READER POLL: Do you think schools should open this week?

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital has risen to 804, the highest number since last February. 

This number represents the highest total since February 17th last and is 74% higher than last week, and 72% up on two weeks ago.

While the hospital numbers trend is alarming, Professor Luke O’Neill predicts 2022 will be the year we win the fight against Covid.

The immunologist said we will be able to return to normal life in the next 12 months – likely starting in spring.

He said: “The ultimate mission of medicine must be to get us back to the way things were. To get back to living full lives.”

“By the time we get to March and April, it will be a different story entirely – watch.”

With the numbers rising every day do you think schools should re-open this week? Vote in our poll above.