Covid Cases In Hospital Lowest Number In Over Two Weeks

Wednesday, 19 January 2022 14:45

By Caoimhe Harney

910 this morning.

Over 150 fewer people are in hospital with Covid now than nine days ago.

The figure decreased to 910 this morning, the lowest in over two weeks.

It reached 1,063 at the peak of the Omicron wave on the 10th January.

As of 8pm last night, 15 people were being treated for the virus in Naas General, while 3 people were being treated for suspected cases.

There were 6,738 positive Covid swabs detected yesterday.

The positivity rate from nearly 22,000 tests was 31 per cent.

The seven-day positivity rate has fallen to 40 per cent.

The Taoiseach has said people can be optimistic about the easing of Covid restrictions over the coming weeks.

It's expected hospitality opening hours and crowd limits at events may be relaxed from next week.

For just over a month, pubs and restaurants have had to close at 8pm -with indoor and outdoor events limited to 50 per cent capacity.

The Tanaiste has said he wants most legal restrictions lifted by the end of March - when the laws enforcing things like the digital covid cert expire.

Green Party leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has said it might not take that long for measures to ease

NPHET is meeting tomorrow to make recommendations which cabinet will consider on Friday.

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