'We're clearly now in a third wave'
'We're clearly now in a third wave’ @President_MU Prof Philip Nolan says as he sets out some detail on #Covid19 trends | https://t.co/bMeJ5iAIlc pic.twitter.com/Wc9rWjmE0L
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
Professor Philip Nolan said there are very rapidly rising numbers, and "we're clearly now in a third wave".
He said case numbers are rising all across the country, with equally rapid growth in Dublin and in the other counties combined.
The positivity rate of tests is also rising rapidly, which is a sign of widespread transmission in the community, he said.
Of grave concern for NPHET, he said, is that in the second wave in October there was a very long period of time where the disease was confined to young people, specifically those aged 19-24.
Two weeks ago, NPHET started to see the disease increasing in 19 to 24-year-olds and young adults again.
But last week the disease incidence increased "very uniformly" across the population, with a very concerning increase in those aged over 65 and those aged over 85.
Vaccine approval welcomed
HPRA Chief Executive Dr Lorraine Nolan welcomes the EMA authorisation of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, but cautions it is not a silver bullet and people must still follow public health advice | https://t.co/bMeJ5iAIlc pic.twitter.com/biL4kXZrnQ
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
On the day the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved for use in the EU, Health Products Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Dr Lorraine Nolan said the "thorough evaluation means Irish and all EU citizens can be assured of the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine".
She added: "However, from a regulatory perspective, our work does not stop here. We will continue to collect and analyse data, on the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine, as part of an extensive monitoring programme to ensure this and any additionally authorised vaccines remain safe and effective."
She said everyone would be encouraged to report any suspected side effects, which would be investigated.
On whether pregnant women can take the newly-approved Pfizer-BioNTech #covid19 vaccine, HPRA Chief Executive Dr Lorraine Nolan says laboratory evidence suggests it is safe. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on other risk factors. | https://t.co/bMeJ5iAIlc pic.twitter.com/ul3Amk3qxr
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
For ethical reasons, pregnant women did not participate in the vaccine trials.
However, recent laboratory evidence suggests the vaccine would not cause harm.
Dr Nolan said it will be decided on a case-by-case basis, and some pregnant women who may be at increased risk of serious complications due to Covid-19, due to factors such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues, should discuss taking the vaccine with their doctors.
'Not the time' for socialising or travel
'The most responsible thing that you could do now is stay at home, stay at home with the people that you live with,' @CMOIreland says. 'There are safe choices you can still make irrespective of the level that we happen to be at as a country.' #Covid19 pic.twitter.com/Hm3667UlKE
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan emphasised the importance of individual responsibility in combating the spread of the virus, saying it is not the time for socialising or traveling around the country.
He urged people to reconsider their plans for Christmas, in particular cautioning those who may have been socialising in recent weeks that they should think carefully before visiting older or vulnerable relatives.
Dr Holohan suggested that just because people are allowed to go to restaurants or other social settings, they don't have to.
'It isn't a time for traveling around the country, it isn't a time for being out socialising' @CMOIreland says, urging people to take individual responsibility to help control the spread of #Covid19 | https://t.co/bMeJ5iAIlc pic.twitter.com/5MvwagPXLD
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
Evidence on new strain still unclear, but caution wise
On the recently identified #Covid19 strain, @CillianDeGascun says "based on the rate of spread they have seen in the UK ... I think it's prudent for European governments and our own to operate on the precautionary principle until we have more information" https://t.co/bMeJ5iAIlc pic.twitter.com/PSl8fUqXU0
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
On reports the new strain of #Covid19 recently identified in the UK is more easily transmitted, @CillianDeGascun says "there are some genetic markers ... that might explain why it would be more infective ... but at this point we haven't really seen the hard evidence for that". pic.twitter.com/dIsxsfJvjt
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
Speaking about the newly-identified strain of Covid-19 which has been blamed for rapid spread in London and surrounding areas, Dr Cillian De Gascun said that while there is as of yet no hard evidence to suggest the strain is more transmissible, there are certain genetic markers which give cause for concern.
He said governments are correct to take precautions in light of the reports.
Prof Nolan, however, added that cases in Ireland are likely growing due to increased social contacts, rather than necessarily being linked to any particular strain of the virus.
'We don't need to hypothesise the existence of a new variant to explain the very high growth rates ... it's clear from the level of social contact we're seeing that it could account for those very high growth rates with the variants of the virus we already have' - @President_MU pic.twitter.com/ETqfjy6CWK
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
Protecting key services
Asked if the worsening situation could threaten the planned reopening of schools after Christmas, @CMOIreland says the best means of protecting schools and health services is to keep community transmission down in the first place | https://t.co/bMeJ5iAIlc pic.twitter.com/cj8JY2ILzw
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 21, 2020
Asked if schools will reopen as planned after Christmas, Dr Holohan said that speaking in general and not specifically about schools, the National Public Health Emergency Team continually reviews its advice to Government based on the latest data.
Core objectives of the Covid-19 restrictions have been keeping schools and other essential public services open. he said. He added that Ireland has done well as a country to do that.
However, he cautioned that the fact we have done so, so far does not guarantee that if transmission gets to a certain level that we will be able to continue to provide such services, such as schools and non-Covid healthcare.
Dr Holohan said the best way to protect these vital services is to keep community transmission down.
