getting on with our lives more. But just a need for caution. #COVID19 hospitalisations up 17% this week to 354,69 ICU. 67% of patients in ICU are not vaccinated (3% partially). The vaccines are protecting & helping us all to move on, with awareness. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) October 8, 2021

Update 12:05 pm EST: 1,276 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 247,432 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,545,721 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,295 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,581. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 7 - 10 am October 8.

As of October 8, there have been 2,545,973 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,315,167 were first doses and 1,216,564 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland has today announced a number of changes to international travel have been announced, including the addition of 38 countries to the fully vaccinated policy and the removal of a significant number of countries from the ‘red list.’ You can learn more here.

Travel update ✈️

From 11 October, the red list will reduce to 7 countries and proof of vaccination will be recognised from a further 37 countries.

➡️ https://t.co/6NvxTNHwC2 pic.twitter.com/wQbPnkazPd

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) October 7, 2021

The Northern Ireland Executive has today announced the relaxation of more COVID restrictions which will come into effect next week. You can learn more here.

The Executive has agreed further relaxations to the Coronavirus restrictions.

Read more here: https://t.co/Su57WS34n2

— NI Executive (@niexecutive) October 8, 2021

October 7

Update 12:25 pm EST: As of 4:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,207 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 355 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 69 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 397,831 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, October 6. There have been 5,280 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 6.

As of Wednesday, October 6, there have been 7,243,489 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,542,986 people have received their first dose
• 235,908 people have received a single dose
• 3,464,595 people have received their second dose

Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan today provided a brief update on the COVID situation in Ireland:

If you have cold-like symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, headache or temperature, then please stay home.

Don't go to work, don't go to school, don't go out socialising or invite other people into your home if you have symptoms of #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/PKt1wn0EEq

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) October 7, 2021

Update 11:10 am EST: 1,305 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 246,156 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,541,595 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,018 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,579. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 6 - 10 am October 7, while one death occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of October 7, there have been 2,542,757 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,314,779 were first doses and 1,215,311 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

October 6

Update 12:45 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 984 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 343 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 70 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 396,625 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, October 4. There have been 5,280 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, October 6.

As of Tuesday, October 5, there have been 7,238,787 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,541,686 people have received their first dose
• 235,791 people have received a single dose
• 3,461,310 people have received their second dose

Update 11:50 am EST: 1,339 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 244,851 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,537,180 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,918 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,575. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 5 - 10 am October 6.

As of October 6, there have been 2,539,912 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,314,491 were first doses and 1,214,464 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health today published the Vaccination Status of Deaths and Hospitalisations Report. This report presents results for Northern Ireland on the vaccination status of patients who have been hospitalised from COVID-19 and of those who have died from COVID-19 between 30 August and 26 September 2021.

Key Findings – Hospitalisations:

• Three-quarters of adult inpatients aged under 50 are unvaccinated.
• More than a fifth (22%) of inpatients aged 50 and over are unvaccinated.
• Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are 5 times as likely to be admitted to hospital as fully vaccinated individuals.
• For adults under 50, whilst the numbers admitted to hospital are lower, an unvaccinated individual is almost 18 times as likely to need hospitalisation.

Key Findings – Death:

• Unvaccinated individuals aged 50 and over are almost four times as likely to die.

Commenting on the report, Northern Ireland’s Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Young said: “We know that vaccination does not provide 100% protection of 100% of people. We also know that the risk of hospitalisation and death from COVID is much higher in older age groups. There will sadly continue to be some older people who will lose their lives to the virus, despite being doubly vaccinated. We can all help to reduce the risk of this happening by doing everything we can to stop COVID spreading.

“The vast majority of people over 50 in Northern Ireland are vaccinated. This needs to be borne in mind when assessing or comparing hospitalisation figures. The numbers of unvaccinated people dying or needing hospital care is significantly out of proportion to the numbers of unvaccinated people in the overall population.

“The benefits of vaccination are clear and unequivocal.”

The Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland has published detailed guidance for young people and parents on school-age Covid vaccination.

Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the publication of detailed guidance for young people and parents on school age Covid vaccination.

Read more ➡️https://t.co/nCalppRiMu

Guidance ➡️https://t.co/Ad8DzkAQzm@publichealthni | @Education_NI pic.twitter.com/dmYe4OVPtF

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) October 6, 2021

October 5

Update 12:45 pm EST: As of 4:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,124 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 349 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 65 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 395,643 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, October 4. There have been 5,249 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 29.

As of Monday, October 4, there have been 7,237,477 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,541,284 people have received their first dose
• 235,780 people have received a single dose
• 3,460,413 people have received their second dose

Update 9:40 am EST: 1,209 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 243,512 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,532,590 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,700 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,573. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 4 - 10 am October 5.

As of October 5, there have been 2,536,408 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,314,284 were first doses and 1,213,124 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

October 4

Update 12:15 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 892 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 333 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 64 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

Today is the first day since July 15, 2021 that the daily total of new cases reported in Ireland is below 1,000.

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 394,519 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, October 3. There have been 5,249 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 29.

As of Sunday, October 3, there have been 7,235,841 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,540,931 people have received their first dose
• 235,753 people have received a single dose
• 3,459,157 people have received their second dose

Update 11:45 am EST: 1,080 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 242,303 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,528,258 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,858 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Three more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,570. One of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am October 3 - 10 am October 4, while the other two deaths occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of October 4, there have been 2,533,146 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,313,979 were first doses and 1,211,686 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health announced today that 130 local pharmacies have signed up to provide the Moderna vaccine to everyone aged 18 and over who is not yet vaccinated. 

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “With the eight week gap between doses, anyone coming forward for their first dose now will still have time for their second jab before Christmas. They can enjoy the festive season with the added and vital protection that vaccination gives – both for them and people close to them.”

The Department added: “The first dose Covid vaccine take-up for the adult population in NI is now 89%, and it is expected that the additional capacity and accessibility offered by community pharmacies will help push this rate up to and beyond the 90% mark.” 

October 2

Updated at 11.47 am EST: The Republic of Ireland's Department of Health has reported 1,586 new cases of Covid-19. This is the highest figure in the Republic this week. 

There are 298 patients with the virus in hospital, 56 of whom are in ICU

As of Friday, 87 percent of people in the Republic of Ireland over the age of 12 in Ireland are fully vaccinated.

In Northern Ireland, there has been one death reported with 992 cases of the virus reported in the last 24 hours. As of Friday morning, there were 342 Covid-positive patients in hospital in Northern Ireland, of whom 33 were in intensive care.

A total of 2,528,747 vaccines have now been administered in Northern Ireland.

On Saturday, the Republic of Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan said the country must be mindful of public health advice with the approach of winter. He said as the colder weather sets in this may bring more indoor social activity, allowing the virus to spread more easily.

October 1

Updated at 12:55pm EST:

The Republic of Ireland's Department of Health has confirmed 1,059 new cases of the coronavirus in Ireland with 308 people being treated in hospital for Covid, this figure is up by 11 since September 30. There are 59 people in intensive care. 

Ireland's Chief Medical Officer told RTE "As we move into the autumn/winter period, many people have concerns about how we can continue to socialize safely and take part in the social and physical activities that keep us connected to our friends, families, and wider communities.

"We are all familiar with the measures that will continue to keep us safe from Covid-19.

"Vaccination remains our best means of protection. The vaccines available in Ireland are very safe and effective against Covid-19 and limit the likelihood of an infection becoming so severe it may require admission to hospital or to intensive care."

He added: "There are still some people who haven't yet taken up the opportunity of vaccination, or who have delayed receiving a second dose for various reasons.

"I strongly encourage anyone who is in this position to ensure they get fully vaccinated as soon as possible in order to best protect themselves and those around them."

Updated at 12:35pm EST:

In Northern Ireland, 1,039 new positive cases of Covid-19 and eight deaths were reported today.

Over the week (Sept 18 to 24) a further 38 deaths linked to Covid-19, according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). This makes the total number of deaths due to Covid in Northern 3,443.

September 30

Updated at 9:20 pm EST:

Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has reported a further 1,453 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

As of Wednesday morning, 300 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, of which 60 were in intensive care united.

There has been a total of 5,249 deaths related to Covid-19 notified in the Republic. This includes 40 deaths newly notified in the week since last Wednesday.

Update 12:20pm EST:

There were 1,163 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Northern Ireland, in the past 24 hours. There have been two additional Covid related deaths. As of today, there are 342 patients being treated for the disease in hospital in Northern Ireland, with 31 in ICU.

Also today Irish passport holders who live in Northern Ireland can now access the European Union Digital Covid Certificate, known as the vaccine "passport" which will allow international travel and indoor dining among other things. 

Irish Minister of State for Public Procurement and eGovernment, Ossian Smyth, said the certificate had been “key to opening up indoor hospitality within the country and enabled international travel outside of Ireland”.

September 29

Update 12:45 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,453 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 300 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 60 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 388,665 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, September 28. There have been 5,249 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 29.

As of Tuesday, September 28, there have been 7,207,797 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,533,171 people have received their first dose
• 235,521 people have received a single dose
• 3,439,105 people have received their second dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today:  "Throughout the pandemic, we have seen Irish people make extraordinary efforts to drive down incidence of COVID-19 by following the public health advice. More recently, the response to Ireland’s vaccination programme has been heartening, and now just under 91% of the population aged 16 years and older are fully protected through vaccination. Our collective efforts have protected thousands of people from experiencing the worst outcomes from COVID-19.

"As more of the activities we enjoy become available to us this week, it is important that we continue this national effort to break the chains of transmission of COVID-19. Vaccination remains our best means of protection and, if vaccination is available to you, then I strongly encourage you to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

"Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate – particularly in retail settings, on public transport and in healthcare settings; keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces. If you display symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, fever, fatigue, headache, or sore throat - isolate and contact your GP who will advise if you need to arrange a test."

