Covid surge 'putting huge stress on health system' says Midlands HSE

Covid-19 is "once again transmitting rapidly" in local communities and is "placing huge stress on our healthcare services," according to the HSE in the Midlands.

A statement this week by the HSE's Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation said the current prevalence of the virus reinforced the need for people to follow public health advice.

"Everyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved," said Des O'Flynn, Chief Officer of Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation.

"I would also advise people to continue to manage risk for themselves, and others who are more vulnerable, around them.

"You can do this by being fully vaccinated, wearing masks, physical distancing and avoiding crowds as well as maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene. I would urge anyone due a Covid 19 vaccine to come forward for vaccination."

Dr Una Fallon, Director of Public Health Midlands, said it was important that everyone who had not received a booster vaccine sought one as soon as possible.

"Because of the uptake in vaccines, we're seeing a large degree of protection, a reduction in conversion of those high numbers of cases to those who become severely ill, as measured by hospitalisation or intensive care," said Dr Fallon.

"Getting a booster brings your protection from serious illness and hospitalisation back up to 90% after two weeks."

The HSE acknowledged that the current high levels of transmission of the virus was impacting on services in settings such as hospitals, primary and community care facilities and nursing homes.

"We have very significant numbers of HSE staff out with Covid – including doctors, nurses, therapy staff and healthcare assistants – and that is impacting on care," said Dr Fallon.

"A collective national response and the proven effectiveness of vaccines in protection against illness and saving lives has allowed the lifting of nearly all restrictions.

"With opening up of society in recent weeks, collectively we can turn the tide again by doing the basics - please wear your mask appropriately, practice hand hygiene and come forward for your booster or primary vaccine and isolate if symptomatic," she concluded.