Taoiseach: Delta Covid 19 Variant Will Be A "Slow Burner".

Thursday, 8 July 2021 09:22

File image: Taoiseach, Micheál Martin/RollingNews

581 new cases of the virus reported last night.

The Taoiseach says the Delta variant of Covid-19 is an ongoing concern and will be a 'slow-burner'.

He told his parliamentary party last night testing and tracing will be increased to try to address the highly transmissible strain.

The highest number of Covid cases in 76 days were reported yesterday, with 581 new infections.

Delta variant 'will be a slow burner', warns Taoiseach https://t.co/k5lZ2MpHVf
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) July 8, 2021

Professor Emer Shelley, from the Royal College of Physicians, says we're at the start of the fourth wave.

Professor says the upward trend will continue, for several reasons.

The world's Covid-19 death toll has passed 4 million, according to the World Health Organisation.

Director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus says we are at a 'perilous point' in the pandemic.

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.