Also today, Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced that the EU Digital COVID Cert service will be extended to Irish passport holders who were vaccinated outside the EU, starting with Northern Ireland tomorrow, September 30. You can find out more here and how to get your EU Digital Covid Cert here.

Find out morehttps://t.co/v32Kw4Zt7h

and https://t.co/AxbpflnEHF

Don’t forget, you can store your EU Digital COVID Cert safely on your COVID Tracker App

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 29, 2021

Update 11:20 am EST: 1,320 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 237,137 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,509,931 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,633 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Two more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,554. Both of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 28 - 10 am September 29.

As of September 29, there have been 2,521,931 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,311,852 were first doses and 1,206,919 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland has issued an appeal for pregnant women to get vaccinated. Dr. Dale Spence, Midwifery Officer, said today: “Unfortunately we are seeing pregnant women require acute hospital care after acquiring COVID-19. The safest and most effective way of protecting you and your baby from COVID-19 is through vaccination.

“Pregnant women have been included in the list of people at moderate risk (clinically vulnerable) from COVID-19, while this is on a precautionary basis the importance of vaccination for those in an at-risk group cannot be overstated. Vaccination against COVID-19 in pregnancy is recommended by both the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and I would also highly recommend that expectant mothers come forward for vaccination. It’s understandable that you may have worries or concerns, if you do, please speak to your midwife.

“For those trying for a baby or for women who are breastfeeding, there is no evidence that the vaccine affects fertility, affects the ability to breastfeed or causes any harm to breastfed children.”

You can learn more here.

Pregnant women are advised to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies from the known risks of #COVID19

➡️ https://t.co/HT7TJwblqY@RcmNi | @MidwivesRCM | @RCObsGyn | @publichealthni

Take a minute to hear from Midwife Dr Dale Spence ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zEZjnuqHX1

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 29, 2021

Also today, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann has welcomed the roll-out of COVID vaccine boosters in the region’s care homes. The wider NI booster dose programme will begin in October for those eligible. You can learn more here.

Health Minister welcomes booster jab roll-out to care homes.

Read➡️https://t.co/k1Mc43hV5a pic.twitter.com/ToEivB5cS1

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 29, 2021

September 28

Update 12:30 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,499 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 300 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 63 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 387,218 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, September 27. There have been 5,209 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 22.

As of Monday, September 27, there have been 7,200,652 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,531,629 people have received their first dose
• 235,428 people have received a single dose
• 3,433,595 people have received their second dose

Ireland tops Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking this month. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly responded to the ranking by thanking everyone for their “collective efforts.”

My officials @roinnslainte worked tirelessly during COVID - ensuring we as a nation responded to every challenge the pandemic brought. As we move into the autumn and continue to open-up society, that same resilience shown will keep us safe and on the path to recovery.

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 28, 2021

Update 11:25 am EST: 1,078 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 235,817 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,504,857 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,540 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,552. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 27 - 10 am September 28, while one death occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 28, there have been 2,519,582 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,311,183 were first doses and 1,206,162 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

September 27

Update 1:10 pm EST: Taoiseach Micheál Martin attended the 44th meeting of the High-Level Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccination today, Monday, September 27. Also in attendance were High-Level Task Force chairperson, Professor Brian MacCraith, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, HSE CEO Paul Reid, Programme Director Derek Tierney, and Liz Canavan from the Department of the Taoiseach, with some members joining by video link.

In Ireland:

• more than 91.4% of adults (18+) are fully vaccinated
• more than 90.5% of 16+ population are fully vaccinated
• more than 90.5% of the total eligible population (12+) have received at least 1 dose
• Ireland is ranked #1 in the EU in terms of percentage of adult population fully vaccinated

Update 12:30 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,049 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 310 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 66 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 385,721 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, September 26. There have been 5,209 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 22.

As of Sunday, September 26, there have been 7,195,154 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,530,399 people have received their first dose
• 235,340 people have received a single dose
• 3,429,415 people have received their second dose

Update 11:30 am EST: 903 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 234,739 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,500,759 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,757 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,548. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 26 - 10 am September 27.

As of September 27, there have been 2,517,067 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,310,435 were first doses and 1,205,042 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

‘Jabathon’ continues this week in Northern Ireland. You can learn more here.

#Jabathon continues! Tag any students you know ?‍?

More info➡️ https://t.co/rjAlJSwvN2

This week's clinics ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fhkB6Fpi2L

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 27, 2021

September 25

Updated at 11.30am EST: Plans to end contact tracing are being considered by the National Public Health Emergency Team. The system could be pulled on Oct 22.

Ireland's Health Service Executive has reported 1,335 cases and 30 deaths as of Sat, Sept 25. There are 282 Covid-positive patients in hospital, including 65 in intensive care.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) are currently considering a plan to end routine contact tracing for confirmed cases on Oct 22. This would coincide with the lifting of the majority of remaining Covid-19 restrictions.

However, an immunology expert at Trinity College Dublin said he would be “surprised and disappointed” if tracing ended as Ireland continues to report one of the highest case rates of the disease in Europe.

Speaking on RTE Radio One, Professor of experimental immunology Kingston Mills said that it was too early to “chuck in the towel on testing and hope for the best”.

“I think Nphet are considering, I don’t think they’ve decided it yet. I’d be very surprised, I’d be very disappointed if they decided that.

“The problem is that Ireland has still got one of the highest case rate per 100,000 in Europe, if not the whole world. So we’re not at the stage yet.

“We’re getting there... the disease is now moving down into the younger population which is less serious in terms of hospitalizations but I don’t think we’re at the stage yet where we can abandon testing.”

September 24

Update 12:50 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,163 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 297 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 61 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 381,883 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, September 23. There have been 5,209 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 22.

As of Thursday, September 23, there have been 7,167,675 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,759,608 people have received their first dose
• 3,408,067 people have received their second dose

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today announced that from next week, people who are immunocompromised will be able to receive third vaccine doses:

From next week our COVID-19 vaccine programme will begin third doses for immunocompromised. College vaccination week also takes place with pop-ups in third-level college. Here's an update. #ForUsAll@roinnslainte @HSEImm @HSELive @merrionstreet pic.twitter.com/Jm2m4sCMP9

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 24, 2021

Update 11:55 am EST: 1,030 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 231,696 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,486,226 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,607 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Eight more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,533. All eight of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 23 - 10 am September 24.

As of September 24, there have been 2,512,860 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,308,437 were first doses and 1,203,664 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health is reminding the public that walk-in jabs will only be available for a limited time. You can learn more here.

Time is running out if you want to get your first dose #COVID19 vaccine at a walk-in clinic.

More info ➡️ https://t.co/SXMJBYw3w3 pic.twitter.com/mpYsJS1p30

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 24, 2021

September 23

Update 1:00 pm EST:  As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,355 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 286 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 59 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 380,720 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, September 22. There have been 5,209 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 22.

As of Wednesday, September 22, there have been 7,157,391 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,523,076 people have received their first dose
• 235,102 people have received a single dose
• 3,399,213 people have received their second dose

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "Our ongoing analysis of the epidemiological situation has informed the NPHET recommendation to evolve public health management of school settings from Monday next.

"The resumption of in-person education was associated with a significant increase in the numbers of children referred for testing in recent weeks. This increase was driven by the screening of asymptomatic children who had been identified as close contacts. This action was precautionary and was due to the diligence of parents and guardians bringing their children for tests. Despite significantly increased testing in this age group, there has only been a relatively modest increase in the detection of cases. We have also seen the associated positivity rate decrease from 16% to 5% which is very reassuring.

"Both nationally and internationally, the evidence tells us that schools are a low risk setting for the transmission of COVID-19 among school-going children and, as such, now is the right time to evolve our contact tracing approach, while maintaining the infection prevention and control in place in educational settings.

"NPHET will continue to monitor the trajectory of the disease. It is important that we all continue to adhere to the public health guidance and to protect each other by washing our hands, wearing masks where appropriate and keeping our distance from each other to limit the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

"I would urge parents to keep children who are unwell and who experience the common symptoms of COVID-19 home from school and to contact your GP if you have any concerns."

Update 11:25 am EST: 1,165 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 230,666 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,480,732 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,698 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Eight more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,525. All eight of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 22 - 10 am September 23.

As of September 23, there have been 2,511,208 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,307,566 were first doses and 1,203,117 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann and Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride both welcomed the announcment that Ronapreve®, a new innovative treatment that combines two Neutralising monoclonal antibodies (nMABs) Casirivimab and Imdevimab, will be available for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from this week.

You can learn more here. 

Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the announcement that new treatment, Ronapreve® will be available for hospitalised patients with COVID-19 from this week.https://t.co/xrlgCiubEO

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 23, 2021

September 22

Update 12:50 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,432 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 272 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 63 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 379,366 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, September 21. There have been 5,209 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 22.

As of Tuesday, September 21, there have been 7,146,326 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,520,954 people have received their first dose
• 235,010 people have received a single dose
• 3,390,362 people have received their second dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "We have been closely monitoring the incidence of COVID-19 and we are reassured that the reopening of schools has not led to an increase in transmission of COVID-19 amongst school-going children or more widely across the population. This is good news for students, parents, and all those involved in the education of our children.

"As always, we will keep disease transmission in the population under review, but given the importance of education for our children, we feel that now is the right time to evolve our approach to the public health management of COVID-19 in educational settings.

"From Monday 27 September, we will change how we manage COVID-19 in our schools. Contact tracing of close contacts in childcare facilities and primary education and testing of asymptomatic close contacts in childcare facilities and primary education will no longer be necessary.

"Children aged 12 yrs or under, who are identified as close contacts in childcare, educational settings, special education settings or other non-household settings and who are asymptomatic will no longer be required to routinely restrict movements.

"Given the substantially higher risk of transmission in households as compared to any other setting, children aged 12 yrs or under, who are identified as household close contacts, will still be required to restrict movements and be tested, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.

