New cases are soaring across the country.

And according to the latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), Cork is now a Covid-19 hot spot, as previous immunity begins to wane significantly.

With 31,224 new cases recorded nationally in the week up to Wednesday (a figure based only on free HSE PCR tests), Cork is one of a number of counties, including Kerry, Limerick, Clare and Galway, to record an incidence rate of over 280 per 100,000 this week.

Incidences of second, third, and even fourth Covid-19 infections are on the increase too, with vulnerable people advised to wear masks in crowded settings to avoid further illness.

A total of 195 deaths were notified in June, bringing the total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 to 7,499. There are 794 people receiving hospital treatment for the illness.

HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said the BA4 and BA5 subvariants now account for the majority of cases (90 percent).

Speaking to RTÉ radio’s News at One, Dr Henry said Covid is now  “a virus for all seasons” and that the latest surge in infections is placing hospitals under “considerable pressure”.

What’s the latest advice?

If you have any symptoms of Covid-19, even mild ones, the advice is to self-isolate (stay in your room) until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone and wear a face mask if you have to be around other people.

If you’re 65 or over, you can access the latest Covid-19 booster vaccine by contacting a participating pharmacy or GP, booking online or calling 1800 700 700.