Nphet Expresses Dublin Delta Variant Concerns

NPHET has expressed concern at the spread of the Delta variant in Dublin.

"We have some concerns in particular about Dublin," said Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronan Glynn. "While the incidence is not the highest in the country, you can see that incidence has taken off there versus the rest of the country over the past number of days."

Glynn is concerned that the situation in Dublin will spread to the rest of the country. "Obviously given the population size in Dublin, if that continues it will drive the national picture," he said. "And we are aware over the past number of weeks that Delta was present at a greater proportion in the Dublin area."

On Thursday, July 1st, it was revealed that Ireland's COVID-19 death toll had reached a new landmark with over 5,000 recorded deaths now attributed to the virus as two new deaths were reported.

Concerns around the spread of the Delta variant have led to a ramping up of the vaccination programme, with 18-34-year-olds being offered vaccinations of the single jab Johnson & Johnson vaccine in pharmacies from Monday, July 5th.