"Public health advice remains that any person, including children aged 12 yrs or under, who displays symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should rapidly self-isolate and not attend school or socialise until 48 hours after they are symptom-free."

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and Minister for Further & Higher Education Simon Harris today announced that pop-up vaccination centres will be hosted at third-level colleges in Ireland next week. You can learn more here.

Today along with @SimonHarrisTD and @HSELive we're announcing pop up vaccination centres in our third-level colleges next week.

There's already been amazing vaccine take-up in this age group and this will allow even more get protected#ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/8egJvb6xpq

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 22, 2021

Update 10:40 am EST: 1,060 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 229,501 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,475,015 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,738 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,517. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 21 - 10 am September 22, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 22, there have been 2,509,462 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,306,822 were first doses and 1,202,311 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

In a joint statement today, Northern Ireland’s Minister of Health, Robin Swann MLA, Chairperson of the Assembly Health Committee, Colm Gildernew MLA, and Deputy Chairperson of the Assembly Health Committee, Pam Cameron MLA are urging to people to get vaccinated as “our health and social care staff and services are currently facing pressures like never before.”

Read the Joint Statement from Committee Chairperson Colm Gildernew, Deputy Chairperson Pam Cameron and Minister of Health, Robin Swann.https://t.co/lkTVIisQzg@GildernewColm @PamCameronMLA

— niahealth (@niahealth) September 22, 2021

Also today, Northern Ireland’s Health and Agriculture Ministers are urging any unvaccinated visitors to the Balmoral Show to use the opportunity to get jabbed.

The Health and Agriculture Ministers have urged any unvaccinated visitors to the Balmoral Show to use the opportunity to get jabbed.

The mobile vaccination clinic is offering walk-in first dose jabs from today until 5pm on Saturday@daera_ni | @setrust https://t.co/Hy8DJi9MMi pic.twitter.com/ZDZWbm8RVe

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 22, 2021

September 21

Update 12:35 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,423 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 286 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 63 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 377,937 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, September 20. There have been 5,179 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 15.

As of Monday, September 20, there have been 7,137,480 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,519,053 people have received their first dose
• 234,904 people have received a single dose
• 3,383,523 people have received their second dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "COVID-19 vaccines are providing very effective protection from severe illness and have fundamentally changed the risk profile of COVID-19 in Ireland - it is important that all of us receive our COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to us.

"Once again today, we see more elements of our society and economy reopen. If you are fully protected through vaccination, then you can have confidence that your vaccination, and your continued adherence to the public health advice appropriate to each environment, is the best way you can protect yourself from COVID-19.

"If you display cold or flu like symptoms like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose, self-isolate immediately. Please do not meet up with others or attend events, work or school. Arrange a PCR test through the HSE as soon as possible."

Update 12:10 pm EST: 1,145 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 228,441 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,470,004 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 7,992 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,513. Three of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 20 - 10 am September 21, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 21, there have been 2,508,203 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,306,326 were first doses and 1,201,657 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

September 20

Update 12:30 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,154 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 297 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 63 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 375,367 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Saturday, September 18. There have been 5,179 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 15.

As of Sunday, September 19, there have been 7,130,149 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,517,879 people have received their first dose
• 234,847 people have received a single dose
• 3,377,423 people have received their second dose

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said today that more than 90% of Ireland’s population aged 16 and over is now fully vaccinated:

With over 90% of those age 16+ now with full vaccination we have achieved another milestone in our vaccine programme and in our continued phased pathway out of this pandemic. A huge well done and thanks to everyone for making this happen. pic.twitter.com/iOmL1cCgaq

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 20, 2021

From today, a phased and staggered return to the workplace comes into effect across Ireland, while restrictions on outdoor group activities for participants will be removed, and organised indoor group activities (sports, arts, culture, dance classes) can take place with some restrictions. You can learn more here.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin welcomed employees returning to the workplace today, noting that it’s an “important milestone:”

Welcome back to everyone returning to the workplace, and to all the arts, sports and cultural activities re-opening today.

Another important milestone as we emerge from the pandemic - one made possible by the efforts of the Irish people and our successful vaccine rollout.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 20, 2021

Update 11:55 am EST: 1,020 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 227,296 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,464,532 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,277 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,509. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 19 - 10 am September 20.

As of September 20, there have been 2,506,669 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,305,556 were first doses and 1,201,074 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

On Saturday, Northern Ireland’s Department of Health announced a new framework for international travel in and out of the region. From Monday, October 4, the traffic light system will be removed with the merger of the green and amber lists, leaving a single red list. Travel requirements for arrivals from the rest of the world will be determined by a travellers vaccination status rather than the country they are travelling from. Going forward, countries will be classified as red or non-red. You can find out more here via NI Direct.

✈️ International travel update - it has been agreed to introduce a new travel framework, simplifying the current process.

More ➡️ https://t.co/EcMoGCqQX3 pic.twitter.com/z90iJW6OUR

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 18, 2021

Update 11:45 am EST: Officials in the US have today announced that the ban on travel from the EU, including Ireland, and the UK, including Northern Ireland, is set to be lifted for fully vaccinated travelers from early November. You can read more here.

September 19 

Update 8:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,224 new cases of the coronavirus.

There are currently 278 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 63 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

A total of 7,119,653 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in Ireland, with 3,750,782 people receiving at least one dose of the vaccine and 3,368,871 receiving two doses. More than 90% of Irish people over the age of 16 are now fully vaccinated. 

The latest announcements come ahead of a further easing of COVID restrictions in Ireland on Monday, with yoga studios, art classes, and indoor sports and fitness classes set to reopen for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Indoor activities will be permitted to hold 100 people who have been fully vaccinated or who have recently recovered from the virus.

Office workers who have worked from home during the pandemic can also return to work on Monday in a "phased return" to office working. 

Tanáiste Leo Varadkar said that remote working would become a "permanent fixture" of Irish working life despite the return of in-person working. 

"We really want to see remote working become a permanent fixture of Irish working life. I hope employers are speaking to their staff to figure out what works best for them and the business as this phased return begins," Varadkar said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 889 new cases of the virus and five further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,504. 

A total of 2,505,607 doses of the vaccine have been administer in Northern Ireland to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

September 18 

Update 9:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,456 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 374,143. 

There are currently 261 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 66 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

Hospitalizations have now fallen for six consecutive days in Ireland.

A total of 7,105,991 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,748,307 people receiving at least one dose and 3,357,684 receiving two doses. 

HSE CEO Paul Reid said that most ICU patients with COVID-19 were unvaccinated and encouraged anyone who has not yet received their vaccine to register for one as soon as possible. 

"Thankfully the hospitalised #COVID19 patients are now down to 261 & falling. ICU cases are rising at 71, with a hugely disproportionate number of unvaccinated patients. It's never too late to be vaccinated & our commitment stands, to never leave anyone behind. It works," Reid said on Saturday morning, 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,072 new cases of the virus and six further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,499. 

A total of 2,505,003 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends.

September 17

Update 1:10 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in Ireland:

• 1,392 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 288 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 73 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 372,687 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, September 16. There have been 5,179 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 15.

As of Thursday, September 16, there have been 7,088,705 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,510,932 people have received their first dose
• 234,728 people have received a single dose
• 3,343,045 people have received their second dose

As of today, Ireland has the highest uptake of vaccination (full or both doses) anywhere in the EU, according to ECDC. Taoiseach Micheál Martin noted the “huge effort” to get to this point.

Ireland now has the highest uptake of vaccination (full or both doses) anywhere in the EU, according to ECDC.

A huge effort by the public, and everyone involved in our #CovidVaccine rollout. pic.twitter.com/BhCDZG6mqE

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 17, 2021

Update 11:25 am EST: 1,239 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 224,315 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,450,912 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 8,662 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

10 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,493. Nine of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 16 - 10 am September 17, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 17, there have been 2,503,796 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,303,889 were first doses and 1,199,906 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

According to Northern Ireland’s Department of Health, “Of those in ICU wards with Covid, 72% are unvaccinated, 8% have had one dose and 20% have had two doses.

“Unvaccinated people make up less than 12% of our adult population – yet account for 72% of people in ICU.”

“Adults who have not had two vaccine doses are more than 5 times as likely to be admitted to hospital, and around 10 times more likely to be admitted to ICU, compared with fully vaccinated adults." You can read more here.

Getting vaccinated reduces your likelihood of being infected with #COVID19 and of passing it on to other people. #getthejab

➡️https://t.co/wgAw7NzE5k pic.twitter.com/ScWMIxZne8

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 17, 2021

September 16

Update 1:45 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,413 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 290 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 67 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 371,301 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, September 15. There have been 5,179 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 15.

As of Wednesday, September 15, there have been 7,075,889 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,509,035 people have received their first dose
• 234,615 people have received a single dose
• 3,332,239 people have received their second dose

Update 11:25 am EST: 1,071 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 223,076 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,444,922 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 9,075 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,483. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 15 - 10 am September 16, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 16, there have been 2,501,235 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,302,069 were first doses and 1,199,165 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

The Jabbathon vaccine promotion will continue next week with a range of clinics open across Northern Ireland. You can find out more information here.

New Jabbathon dates announced for next week ?

Full details ➡️ https://t.co/hByYDE06LD@QUBelfast | @UlsterUni | @bfastmet | @DiscoverCAFRE | @swccollege | @mynwrc | @Economy_NI pic.twitter.com/ZMBFrIHxdN

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 16, 2021

September 15

Update 12:45 pm EST: Catherine Martin, Ireland’s Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, said today: “I am also delighted to announce today that a pilot nightclub event will take place on 30 September in The Button Factory in Temple Bar and I hope that the learnings from this will help the sector as we head towards a full easing of restrictions in October."

The announcement comes as the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce is published today, which can be read here.

