From going back to basics to taking care while trick or treating, here are some of the key takeaways from the latest briefing by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
58% of ICU patients not fully vaccinated
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn shared figures from a new audit on patients being treated in ICU with Covid-19.
Dr Glynn announced that 42% of people in ICU are fully vaccinated.
He said that the key point is that 58% of people in intensive care are not fully vaccinated, and that the unvaccinated are disproportionately represented.
NPHET urged people who have been offered a vaccine to take it and to make sure to present for the second dose.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn has said that 58% of people currently being treated in ICU with Covid-19 are not fully vaccinated | Read more: https://t.co/JhRXJq2rY2 pic.twitter.com/lX9e1e1RCo
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 27, 2021
Back to basics
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan stressed the importance of keeping basic public health advice in mind and for the public not to become complacent.
Hand-washing, social distancing, mask-wearing and avoiding crowded places were all key things the CMO reiterated.
He said these measures should be kept at the forefront of each individual's mind and described them as our first line of protection against Covid-19.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is urging people to remain vigilant when it comes to the basic measures like hand-washing and social distancing | Read more: https://t.co/JhRXJq2rY2 pic.twitter.com/zjhlHIOtFJ
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 27, 2021
CMO hopeful not to recommend more restrictions
Dr Holohan said he is hopeful that the current infection rate will slow down if people continue to follow public health advice and the basic hygiene steps that we have grown so accustomed to since the beginning of the pandemic.
He said that it is "growing at a rate that is concerning", but that it is not too late to turn a corner.
When asked if there would be a "circuit-breaker" needed, such as another lockdown or increased restrictions, Dr Holohan said they hope they do not have to enter into conversations about recommending further measures.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says Covid-19 is "growing at a rate that is concerning" but that he is hopeful the infection rate will turn a corner if public health advice is followed and that further measures won't be necessary | Read more: https://t.co/JhRXJq2rY2 pic.twitter.com/G115ctrbCm
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 27, 2021
Trick or treat
With Halloween just days away, Dr Glynn said that trick or treating can go ahead for children.
He urged parents not to allow children who are unwell to participate in any activities with others over the weekend.
Another recommendation was that people should try to limit mixing with a number of different groups as this could lead to further spreading of the disease.
With those safety precautions in mind, Dr Glynn said he is sure people can enjoy Halloween and Halloween-based activities.
Trick or treating is on the cards this Halloween, with Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn saying it can be done provided it is in a safe manner | Read more: https://t.co/JhRXJq2rY2 pic.twitter.com/0WopnOa7yQ
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 27, 2021
Personal risk assessments are key
Dr Holohan said that it will be key for each individual to undertake a personal risk assessment before engaging in social activities in high-risk settings.
He suggested that people think before meeting vulnerable people after engaging in these activities, and to only enter into high-risk settings once in a while, as opposed to every day.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has suggested the public conduct personal risk assessments before engaging in higher risk activities | Read more: https://t.co/JhRXJq2rY2 pic.twitter.com/thr1dO43nY
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) October 27, 2021
