The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 4,688 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The Department of Health can confirm that 8 additional cases of the Omicron variant have been detected, bringing to 18 the total number of cases that have been identified following whole genome sequencing.

As of 8am today, 518 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 108 are in ICU.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said:

Today we are reporting a further 8 cases of Omicron variant, confirmed by whole genome sequencing, bringing the total confirmed in Ireland to 18.

Possible Omicron cases can be identified by the number of PCR results with ‘S gene target failure’ – just as we did when the alpha variant emerged a year ago. Using this methodology, we estimate that 11% of cases are now due to the Omicron variant, an increase from less than 1% only one week ago.  

While evidence on disease severity and immune escape is still emerging, it is clear this variant is more transmissible. We are hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.  

Over the coming days and weeks global health authorities will learn more about this variant and the risks it poses. In the meantime, we continue to have confidence in the basic measures to reduce transmission.”

Layer up on the basic measures to protect you and your loved ones from infection; 

• Practice social distancing  
• Work from home, where possible 
• Avoid crowds 
• Ensure indoor spaces and public transport are ventilated (open windows) 
• Hand and respiratory hygiene 
• Use face masks  
• Stay at home and isolate if you experience symptoms  

Notes to the Editor:

• To date, 18 cases of the Omicron variant of concern have been confirmed through whole-genome sequencing.
• PCR tests can accurately detect the SARS-COV-2 virus, including the Omicron variant. Omicron has a mutation that leads to PCR results showing an ‘S gene target failure’ (SGTF). Possible cases can be confirmed by genomic sequencing. Because PCR testing is quicker than genomic sequencing, tracking the proportion of SGTF case numbers is a good proxy for the likely spread of Omicron in Ireland. In Ireland, we have confirmed 18 cases to date through genome sequencing. However,
  • the proportion of our cases that are SGTF (and are therefore likely to be Omicron) has risen from <1% to 11% in just over a week (for specimens taken on 11^th December). This means it is likely that approximately 11% of cases reported in Ireland are now due to the Omicron variant.
  • The proportion of cases that are Omicron is now rising exponentially and it is likely that there is now widespread community transmission of this variant.
  • It is likely that the proportion of cases due to the Omicron variant will increase very rapidly over the coming days.

Statistics on booster vaccinations are now available on the COVID-19 data hub.

#LayerUp to protect against COVID-19 infection. A range of posters and signs are available for you to use.

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