Update 12:35 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,185 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 292 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 65 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

Ireland’s Department of Health reports that there has been a total of 5,179 deaths related to COVID-19 notified in Ireland. This includes 24 deaths newly notified in the past week (since last Wednesday, September 8.)

As of Tuesday, September 14, there have been 7,059,629 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,505,675 people have received their first dose
• 234,500 people have received a single dose
• 3,319,454 people have received their second dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "COVID-19 vaccines are providing very effective protection from severe illness and have fundamentally changed the risk profile of this disease.

"Since the 1st of April, approximately 4 out of every 5 people admitted to ICU and approximately 3 out of every 4 deaths with COVID-19 were not fully vaccinated. It remains vital that those who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine do so at the earliest opportunity.

"If you are fully protected through vaccination, then you can have confidence that your vaccination, and your continued adherence to the public health advice appropriate to each environment, is the best way you can protect yourself from COVID-19."

Update 11:00 am EST: 1,304 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 222,005 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,440,255 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 9,594 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

10 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,478. Nine of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 14 - 10 am September 15, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 15, there have been 2,498,979 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,300,383 were first doses and 1,198,596 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

September 14

Update 12:40 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,181 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 309 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 60 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 368,712 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, September 13. There have been 5,155 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 8.

As of Monday, September 13, there have been 7,045,546 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,503,326 people have received their first dose
• 234,377 people have received a single dose
• 3,307,843 people have received their second dose

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today thanked young people for their response to the country’s vaccination programme:

#ForUsAll The response of the people of Ireland to vaccination has been amazing, across age groups people came forward for vaccination to protect themselves and each other.

That response is also clearly evident in our younger population, so thank you. pic.twitter.com/8lkxJ4noBU

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 14, 2021

Update 11:00 am EST: 1,590 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 220,701 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,434,296 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 9,991 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Seven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,468. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 13 - 10 am September 14.

As of September 14, there have been 2,496,461 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,298,956 were first doses and 1,197,505 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that booster vaccines should be offered to those more at risk from serious disease, and who were vaccinated during Phase 1 of the vaccine programme (priority groups 1 to 9).

Responding to the booster vaccine recommendations, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann said: “Introducing a booster programme will help to prolong protection in those most at risk from this virus and reduce hospitalisations as we head into colder weather and what will be a challenging period for our health service.” You can learn more here.

Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed the advice on Covid booster vaccinations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

➡️https://t.co/zNd78S4gIw pic.twitter.com/xQCuCzrDEy

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 14, 2021

It was also announced today that people aged 12-15 in Northern Ireland will be offered a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine shortly.

All those aged 12 to 15 in Northern Ireland will now be offered one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and parental consent will be sought prior to vaccination. For those who are part of an ‘at risk’ group, they will receive two doses, eight weeks apart, in line with JCVI advice.

Minister Swann said:  “I have carefully considered the advice provided by the four UK Chief Medical Officers and have accepted their recommendation to expand the vaccination programme to all those aged 12-15.  This move will help protect young people from catching COVID-19 and is expected to prevent disruption in schools by reducing transmission.” You can learn more here.

Young people aged 12-15 in Northern Ireland will be offered a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine shortly.

➡️ https://t.co/6dR7lyH2Me pic.twitter.com/NOdRYjZq8L

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 14, 2021

September 13

Update 12:55 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,394 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 321 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 58 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 367,536 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, September 12. There have been 5,155 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 8.

As of Sunday, September 12, there have been 7,035,048 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,501,168 people have received their first dose
• 234,235 people have received a single dose
• 3,299,645 people have received their second dose

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "The awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, and what to do if you experience them, is extremely important.

"The COVID-19 symptoms for adults and children include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, runny or blocked nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, aches, fatigue, sore throat, headache.

"Regardless of how mild symptoms may be, we ask that you isolate if you experience any of them and contact your GP. Do not go to school, the workplace or socialise if you or your child exhibits COVID-19 symptoms."

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today said that it is “amazing to see Ireland continue to perform so well for the uptake of full vaccination in adults.” Of the EU member states, the Republic of Ireland is only behind Malta in the cumulative uptake of full vaccination amongst people aged 18 and over.

It's amazing to see Ireland continue to perform so well for the uptake of full vaccination in adults.

It's an amazing achievement and again I want to say thanks to everyone who came forward for vaccination and to all the staff and volunteers who helped make it happen. #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/dLLENC4vu3

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 13, 2021

Brian MacCraith, chair of the High Level Task Force on COVID19 Vaccination, said today that just over 90 percent of people aged 18 and over in the Republic of Ireland are now vaccinated:

VACCINATION UPDATE

? 90.2% of adults (18+) are now fully vaccinated

? 90% of all eligible individuals (12+) have received at least 1 dose

? ~89.3% of those aged 16+ are fully vaccinated

? >75% of our total population have received at least 1 dose @HSELive#ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/shtVEG5cS0

— Brian MacCraith (@muirtheimhne) September 13, 2021

Update 11:30 am EST: 1,199 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 219,111 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,427,388 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 10,180 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Eight more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,461. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 12 - 10 am September 13.

As of September 13, there have been 2,493,882 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,297,882 were first doses and 1,196,000 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

September 12

Update 9:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,346 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 366,659.

There are currently 315 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 49 patients in intensive care have tested positive for the virus. 

A total of 7,019,842 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in Ireland with 3,733,252 people receiving at least one dose and 3,286,590 receiving two doses. 

HSE CEO Paul Reid said that 45% of the cases in the past week were among the 0-18 age cohort but said that transmission rates in schools remained lower than the rest of the country. 

He told RTÉ's This Week that the best thing for children was to remain in school.

He said that the HSE does not expect most children under the age of 12 to be infected with COVID by the spring, despite claims by Dr. Clíona Ní Cheallaigh, who said that most primary school students would contract COVID by next year. 

Ní Cheallaigh said that evidence from the United States showed that the Delta variant was highly transmissible and that the virus would continue to spread if masks were not worn in primary schools. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,031 new cases of the virus and six further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,453.

A total of 2,492,097 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in the region. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends.

September 11 

Update 10:40 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,466 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to 365,313. 

There are currently 310 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 58 patients in intensive care have tested positive for the virus. 

A total of 7,005,781 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,730,456 people receiving at least one dose and 3,275,325 receiving two doses.

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,424 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,447. 

A total of 2,489,473 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in the region to date. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

September 10

Update 12:55 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,620 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 328 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 59 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 363,847 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, September 9. There have been 5,155 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 8.

As of Thursday, September 9, there have been 6,988,411 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,492,746 people have received their first dose
• 3,261,598 people are fully vaccinated

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today noted a highlight in Ireland’s vaccination programme as 90 percent of Ireland’s population 18 and older are now fully vaccinated. The seven millionth vaccine dose in the Republic of Ireland is expected to be administered today as well.

Another milestone day in our COVID-19 vaccine programme.

90% of 18+ now have full vaccination.

People continue to come forward and can continue to do so.

Also important that everyone complete their vaccine schedule. pic.twitter.com/hsdgIdcYES

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 10, 2021

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s HSE, said that 92.5 percent of adults in the Republic of Ireland are now partially vaccinated and that hospitalizations are trending downwards:

Brighter news. Progress on a range of areas related to #COVID19. Today 90% of adults are fully vaccinated with 92.5% partially. Hospitalisations are trending downwards. 329 in hospital, 54 in ICU. Overall testing positivity reducing but high volumes in schools still. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) September 10, 2021

Update 11:25 am EST: 1,687 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 215,457 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,403,690 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 10,475 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,444. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 9 - 10 am September 10, while two occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 10, there have been 2,484,598 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,296,071 were first doses and 1,188,527 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has announced the university campuses that will be used in the upcoming ‘Jabbathon’ vaccination intiatiive. More information is available here.

First clinics announced in campus Jabbathon ?

From Monday vaccinator teams will visit N’s universities and FE colleges to offer first dose #COVID19 jabs to students.

More info ➡️ https://t.co/eMawcX8A6q@mynwrc | @NRCCollege | @swccollege | @srcchat | @QUBelfast | @UlsterUni pic.twitter.com/thGJeePIZa

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 10, 2021

In an open letter today to parents, pupils, and the school community., Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McBride said that “schools are the best place for children and young people.”

Dr. McBride said that “schools are safe places for children and staff” and that there is a “very low risk of severe disease in children.”

Schools are the best place for children and young people - the Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride has written to Parents, Pupils and the school community.

Full letter ➡️https://t.co/RAoCbUruSV pic.twitter.com/LORbpoCO6j

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 10, 2021

September 9

Update 12:40 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,292 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 331 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 54 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 362,228 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, September 8. There have been 5,155 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 8.

As of Wednesday 8 September, there have been 6,969,334 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,489,122 people have received their first dose
• 3,480,212 people are fully vaccinated

Yesterday, Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced that the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (irrespective of whether primary vaccination course was of an mRNA or adeno-viral vector) for residents aged 65 years and older living in Long Term Residential Care Facilities and for those aged 80 years and older living in the community. The booster dose can be given after a minimal interval of six months following completion of the primary vaccination schedule.

Today I announced an important update to our COVID-19 vaccination programme. Following advice from NIAC and @CMOIreland we are announcing a booster vaccine dose for those aged 65+ in LTRC and those aged 80+#forusall https://t.co/dH7pLucLRO

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) September 8, 2021

Minister Donnelly said: "Once again this week, we have seen some of the necessary public health restrictions eased thanks to the enormous efforts the Irish people have made to continue to follow the public health advice and, in particular, in relation to our amazing levels of vaccine uptake.

"Vaccination remains our pathway out of this pandemic, and as with the earlier phases of our vaccination programme, this update to the programme ensures that we continue to prioritise our most at risk loved ones from the risks posed by COVID-19.

"I am aware that operationalising these updates to our vaccination programme will take a short period of time. I will continue to work with my department, the HSE and the High-Level Task Force to implement these recommendations as safely and efficiently as possible."

