A possible outbreak of the Delta variant has been identified in Athlone, Co Westmeath.
The World Health Organisation says there's a 'real chance' the Delta variant will become the dominant strain of Covid-19 in Ireland.
It comes as the chief medical officer says there's been a 'concerning increase' in cases of the strain here.
Plan to press ahead with reopening despite new Delta surge https://t.co/C2GX7NMgaD
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Dr Tony Holohan says about a fifth of infections in the past week involved this variant, first discovered in India.
A total of 284 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed here yesterday.
Dr David Nabarro, from the W-H-O, says the Delta variant is very concerning.
A possible outbreak of the Delta variant has been identified in Athlone, Co Westmeath.
But the Department of Health in the midlands say it's not yet confirmed as the strain first discovered in India.
The HSE said the cases were linked to socialising by the river on the west on Friday June 11, while there have been reports of house parties in the area that night.
The number of Covid patients in intensive care has fallen to its lowest level in over nine months.
The figure dropped to 13 yesterday - the lowest since mid-September - compared to a peak of 221 in January.
A total of 53 Covid patients are in hospitals across the country.
Dr Alan Gaffney, the vice-president of the Intensive Care Society, says the ICU situation is very positive.
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