Over 800 cases over Christmas but now no Covid patients in ICU

SLIGO had the 15th highest incidence rate of Covid-19 infections over Christmas. The rate was 1246.7, with a total of 817 cases detailed in recent figures. The incidence rate in Sligo was more than double the figure for Week 51 – 550.9, underlining the rapid spread of the virus in a very short time frame.

However, it is generally accepted now that these figures for every county should be much higher. New figures capturing how the highly infectious Omicron variant plunged thousands into isolation during the festivities show how the explosion in cases affected some counties more than others.

The incidence rate in Westmeath was the highest at 3,056.2 per 100,000 people. This was followed by Clare (1,974 per 100,000) and Kilkenny (1,855.2 per 100,000), while it reached 1,820 per 100,000 in Longford.

Yesterday, Wednesday, there were 28 people receiving treatment for Covid-19 at Sligo University Hospital, but crucially, none of these patients were in ICU. Yesterday, Wedesday, changes made to current close contact guidance will see boosted asymptomatic close contacts no longer needing to restrict their movements for five days, but they will be advised to wear a medical or higher grade mask and take antigen tests. Meanwhile, close contacts who have not received a booster vaccine will have to restrict their movements for seven days.

Sligo restaurateur Anthony Gray, pictured right, says the government need a plan going forward ahead as Ministers are set to approve a number of changes to the Covid testing regime and rules around close contacts. Speaking on Ocean FM, Mr Gray said he feels we need to learn to live with Covid-19. Finally, there were 34 people waiting for a bed in Sligo University Hospital according to the latest Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s

Trolley Watch figures.