The virus ‘doesn’t care if we are fed up’.

That’s the latest advice from Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, as he urged the public to ‘risk assess’ their plans for the coming weekend amid a sharp rise in Covid-19 infections across the country.

The latest figures show a worrying increase in cases in Cork City South Central LEA, where the 14-day incidence rate is 444.8 – well above the national average of 372.6 per 100,000 people. 172 new cases were diagnosed in the area this week compared to 165 last week.

Nationwide, a further 1,491 new cases of the disease have been confirmed in the past 24 hours. 193 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 28 are in ICU.

“It’s understandable that after the period of time that Covid-19 has been with us, that some people become tired of it. But the virus does not become tired.” Dr Holohan said.

“It doesn’t care if we are fed up, it only sees the opportunity to spread from person to person when we let our guard down.”

‘Risk assess your plans’

“Risk assess your plans this weekend. Remember that if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms at all, you should err on the side of caution and stay at home – do not meet up with others, and do not go to work. If you are an employer, remind your employees to continue working from home where possible for now, and not to attend work with any Covid-19 symptoms.”

In more positive news, the latest figures show that vaccine take-up in Ireland is extremely high. More than 90% of over 40s have now had a first dose at least. In the over 30s it’s 84%, in the 18 to 29 year age group it is over 73%, and in the 16-17 year age group, it is over 46%.

“Vaccines work, but they must also be supported by us all choosing to act as safely as possible.” Dr Holohan added.