The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) is expecting a surge in Covid cases this month in which up to 5,000 daily cases can be reported. According to a ‘central scenario’ modelled by Nphet following the reopening plans, the experts are worried that 3,000 to 5,000 Covid infections can be seen and the hospitalisatios will be from 750 to 1,300, reports The Irish Times. Among the hospitalized patients 150 to 250 might need ICUs.
The ’optimistic scenario’ proposes 2,500 to 3,000 daily cases and between 500 to 700 hospitalisations in the coming month. 80 to 130 will be in need of intensive care.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan have written a letter explaining this to the Health Minister and it warns the Delta variant would be the cause for this situation. The variant is more transmissible and less susceptible to the vaccines.
Under the new plans by the government, Ireland will see a phased society reopening starting from September 6. The public transports have allowed 100% passenger capacity already.
According to Dr. Holohan, the key concerns pertaining the reopening are uncertainty about the length of immunity and the long-term consequences of infection. In the letter, he also indicated the possibility of reintroduction of restrictions in future.
Meanwhile the Taoiseach Micheal Martin today confirmed the government will not rule out keeping Covid restrictions in areas where the virus spread is high. Donegal and Monaghan are the areas where highest cases of infection are reported now a days. Though no specific plans for these areas are there for now.
The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly also opinioned the same saying, the government will continue to monitor the situation and reopening may be delayed or paused if necessary.