Public Health Expert Says Covid 19 Producing More Infections, Weekly, Than An Entire 'Flu Season.

Sunday, 3 October 2021 09:30

1,586 more infections were confirmed in the Republic yesterday

Even with our successful vaccine campaign, Covid-19 is producing more new infections every week than a whole winter flu season.

That's the warning from public health expert Professor Anthony Staines, as the Republic recorded 1,586 new infections yesterday.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has urged people to keep wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing when going into spaces like pubs and restaurants this winter.

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, avoid crowds and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others.
— Dr Tony Holohan (@DrTonyHolohan) October 2, 2021

A tally published by the Reuters news agency found the pandemic death toll has now passed five million.

Professor Anthony Staines from DCU says the pandemic is a heavy burden on our health system.

1,586 more infections were confirmed in the Republic yesterday, with 298 people in hospital.

Professor Staines, says up to a tenth of that number will require medium or long-term care for "Long Covid".

He says the public healthcare system isn't ready for them

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