72 cases of so-called Indian variant identified.
524 new cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed.
72 cases of the Indian variant have been identified in Ireland, and NPHET is closely monitoring variants of concern in other countries.
Officials say there has not been any community transmission yet.
But Dr Tony Holohan says the strain is the most worrying since the UK variant.
Department of Health COVID-19 Press Briefing https://t.co/fopN32dbci
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) May 21, 2021
Eamonn Torsney has more:
"An additional 524 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed.
107 patients are being treated for the disease in hospital of which 38 are in ICU.
However the Chief Medical Officer says NPHET's closely monitoring variants of concern and is concerned at possible higher transmissibility of the so called Indian variant in other countries.
72 cases of that variant have been confirmed in Ireland.
Dr Tony Holohon says the variant may pose a risk to the progress we have made, and will be keeping a close eye on this as they consider the advice they need to provide the government, on any further easing of restrictions."
As of midnight, Thursday 20th May, the @hpscireland has been notified of 524* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) May 21, 2021
107 in hospital. 38 in ICU.
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data validation.
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