Update 11:55 am EST: 1,831 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 213,770 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,392,314 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 10,204 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Eight more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,438. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 8 - 10 am September 9.

As of September 9, there have been 2,479,883 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,294,896 were first doses and 1,184,987 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

September 8

Update 1:20 pm EST: As of 5:30 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,545 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 335 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 56 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 360,957 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, September 7. There have been 5,155 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 8.

As of Tuesday, September 7, there have been 6,951,760 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,486,456 people have received their first dose
• 3,465,304 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Overall the incidence of COVID-19 infection is declining across the country, the five day moving average is 1,407 and we see a stabilisation of ICU and hospital admissions.

"Incidence of COVID-19 in adolescents and young adults is falling significantly and we are seeing early encouraging signs that the rate of infection is plateauing in children of school-going age. NPHET will continue to monitor this trend over the coming weeks.

"Vaccination continues to offer the best protection against the most severe effects of COVID-19 including hospitalisation and death.

"Anyone yet to avail of vaccination is strongly encouraged to do so. Local vaccination sites are available on HSE.ie."

Update 11:40 am EST: 1,210 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 211,939 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,381,349 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 9,892 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,430. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 7 - 10 am September 8, while two occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 8, there have been 2,475,196 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,293,709 were first doses and 1,181,487 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

Northern Ireland’s Department of Health has today announced a campus vaccination drive initiative, nicknamed ‘Jabbathon,’ which will involve 60 walk-in clinics across some 30 campuses.

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Health Robin Swann said: “By getting vaccinated, students will be playing a vital part in getting normality back – reducing the threat of disruption to their education and all aspects of student life.”

The Jabbathon campus initiative follows the success of the Big Jab Weekend last month. Final figures from that initiative show that 12,052 first doses were administered over the weekend, along with 9,622 second doses.

The announcement comes ahead of the end of operations for Northern Ireland’s mass vaccination clinics this weekend. They have been concentrating mainly on administering second vaccines doses since the end of July.

Major push to vaccine students.

?The “Jabbathon” initiative will involve 60 walk-in clinics across some 30 campuses – offering ?first jabs to students across Northern Ireland’s universities and Further Education colleges.@Economy_NI @compharmacyni

➡️https://t.co/Fs2sGVDuHn pic.twitter.com/dN1wCmE8SN

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 8, 2021

September 7

Update 12:05 pm EST: The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to a number of modest relaxations to the current Coronavirus Regulations. The following changes will come into effect at 5 pm on Friday,  September 10, 2021:

Domestic indoor settings

• Recognising the impact that the pandemic has had on families, the maximum number of people who may meet indoors in a domestic setting is increased to 15 from up to 4 households.

Hospitality settings

• The Executive has agreed that the current requirement for table service will be eased, both indoors and outdoors, to enable customers to go to the bar to place orders or pay. However, in indoor settings, customers will still be required to return to their table in order to consume their food or drink. Because there is less risk in outdoor settings, the prohibition on standing to consume food and drink outdoors will be removed.
• It was also agreed to remove the prohibition on movement and standing to allow customers to play darts, pool, gaming machines etc.
• The hospitality sector will also need to consider how best to manage the movement and queueing of customers to mitigate risk. In addition, the requirement to wear face coverings while not seated indoors will continue.

Music and dancing

• In relation to indoor, live performance events (concerts and gigs) the requirements for tickets to be purchased in advance and allocated seating is removed. However customers must still be seated and the requirement to record contact details for all attendees continues.
• The current restriction on music to background or ambient levels where that restriction currently applies is removed.
• In addition, the current restriction on dancing in indoor settings is removed insofar as it applies to post wedding and civil partnership celebrations.

Working from home

• While the message to work from home where possible and appropriate remains, the Executive would encourage employers to plan for a return to the workplace with consideration of mitigations to control the spread of the virus and engagement with employees and their representatives on the beneficial use of flexible working where appropriate.

Update 11:40 am EST: As of 4:30 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,470 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 367 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 59 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

The latest 5-day moving average is 1,381.

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 359,420 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, September 6. There have been 5,112 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 1.

As of Monday, September 6, there have been 6,937,291 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,483,067 people have received their first dose
• 3,454,224 people are fully vaccinated

Update 11:20 am EST: 1,748 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 210,729 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,373,465 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 10,316 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Seven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,424. Four of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 6 - 10 am September 7, while three occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 7, there have been 2,470,155 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,292,837 were first doses and 1,177,318 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

September 6 

Update 1:10 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,144 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 357,955.

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 384 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, with 59 patients in ICU testing positive for the virus.

A total of 6,924,260 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in Ireland, with 3,713,713 receiving at least one dose and 3,210,547 receiving two doses. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,764 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in the region to 208,981. 

The Department announced a further nine COVID deaths, taking Northern Ireland's death toll to 2,417. 

A total of 10,024 people have tested positive for the virus in Northern Ireland over past seven days, down from 10,893 last week. 

There are currently 407 patients in Northern Irish hospitals with COVID-19, with 46 ICU patients testing positive for the virus. 

Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 104%, while there are 134 active outbreaks in Northern Irish care homes. 

A total of 2,465,965 have now been administered in Northern Ireland.

September 5

Update 11:30 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,180 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 356,819. 

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 362 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, with 59 patients in ICU testing positive for the virus.

A total of 6,906,930 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,708,326 receiving at least one dose and 3,198,604 receiving two doses. 

A total of 92% of Irish adults are now partially vaccinated, while 89% of adults are fully vaccinated. 

HSE CEO Paul Reid said that 90% of Irish adults would be fully vaccinated by early week. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,232 new cases of the virus and seven further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,408. 

A total of 2,462,140 doses of the vaccine have now been administered in Northern Ireland.

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

September 4

Update 11:20 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,703 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 355,639. 

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 363 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, with 52 patients in ICU testing positive for the virus.

A total of 6,892,273 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,703,755 receiving at least one dose and 3,188,518 receiving two doses. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has reported 1,812 new cases of the virus and seven further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,401. 

A total of 2,459,543 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends. 

September 3

Update 12:10 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,414 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 352,529. 

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 353 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, with 55 patients in ICU testing positive for the virus. 

A total of 6,871,433 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,698,849 receiving at least one dose and 3,172,584 receiving two doses. 

A total of 89% of Irish adults have now been fully vaccinated, while 82% of people over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated against the virus. 

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has reported a reduction in Ireland's 14-day incidence rate per 100,000, standing at 493 per 100,000 on September 1 compared to 532 a week previously. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,248 new cases of the virus and nine further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,394. 

There are currently 409 patients in Northern Irish hospitals with COVID-19, with 46 patients in ICU testing posting for the virus. 

Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 105%, while there are 130 active outbreaks of the virus in Northern Irish care homes. 

A total of 2,456,256 doses of the vaccine have now been administered in the region. 

September 2

Update 1:15 pm EST: As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,751 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 343 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 59 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 352,529 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, September 1. There have been 5,112 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 1.

As of Wednesday, September 1, there have been 6,853,648 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,460,642 people have received their first dose
• 3,393,006 people are fully vaccinated

Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) today said: “If you had a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and you do not want a second dose of AstraZeneca, you can choose to get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine [Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna] dose instead. 

If you want to get an mRNA vaccine after having 1 dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, you can go to a Pfizer or Moderna dose 2 walk-in vaccination clinic. More details here: https://t.co/Asxm6RakxC#ForUsAll

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) September 2, 2021

Update 1:00 pm EST: 793  individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 202,925 according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,336,295 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 9,393 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

12 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,385. 11 of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am September 1 - 10 am September 2, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 2, there have been 2,452,955 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,287,633 were first doses and 1,165,322 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

Rapid tests are now available at 400 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said today. You can learn more here.

Rapid #COVID19 tests are now available to collect from over 400 community pharmacies across Northern Ireland.

READ MORE ➡️ https://t.co/Ws3ZN0uUZk@cathyharrison00 | @compharmacyni | @BootsUK pic.twitter.com/TdbdewDJ7S

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 2, 2021

September 1

Update 1:05 pm EST:  As of 5:30 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,789 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 360 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 56 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 354,236 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, August 31. There have been 5,112 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, September 1.

As of Tuesday, August 31, there have been 6,836,122 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,455,838 people have received their first dose
• 3,380,284 people are fully vaccinated

From today, Ireland's public transport will return to 100% capacity as part of the newly-announced plan to wind down all COVID restrictions by the end of October. The wearing of face masks on public transport remains mandatory.

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced major updates to Ireland’s vaccination programme - Pregnant people to be offered mRNA COVID-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy, and imunocompromised individuals aged 12 years and older will be able to receive an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Regarding pregnant people receiving an mRNA vaccination, Minister Donnelly said: "The evidence shows that vaccination is the best way to protect both mother and baby from serious harm from COVID-19 and I am pleased to today announce that COVID-19 vaccination will be available at all stages of pregnancy.

"I am aware that many pregnant people and their partners will have questions about this update to the vaccination programme, and I encourage anyone who has any concerns to engage with their obstetric care team and the many trusted sources of information available in order to make the best decision for you and your baby."

Regarding a third vaccine dose for people who are immunocompromised, Minister Donnelly said: "Since the very beginning of this pandemic, we have worked to protect those most at high risk from severe illness and death from COVID-19. I hope that the opportunity to receive a third or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine brings comfort and reassurance to people that these vaccines are very safe and effective and offer protection from COVID-19.

"I will now work with my department, the HSE and the High Level Task Force to implement these recommendations as soon as possible.

"As we move into this new stage of the pandemic, it is more important than ever that all of those eligible for vaccination but who remain unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, should initiate or complete their vaccination course. Vaccination along with our continued adherence to the public health advice we are all so familiar with are the best ways we can protect ourselves, our loves ones and our country’s reopening.

"If you display symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose - isolate and get a test immediately. Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate, keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces, and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others."

