WHO: A "Real Chance" Delta Variant Will Become The Dominant Strain In Ireland.

Tuesday, 22 June 2021 09:15

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
— Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) June 22, 2021

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.

More from National News

Kildare Council Says "Not A Single Complaint" Lodged About Abbey Street Closure In Naas

Cllr Moore claimed that the Abbey Street closure has effectively turned parts of Naas - including Harbour View and Basin Street - into a 300-metre cul-de-sac, adding that if the single vehicle entrance from Main Street were ever blocked, residents, businesses, and emergency services could be cut off.
Ireland’s Most "Haunted" House, Loftus Hall, Sold For €3 Million To Meath Investor

The property on Wexford's Hook Peninsula was last sold in 2021 and hasn't been open to the public since 2020.
Vapers Warn Government People Will Return To Smoking Cigarettes If Fruity Flavoured Vapes Are Banned

Audio

Over 70% of ex-smokers say fruit flavours play a key role in helping them stay off cigarettes.
Katriona O’Sullivan To Lead Ireland’s First National Centre For Inclusive Higher Education At Maynooth

It will focus on helping people from all backgrounds access and succeed in college.
Inside A Kildare Turkey Farm: How Bird Flu Is Testing Farmers’ Nerves Before Christmas

Feighcullen farmer Billy Gray joined Hannah Kelly on this morning’s Kildare Today to discuss the impact the bird flu outbreak has had on his flock.
29 People Arrested As Gardaí Crackdown On Organised Retail Crime

They've been charged and are due in court today.
Renewed Calls From Senator Fiona O'Loughlin For Passage Of Catfish Bill That Would Make Catfishing A Standalone Criminal Offence

Her appeal follows revelations that prolific Northern Irish sex offender Alexander McCartney continued to offend and catfish while on bail for similar crimes
Doctors "Gasped" At Extent Of Injuries As Stepmother Admits Killing 4-Year-Old Stepson

The woman, who can't be named in order to protect the identity of a child witness, changed her plea to guilty on what was the fourth day of her trial.