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The \u201cgreat signs\u201d of the Covid-19 vaccine starting to reduce transmission is giving healthcare staff a second wind, the HSE chief executive has said.<\/p>\nThe \u201cgreat signs\u201d of the Covid-19 vaccine starting to reduce transmission is giving healthcare staff a second wind, the HSE chief executive has said.<\/p>\n
Paul Reid said while the country is winning in its battle in reducing the spread of the virus, he warned it is \u201cnot over yet\u201d.<\/p>\n
The number of people admitted to hospital with the virus has been reducing in recent weeks but health experts are concerned that infection rates are not dropping at a faster rate.<\/p>\n
Mr Reid tweeted on Saturday: \u201cContinued improvement today in those hospitalized, 550, and in ICU, 135, with Covid-19.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur healthcare teams are exhausted.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut getting their vaccination and the great signs of it reducing transmission is giving us all a second wind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are winning, it\u2019s just not over yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Friday night, the Government added 13 more countries to its list in which travelers arriving from the locations have to undergo mandatory isolation for 14 days.<\/p>\n
The countries have all been flagged to be at high risk of Covid-19 infection.<\/p>\n
They include Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.<\/p>\n
The Government is to introduce mandatory quarantine at designated facilities in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly brought legislation to the D\u00e1il earlier this week to bring in mandatory quarantine.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce the Bill has passed through all stages in the Oireachtas, it will be referred to the President for his consideration,\u201d Mr Donnelly added.<\/p>\n
\u201cSubject to the Bill becoming law, it is the Government\u2019s intention to commence the operation of mandatory quarantine facilities as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
A National Oversight Group for Variants of Concern (VOC) has been set up to monitor and advise about the challenges posed new strains of the virus.<\/p>\n
On Friday, a further 29 people who had tested positive for Covid-19 died, while another 776 confirmed cases were also announced.<\/p>\n
As of February 23rd, 373,280 doses of the vaccine had been administered in the State, including 238,841 first doses and 134,439 second doses.<\/p>\n