Also today, Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan today reminding the Irish public of the importance of wearing masks:

We wear masks to protect others from #COVID19. We should all continue to wear masks in appropriate settings, even if you are fully vaccinated. #COVID19 #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/e8Ay74B3kL

— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) September 1, 2021

Update 12:10 pm EST: 1,472 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 202,132  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,332,707 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 10,378 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Nine more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,373. Seven of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am August 31 - 10 am September 1, while two occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of September 1, there have been 2,449,587 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,286,025 were first doses and 1,163,562 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

August 31

Update 1:45 pm EST: You can learn more about Ireland's plan to conclude its remaining COVID restrictions here. 

Update 1:05 pm EST: Taoiseach Micheal Martin delivers a live address regarding the rollback of restrictions in Ireland:

Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD announces the latest plan for the easing of #Covid19 restrictions | Live blog: https://t.co/ZtFAlZa8c9 https://t.co/2VXvHSmE6W

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 31, 2021

Update 12:35 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,382 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 355 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 54 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 352,447 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, August 30. There have been 5,092 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, August 25.

As of Monday, August 30, there have been 6,818,637 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,451,531 people have received their first dose
• 3,367,106 people are fully vaccinated

Update 11:50 am EST: Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to address the nation at 6 pm local time today. He is expected to unveil the government's plans to roll back remaining COVID restrictions by the end of October.

Update 11:45 am EST: 1,313 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 200,660  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,327,258 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 10,620 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Six more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,364. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am August 30 - 10 am August 31.

As of August 31, there have been 2,445,876 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,284,443 were first doses and 1,161,433 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

August 30

Update 12:45 pm EST: Due to the bank holiday weekend, Northern Ireland’s COVID dashboard will not be updated until tomorrow, August 31.

1,259 positive cases and sadly six deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

As of today, August 30, 2,442,855 total COVID vaccine doses have been administered in Northern Ireland - 1,283,099 first doses and 1,159,756 second doses.

NI #COVID19 data has been updated:

?1,259 positive cases and sadly six deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.

?2,442,855 vaccines administered in total.

Vaccines➡️ https://t.co/Yfa0hHVmRL

The dashboard will be updated again on Tuesday 31 August. pic.twitter.com/VW0PFxry06

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) August 30, 2021

Update 12:35 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,293 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 382 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 61 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 351,065 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Sunday, August 29. There have been 5,092 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, August 25.

As of Sunday, August 29, there have been 6,801,702 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,446,217 people have received their first dose
• 3,355,485 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "As many children return to classrooms across the country today, it is important to highlight to both children and their parents that considerable preparations have been made to reopen schools safely.

"Our data clearly shows that, to date, the school environment was not a major source of disease transmission.

"In order to go back to school as safely as possible, my advice to children is to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly and follow the protocols operating in your school.

"Parents, please keep in mind the symptoms to look out for and do not send your child to school if they display any of them. Instead, help them to isolate and contact your GP for advice and arrange a test if appropriate. I would also urge caution when participating in activities with classmates outside the school environment, which have proven to be settings where outbreaks and transmission in children have occurred in the past. This will help to prevent further transmission and potential outbreaks."

Stephen Donnelly, Ireland’s Minister for Health, today said that over 80 percent of Ireland’s population aged 12 and over is now fully vaccinated:

Update on our COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Over 6.8m doses now administered.

Huge progress and thanks to everyone involved, especially all of those who came forward for vaccination.

Remember anyone age 12+ can come forward for vaccination at any time. pic.twitter.com/Dv2DgxU2y8

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) August 30, 2021

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, today noted that adhering to public health measures remains important despite high levels of vaccination:

382 #COVID19 patients in hospital today, 60 in ICU. A strong reminder that the virus is still causing illness. Vaccination offers strong protection but it's still important to be conscious of the risks by continuing public health measures. These provide protection too. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) August 30, 2021

August 27

Update 1:00 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 5:30 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,875 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 326 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 59 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 346,070 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Thursday, August 26. There have been 5,092 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, August 24.

As of Thursday, August 26, there have been 6,736,217 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,417,556 people have received their first dose
• 3,318,661 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Ireland’s fourteen-day incidence is currently 531 per 100,000. This means that as per ECDC categorisation, Ireland is now classified as dark red with incidence higher than 500 per 100,000. This demonstrates that there is presently a high level of virus transmitting in Ireland. With so much disease circulating in the community, the reality is that if you are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated you are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and potentially becoming very unwell.

"Today and over this weekend, the HSE are operating walk-in COVID-19 vaccination centres right across the country for anyone aged 12 years and older. This increased opportunity for vaccination is a real sign of hope and I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet attended for their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to avail of these vaccination centres this weekend. Please make sure to take up your second dose of vaccine as soon as it is offered to you. These vaccines are very safe and effective at protecting against the worst effects of COVID-19.

"As we come into the weekend, it’s important to risk assess your plans, particularly if you are not yet fully vaccinated. Try to meet up in small groups, meet outdoors and avoid crowds if possible. If you need to meet indoors with others, please ensure the room is well ventilated. Please also continue to wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts, and maintain your social distance.

"If you are in an environment that feels unsafe then feel empowered to leave. Remember that if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms at all, self-isolate - do not meet up with others or attend any events - and arrange a PCR test through the HSE as soon as possible."

Update 11:10 am EST: 1,875 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 195,433  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,308,414 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 11,664 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,337. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am August 26 - 10 am August 27.

As of August 27, there have been 2,434,651 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,279,093 were first doses and 1,155,558 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

A number of changes to Northern Ireland’s international country travel lists were confirmed last night, August 26.

From 4 am on Monday, August 30, the following changes will be introduced:

• Demark, Lithuania, Finland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the Azores, and Canada have been added to the Green list.
• There are no changes to the Amber list. 
• Thailand and Montenegro will be added to the Red list.

You can find out more about Northern Ireland’s entry regulations here on NI Direct.

August 26

Update 12:40 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 5:30 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,866 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 331 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 61 of those patients in intensive

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 344,195 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, August 25. There have been 5,092 deaths, including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, August 24.

As of Wednesday, August 25, there have been 6,705,120 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,407,879 people have received their first dose
• 3,297,241 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today; "This evening, 61 people with COVID-19 are receiving critical care in hospital. That is the highest number since 3 April this year.

"Critical care is our last line of defence against COVID-19 and I know this figure will concern many of us. There are however many other ways we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from severe outcomes from COVID-19.

"Vaccination remains our best means of protection against COVID-19. The vaccines available in Ireland are very safe and effective against COVID-19. There are still some people who haven’t yet taken up the opportunity of vaccination, or who have delayed receiving a second dose for various reasons. I strongly encourage anyone who is in this position to ensure they get fully vaccinated as soon as possible in order to best protect themselves and those around them.

"When incidence of disease is high, as it is in Ireland at the moment, it greatly increases the risk to you of contracting COVID-19. If you complete your vaccine schedule you will be fully protected 7 – 14 days after your second dose.

"Vaccination, along with continuing adherence to the public health advice, will break the chains of transmission and drive down incidence of COVID-19 in our communities.

"If you display symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose - isolate and get a test immediately. Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate, keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces and avoid crowds. Manage your social contacts and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others."

Update 11:30 am EST: 1,550 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 193,558  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,301,629 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 11,642 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Four more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,332. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am August 25 - 10 am August 26.

As of August 26, there have been 2,428,676 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,275,554 were first doses and 1,153,122 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

August 25

Update 1:45 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 6:30 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 2,051 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 323 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 56 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 342,329 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, August 24. There have been 5,074 deaths,including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, August 18.

As of Tuesday, August 24, there have been 6,675,404 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,398,237 people have received their first dose
• 3,277,167 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "While we have increasing levels of vaccination across the population, we continue to have significant concerns over the Delta variant and the increase in the incidence of disease across a range of factors. Unfortunately, this variant is still circulating widely.

"Over 70% of cases are in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people and we are seeing a high incidence of COVID-19 in adults and teenagers aged 16-29. If you haven’t yet registered for your vaccine or have delayed receiving your second dose, please do so as soon as possible. We know that vaccines work. They are about 80% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease and they provide approximately 95% protection against hospitalisation.

"It is very important that we remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health measures that we are all so familiar with. This is especially important for anyone who is soon to return to school and college.

"Continue to wear a mask, wash your hands properly and often, maintain a social distance, manage your contacts and avoid crowds."

Update 12:00 pm EST: 1,771 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 192,008  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,296,606 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 11,917 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Five more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,328. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period, 10 am August 24 - 10 am August 25.

As of August 25, there have been 2,422,194 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,272,071 were first doses and 1,150,123 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

Mobile vaccination clinics are continuing to deliver first doses in Northern Ireland. You can learn more here.

Pop-up vaccination clinics are continuing to deliver first and second doses across Northern Ireland ??

More info: https://t.co/lFhtprFjr7

Keep up to date: https://t.co/ygDvQlhn3L pic.twitter.com/c1Q0Rd79Jv

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) August 25, 2021

Northern Ireland’s Covid Certification Service is now open for those planning to travel within the next three months. You can learn more and find out how to apply on the NI Direct website here.

Northern Ireland’s #COVID19 Certification Service is now open for those planning to travel within the next three months.

➡️ https://t.co/BDs00W8pfa pic.twitter.com/O4YA7NOjC1

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) August 24, 2021

August 24

Update 11:30 am EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 2 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,571 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 307 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 55 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 340,278 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, August 23. There have been 5,074 deaths,including probable and possible deaths, as of Wednesday, August 18.

As of Monday 23 August, there have been 6,641,944 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,388,202 people have received their first dose
• 3,253,742 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said today: "On average, we have reported 1,814 confirmed cases of COVID-19 per day for the last 5 days. Our 14-day incidence is now 526 per 100,000 population. This is an extremely high incidence of disease circulating in our communities.

