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COVID-19: 2,778 new cases reported in Ireland

The number of COVID patients in hospitals has fallen further, while those in ICU have increased
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

15.33 22 Apr 2022


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COVID-19: 2,778 new cases repo...

COVID-19: 2,778 new cases reported in Ireland

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

15.33 22 Apr 2022


Share this article


There have been 2,778 further cases of COVID-19 reported in Ireland.

There have been 1,171 PCR-confirmed cases reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

While, on Thursday, 1,607 people also registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal.

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Based on this data, the five-day moving average of cases stands at 2,920 - its first increase this week.

As of 8.00am Friday, 599 patients were hospitalised with the virus - of whom 39 were in ICU.

That is a drop of 55 patients in hospitals in the last 24 hours, while the numbers in ICU have increased by two.

It comes as people can now book second COVID-19 booster doses at vaccination centres online.

These are being offered to those aged over-65, and those with a weak immune system.

A pharmacist prepares a dose of Moderna vaccine at a pharmacy in the US state of Illinois. A pharmacist prepares a dose of Moderna vaccine at a pharmacy in the US state of Illinois. Picture by: H. Rick Bamman/Zuma Press/PA Images

While participating GPs and pharmacies will also begin giving second boosters in the coming weeks.

People over the age of 30 will be offered a Moderna booster - while those under 30 will be offered Pfizer.

Head of the HSE vaccine programme, Dr Damien McCallion, earlier told Newstalk Breakfast there is 'very strong' evidence backing the benefits of a second booster.

"I can't emphasise that enough. They did a very thorough international review.

"They looked at the evidence and they were very strong in relation to asking people to come forward.

"I can’t stress strongly enough that the medical evidence and the advice from our key medical staff is very clear that in order to prevent hospitalisation, severe illness and death that people do come forward."

He said there are around 750,000 people eligible for the second booster - including 50,000 immuno-compromised people.

Main image: A woman holding an antigen test with a positive result. Picture by: Roberto Jimenez / Alamy Stock Photo

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Coronavirus Covid-19 Dr Damien McCallion HPSC HSE Portal Ireland Moderna Booster

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