Covid numbers increase in the south of Ireland

There has been no increase in hospitalisations despite growing numbers of Covid-19 cases in the south of Ireland, the HSE has said.

Although there was no spike in Covid-19 cases during the spring, the HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) says there has been a notable increase since the beginning of the summer.

“While there was no spring peak in cases in 2024, we are preparing for a potential rise in cases over the summer months,” said a CKCH spokesperson.

“While the number of cases has increased overall, there has been no increase in hospitalisations, ICU cases, and deaths related to COVID-19,” they added.

A Cork city pharmacy also confirmed to the Cork Independent that it had seen a recent increase in the number of Covid-19 antigen tests being sold to customers.

A staff member at Broderick’s Chemist on Barrack Street said they had fully restocked antigen tests in response to the increasing demand.

The HSE advises that vaccines remain the best protection against serious illness from Covid-19. The Covid-19 spring booster is currently available to people aged 80 and over and those aged 5+ with a weak immune system.

Members of the public are advised by the HSE to contact the GP or local pharmacy for a free vaccine. For further information on Covid-19, visit hse.ie/conditions/covid19or call HSELive on 1800 700 700.