"Mask wearing is a simple and effective way of breaking the chains of transmission. If you are infected but do not have symptoms or have yet to develop symptoms, you can still spread the virus to others. Face masks help reduce this risk. By wearing a mask, you protect those around you. In January 2021, 94% of people reported wearing face masks in public places, and 93% in February and in March. As of this month, that figure has dropped to 84%.

"Please, continue to wear a mask in indoor settings like retail, on public transport and in restaurants and in crowded outdoor settings. This remains a simple but important measure that we all can take to prevent this virus spreading in our communities."

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said today: "Our modelling is telling us that we should soon reach the peak of the current wave of infections caused by the Delta variant.

"We have been living with COVID-19 restrictions for a significant period of time – it is now 542 days since we reported the first case of COVID-19 in Ireland. It is understandable that many of us are tired of the public health measures that we continue to advise.

"Unfortunately, this disease continues to evolve and the very best way we can protect ourselves and each other is to continue to do our very best to follow the public health advice. A high level of protection against the spread of disease is on the horizon once all of us who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine do so, and importantly, once we all complete the full dosing schedule. You will be fully protected 7 -14 days after your first dose."

Dr. Michael Power, National Clinical Lead, HSE Critical Care Programme and Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Beaumont Hospital said today: "There are currently 55 people in intensive care in our hospitals. Critical care is our last defence against COVID-19. All of our ICUs have limited capacity – when ICU beds are required by patients with COVID-19, it reduces what is available in the system for other patients who require critical care.

"The best way for all of us to protect our critical care capacity and our health service is to complete our vaccination programmes as soon as possible and to continue to follow the public health advice. Please do all you can to avoid transmitting this disease to your family, your friends, your co-workers and to those in your community."

Dr. Cillian De Gascun, Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory and Medical Virologist said today: "About 60% of people with COVID-19 who are currently receiving critical care are people who are eligible to be vaccinated. This is a stark reminder to all of us to receive our COVID-19 vaccines as soon as we are eligible to do so.

"If you haven’t registered yet, please do and ensure you receive both doses of your vaccine. Continue to be vigilant and avoid large crowds were possible. If you are attending an event, remember to keep your distance, wear a mask and if you do not feel safe, then leave."

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, said today that nearly 86 percent of adults in Ireland are fully vaccinated:

Gap between adults partially & fully vaccinated continues to close. Almost 86% of adults fully vaccinated & 91% partially. Now over 144,000 12-15 year olds registered & 88,000 administered. 307 #COVID19 patients in hospital & 60 in ICU is still our focus of concern. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) August 24, 2021

Update 11:15 am EST: 1,648 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 190,237  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,291,517 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 11,886 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

12 more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,323. Nine of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period,10 am August 23 - 10 am August 24, while three occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of August 24, there have been 2,417,807 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,270,066 were first doses and 1,147,741 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

August 23

Update 12:45 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,592 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 338,707. 

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 318 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 60 ICU patients have been diagnosed with the virus.

A total of 6,614,044 doses of the vaccine have now been administered in Ireland, with 3,607,097 people receiving at least one dose and 3,006,947 receiving two doses.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that Ireland has yet to reach the peak of the current wave of infection. 

"The median age of those in ICU is 55 - this means that 50% of the patients currently in ICU with Covid-19 are aged less than 55 years," Holohan said. 

"Over the weekend, we reported that the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in hospital in a single day had reached a level not seen since mid-February this year.

"Unfortunately, all of this indicates that we are still not at the peak of this wave of Covid-19 and that many people continue to experience severe illness due to [the virus]."

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,320 new cases of the virus, taking the total number of cases in the region to 188,589. 

The Department additionally announced nine further covid-related deaths as the region's death toll climbed to 2,311.

There are currently 352 patients in Northern Irish hospitals with the coronavirus, while 43 ICU patients have tested positive for the virus. 

Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 100%, while there are 132 active outbreaks in Northern Irish care homes. 

A total of 2,414,189 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in Northern Ireland, meaning that more than 9 million doses of the vaccine have now been administered on the island of Ireland.

August 22

Update 11:15 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,688 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 337,117.

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 314 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 59 ICU patients have been diagnosed with the virus.

The HSE said that the current hospitalization figures are the highest since the end of March. 

A total of 6,593,688 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in Ireland, with 3,598,868 people receiving at least one dose and 2,994,820 receiving two doses.

HSE chief executive Paul Reid said that 91% of Irish adults were now partially vaccinated against the vaccine, while 85% of adults are now fully vaccinated. 

Reid added that 135,000 children aged between 12 and 15 have now registered for their coronavirus vaccine, with 77,000 children in that age bracket receiving their first dose of the vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,485 new cases of the virus and 11 further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,302. 

A total of 2,408,221 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Only limited figures are reported in the region on weekends. 

August 21

Update 11 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 2,125 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 335,429. 

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 259 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 54 ICU patients have been diagnosed with the virus.

A total of 6,574,056 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have now been administered in Ireland, with 3,586,658 people receiving at least one dose and 2,987,398 people receiving two doses. 

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that recent daily cases numbers are "of significant concern". 

"The number of newly confirmed #COVID19 cases in hospital in the last 24 hours has reached a level not seen since mid-February. This upward trend in serious infection is of significant concern, increasing the pressure on frontline healthcare services and non-COVID care," Holohan said on Twitter. 

Holohan urged anyone who has not yet availed of a coronavirus vaccine to come forward and limit their risk of severe infection. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,612 new cases of the virus and four further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,291. 

A total of 2,401,296 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Only limited figures are released in the region on weekends.

August 20

Update 12:40 pm EST: The Department of Health has announced 2,098 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 333,304. 

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 251 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 52 ICU patients have been diagnosed with the virus. 

A total of 6,536,284 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered in Ireland, with 3,571,239 people receiving at least one dose and 2,965,045 receiving two doses. 

HSE chief executive Paul Reid said that more than 90% of Ireland's adult population are now partially vaccinated, while roughly 84% of the adult population are fully vaccinated. 

"So, what we have to do [over the] next few weeks is close that gap now between second and first doses," Reid told RTÉ News. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 2,397 new cases, taking the total number of cases in the region to 184,172. 

The Department also announced nine further coronavirus-related deaths, taking Northern Ireland's death toll to 2,287. 

There are currently 388 patients in Northern Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 47 ICU patients have also been diagnoed with the virus. 

Northern Ireland's hospital occupancy currently stands at 101%, while there are 134 active outbreaks of the virus in Northern Irish care homes. 

A total of 2,395,542 have now been administered in Northern Ireland. 

Northern Irish Health Minister Robin Swann described recent coronavirus figures as "deeply concerning". 

"The Delta variant is taking its toll on Northern Ireland and it is vital that as many of our citizens as possible are vaccinated," Swann said on Friday. 

August 19

Update 1:10 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 6 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,818 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 244 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 52 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 331,206 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Wednesday, August 18. There have been 5,074 deaths, according to weekly data that includes probable and possible deaths.

As of Wednesday, August 18, there have been 6,499,009 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,330,831 people have received their first dose
• 3,168,178 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "We are experiencing a rapid rise in the incidence of the disease across the country, with 12,348 cases reported in the last 7 days. This means that the virus is now circulating widely in our communities.

"While the vaccine programme continues, we need to allow time for the levels of immunity in the community to increase. The Delta variant spreads through close contact with others. Where possible, please continue to work from home and remember that small group meet ups in outdoor or well-ventilated indoor spaces are safer for everyone.

"Follow the public health advice and take the opportunity to be vaccinated with all recommended doses - these are our safeguards against the spread of the virus. The risk of outbreaks in group settings, such as in workplaces or at social gatherings, can be minimised through strong adherence to social distancing, avoiding crowds, mask wearing and good hand hygiene.

"If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, please ensure to self-isolate immediately and get a free test through the HSE as soon as possible."

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, said today that more than 90 percent of adults in Ireland are now partially vaccinated:

6.5M vaccines now administered here. Just on 84% of adults fully vaccinated & over 90% partially. The vaccines continue to reduce illness, hospitalisation, admittance to ICU & mortality. But please continue to take caution as the virus is still hugely prevalent. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) August 19, 2021

Update 11:25 am EST: 1,963 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 181,775  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,268,235 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 10,460 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Nine more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,278. Six of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period,10 am August 18 - 10 am August 19, while three occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of August 19, there have been 2,389,725 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,256,779 were first doses and 1,132,946 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

Northern Ireland’s ‘Big Jab Weekend’ kicks off on this Saturday, August 21. Mass vaccination centres across the region will once again offer walk-in first jabs for all adults. Learn more here.

The Big Jab Weekend is nearly here!

Mass vaccination centres will once again offer walk-in first jabs for all adults on 21 and 22 August.

That’s on top of ongoing vaccinations at mobile clinics and participating community pharmacies.

➡️ https://t.co/ygDvQlhn3L#BigJabWeekend pic.twitter.com/dgFXkGWRt8

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) August 19, 2021

August 18

Update 1:10 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 5:30 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,861 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 249 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 54 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 329,388 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Tuesday, August 17. There have been 5,074 deaths, according to weekly data that includes probable and possible deaths.

As of Tuesday, August 17, there have been 6,456,918 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,315,602 people have received their first dose
• 3,141,316 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "The number of patients with COVID-19 in hospital and ICU has continued to increase in recent weeks. At the moment, 43% of patients with COVID-19 in ICU are aged less than 50 years of age. This is a stark reminder to all of us to continue to adhere to the public health guidance and to ensure to receive both doses of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it offered.

"In the main, we have seen very high vaccination figures in our population, particularly in the over 60s cohort who were offered their vaccines first. Unfortunately, incidence of disease is increasing across all age groups. COVID-19 vaccines are ensuring that those who are fully vaccinated are protected from the severe illness and poor outcomes related to this disease. For every fully vaccinated confirmed case of COVID-19, we know that vaccines are preventing about 4 other cases.

