COVID-19 Cases Surge in Ireland, Hospitals Introduce Visiting Restrictions Amid Growing Concerns
Thailand Medical News Team Aug 04, 2023 8 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, 3 hours, 26 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: As COVID-19 cases see a worrying surge in Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a warning, revealing that infections are on the rise and causing hospital admissions. The situation has prompted several hospitals to implement strict visiting restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.
According to the HSE, indicators had been showing a downward trend during May and June, offering hope that the pandemic was easing. However, starting from the end of June, the trend reversed, with infections rising once again. The UK is also experiencing a similar upward trend in cases.
The latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show that there were 419 cases of COVID-19 reported over the past week, a 51.8 per cent increase compared with the previous week, when 276 cases were notified. This new surge has led to a 22% increase in cases over the last month alone.
The HSE clarified that there hasn't been a significant increase in the severity of infections recently. While the number of patients in intensive care with COVID-19 has slightly risen during July, it remains relatively low. Nonetheless, past experience suggests that if case numbers increase substantially, hospitals can expect a rise in admissions to both regular wards and ICUs.
St. Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny has been grappling with a COVID-19 outbreak and, as a result, has taken the decision to suspend all but essential visiting. The maternity unit remains an exception to this restriction. Moreover, the hospital is urging people with non-urgent medical needs to consider alternative options before heading to the emergency department.
Unfortunately, St. Luke's is not the only hospital facing challenges due to outbreaks. University Hospital Galway has also reported an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, affecting multiple wards and requiring additional measures to manage the situation. As patient numbers increase, the Emergency Department at the hospital is witnessing a surge in attendance, exacerbating the strain on resources.
Local
COVID-19 News coverages reported that the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has expressed concern about the state of hospitals' infection control measures. They argue that improvements are needed to prevent cross-infection among patients, especially with the potential of winter waves approaching.
Amidst this resurgence, one general practitioner, Dr Marie Scully from Abbey House Medical Centre in Navan, Co Meath, took to social media to raise awareness. She highlighted the outbreak of the virus in her practice, affecting four staff members, including two GPs and one receptionist. Dr Scully emphasized that COVID-19 hasn't disappeared, and urged people not to become complacent.
While the situation may be challenging, health authorities stress the importance of adhering to public health guidelines, such as handwashing, covering coughs, and wearing masks where appropriate. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in mitigating the severity of the virus, but it is essential not to underestimate the potential for new waves of infections and hospitalizations.
As Ireland grapples with the resur
gence of COVID-19, authorities are urging vigilance from the public and reinforcing the need to stay informed and cautious to protect themselves and their communities.
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COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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