Statement from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre:

As of midnight, Sunday 20th June, we are reporting 284* confirmed cases of #COVID19.

13 in ICU. 53 in hospital.

*Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.

CMO Dr. Tony Holohan:

Today’s data show a concerning increase in transmission of the Delta variant in Ireland.

We estimate that Delta accounts for up to 20% of cases reported in the last week.

We have also seen a number of outbreaks associated with this variant reported in the last week.

This is similar to a pattern being seen in a number of other EU member states.

In the UK, Delta has been the dominant strain of #COVID19 for a number of weeks and now they are beginning to experience a rise in hospitalisations.

It is really important that people who are not fully vaccinated continue to follow all public health advice. This includes people who are waiting for their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

People should take a vaccine when it is offered to them and in the meantime they should continue to avoid crowds, limit contacts, avoid meeting up indoors and work from home where possible.

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