"We have shown time and time again in this country that we can break the chains of transmission of COVID-19 and continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones by supporting one another to adhere to the public health advice. If you display symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose - isolate and get a test immediately. Continue to socialise safely by risk assessing, meeting outdoors where possible. Only meet up with small numbers of people and avoid crowds. Remember, it is OK to leave if you do not feel safe."

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, said today that Ireland received its biggest weekly delivery of vaccines:

Today we received our biggest weekly delivery of vaccines to this country of over 540,000 doses. This was hugely boosted by the first tranche of a total of 700,000 Romanian reallocated vaccines. It's key that we get to the smaller percentages of people now unvaccinated @HSELive pic.twitter.com/XCd3WczE7c

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) August 18, 2021

Update 11:25 am EST: 1,345 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 179,812  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,262,776 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 9,974 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Eleven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,269. Ten of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period,10 am August 17 - 10 am August 18, while one occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of August 18, there have been 2,384,396 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,255,312 were first doses and 1,129,084 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

Ahead of Northern Ireland’s ‘Big Jab Weekend,’ Health Minister Robin Swann said: "When we get jabbed, we're protecting others." You can learn more about vaccinations n Northern Ireland here.

‘Vaccination is the single biggest contribution people can make to getting normality back. It helps open doors to nights out, travel, music and sports events and the many other things we have missed’ - Health Minister#BigJabWeekend

More info ➡️ https://t.co/ygDvQlhn3L pic.twitter.com/jMpMvXcYYD

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) August 18, 2021

August 17

Update 12:45 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 5 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,496 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 248 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 54 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 327,684 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Monday, August 16. There have been 5,059 deaths, according to weekly data that includes probable and possible deaths.

As of Monday, August 16, there have been 6,409,339 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,299,720 people have received their first dose
• 3,109,619 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "As a public health doctor, I am keenly aware of the impact the public health advice has had on all in society. Making the decision not to attend work or socialise if you are displaying symptoms can be very difficult. Similarly, choosing to leave a family gathering or social event because it doesn’t feel safe is hard and can cause anxiety.

"Unfortunately, the fact remains that incidence of COVID-19 in Ireland is continuing to increase. Our current 14-day incidence is 493 per 100,000, the highest it’s been since 31 January, and incidence of disease is continuing to rise steadily in nearly all age groups and in 21 out of 26 counties.

"Last Tuesday, we were seeing an average of 3 people with COVID-19 admitted to ICU per day. Today, that figure has doubled to 6 people with COVID-19 admitted to ICU per day.

"If we didn’t have vaccination our current 14-day incidence would be approximately 1,000 per 100,000 and we would be seeing up to 50 people admitted to hospital for every 1,000 cases reported. Instead, we are seeing about 20 people admitted to hospital for every thousand cases reported.

"We have an opportunity over the next few weeks to break the chains of transmission by continuing to follow the public health advice that is second nature to most of us at this stage. If you have any symptoms that indicate that you may have COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose - isolate and get a test immediately. Make plans to socialise safely and risk assess as you go, meet up with others outdoors, if possible, try to meet up in small groups and avoid crowds. If you do not feel safe, then leave. Ensure to attend for your COVID-19 vaccine when it is your turn to do so, particularly for your second dose."

Yesterday, Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said it was "great to see such enthusiasm among younger people" for vaccinations:

A quick snapshot of the latest data on vaccine uptake. Great to see such enthusiasm among younger people! pic.twitter.com/w3Wceg5ZJO

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) August 16, 2021

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, said that 82 percent of adults in Ireland are now fully vaccinated:

Now over 6.4M vaccines administered here with 82% of adults fully vaccinated & 90% partially. Continued great progress too on the 12-15 year olds, with almost 100,000 registered & 47,000 administered. The vaccines are working & give us a pathway to a brighter future. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) August 17, 2021

Update 9:33 am EST: 1,564 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 178,467  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,258,787 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 10,099 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Seven more COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,258. Five of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period,10 am August 16 - 10 am August 17, while two occurred outside of the current reporting period.

As of August 17, there have been 2,376,682 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,252,746 were first doses and 1,123,936 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

Northern Ireland will host a “Big Jab Weekend” this weekend, August 21 - 22 where Northern Ireland’s mass vaccination centres will once again offer walk-in first jabs for all adult age groups.

The ‘Big Jab Weekend’ will be the last chance for anyone aged 18 and over to get their first jab at a mass vaccination centre

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “We want to offer people as many opportunities as possible to get the jab. There is still demand for vaccination – the take-up at walk-in clinics demonstrates that. 

“No appointment will be needed at the vaccination centres this weekend or at the ongoing walk-in clinics – just turn up and get your jab at a time that suits you. It couldn’t be easier.

“Vaccination is saving lives. When we get jabbed, we are protecting ourselves, protecting others and protecting the health service. It is the single biggest contribution people can make to getting normality back. It helps opens doors to nights out, travel, music and sports events and to so many other things we have missed so much in the last 18 months.”

‘Big Jab Weekend’ is taking place across NI on 21 and 22 August.

Mass vaccination centres will once again offer walk-in first jabs for all adults.

That’s on top of ongoing vaccinations at mobile clinics and participating community pharmacies.

➡️https://t.co/BsFLp83pb9 pic.twitter.com/aKgSLCRY8e

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) August 17, 2021

August 16

Update 1:10 pm EST: Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

As of 6 pm GMT today in the Republic of Ireland:

• 1,558 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed
• 262 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 51 of those patients in intensive care (ICU)

According to Ireland’s COVID19 DataHub, there have been 324,747 confirmed cases of COVID in the country as of Saturday, August 14. There have been 5,059 deaths, according to weekly data that includes probable and possible deaths.

As of Sunday, August 15, there have been 6,371,213 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:

• 3,288,098 people have received their first dose
• 3,083,115 people are fully vaccinated

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said today: "Though we have growing levels of vaccination across the population, there is now a very high level of disease circulating in the community. The Delta variant has enabled COVID-19 to regain a foothold in Ireland, which puts us all at risk as social contacts and mobility increase. We are closely monitoring the spread of the virus with some concern.

"Vaccines will help us turn the tide, but we are not there yet. We need to give vaccines the time and space to build up levels of protection across all demographics so that we can continue to progress the re-opening of all sectors of society and our economy.

"Please get vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is offered to you. It is also very important that people receive their second dose of vaccine as soon as you are called to do so. You will be fully protected one or two weeks after your second dose, depending on which vaccine you have received.

"I am asking people to be cautious and to closely follow public health advice over the coming weeks, in particular in the run up to schools reopening in September.

"We all know what this means, and, more importantly, we know that by following the public health advice we can drive down incidence of COVID-19 in our communities. If you have any symptoms that indicate that you may have COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose isolate and get a test immediately. Make plans to socialise safely and risk assess as you go, meet up with others outdoors if possible, try to meet up in small groups and avoid crowds. If you do not feel safe, then leave.

"Please continue to wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts, and maintain your social distance."

Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today said it is "Great to see Ireland doing so well on vaccines:"

Great to see Ireland doing so well on vaccines - a reflection of the huge work being done by our vaccine teams, GPs, pharmacists and so many others across the country. (source ECDC) pic.twitter.com/4ToDifT5Pw

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) August 16, 2021

Paul Reid, CEO of Ireland’s Health Service Executive, today noted that the recent hospitalization figures reflect the progress of Ireland’s vaccination programme:

Today we've now 259 #COVID19 patients in hospital (up from just 40 over 6 weeks ago), 48 of those in ICU. Without vaccines in January we saw hospital cases of over 2,000. But it's a strong reminder to us all to stick with what works, public health measures & vaccines. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) August 16, 2021

Update 11:50 am EST: 1,306 individuals have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the region to 176,903  according to Northern Ireland's Department of Health. 

To date, 1,254,249 individuals have been tested for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 9,991 individuals have tested positive in the region in the last seven days.

Three more deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths reported in the region to 2,251. All of the newly reported deaths occurred within the current reporting period,10 am August 15 - 10 am August 16.

As of August 16, there have been 2,371,369 vaccine doses administered in Northern Ireland, of which 1,251,182 were first doses and 1,120,187 were second doses. You can find out if you’re eligible for vaccination in Northern Ireland here. 

From today, people in Northern Ireland who have been fully vaccinated no longer need to self-isolate after coming into close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. More information is available here.

People who are fully vaccinated no longer need to self-isolate if they've been in close contact with someone with #COVID19

Instead, they should get a PCR test on day 2 and day 8.

Those not fully vaccinated should still self-isolate for 10 days.

➡️https://t.co/EqQwGiVbKZ pic.twitter.com/cd1GqLUo7q

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) August 16, 2021

August 15

Update 11 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 1,758 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in Ireland to 324,747. 

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 248 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 48 ICU patients have been diagnosed with the virus. 

A total of 6,350,278 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland to date, with 3,498,072 receiving at least one dose and 2,852,206 receiving two doses. 

More than 75,000 children aged between 12 and 15 have registered for a vaccine since registration opened two days ago, while more than 30,000 people in that age bracket have already received a vaccine. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has announced 1,294 new cases of the virus and three further deaths, taking the region's death toll to 2,248. 

A total of 2,366,260 doses of the vaccine have now been administered in the region. 

Only limited figures are reported in Northern Ireland on weekends.

August 14

Update 11 am EST: The Department of Health has announced 2,078 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed infections in Ireland to 322,989. 

Due to ongoing disruptions to Ireland’s Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) IT system, new COVID figures and data are limited.

There are currently 229 patients in Irish hospitals with COVID-19, while 43 ICU patients have been diagnosed with the virus. 

A total of 6,326,226 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered in Ireland, with 3,479,514 people receiving at least one dose and 2,846,712 people receiving both doses. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Department of Health ha