No change in number of Covid-19 patients in hospital as figures remain at 6 month high

Hospital numbers for Covid-19 patients continue to remain high, according to latest figures. 

There are 643 people hospitalised, figures released this morning show. This is the same number as yesterday, which was the highest figure in 6 months. 

A total of 78 new Covid-19 patients were confirmed in the past 24 hours.

The figure for Covid-19 patients in hospital is 17% higher than last Friday, and 38% higher than a fortnight ago.

The latest ICU figures stand at 118 cases for those receiving intensive care treatment. 

Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTE Radio earlier today, HSE CEO Paul Reid admitted "the entire health system, both hospitals and community healthcare, are now under very serious pressure". 

He also revealed that close to 500,000 people have received a booster vaccine in the country.