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Covid-19: Evening Update

Coronavirus

Covid-19: Evening Update

RedFM News
RedFM News

04:37 29 Aug 2021


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Here's A Reminder Of Today's Covid Headlines

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The Department of Health has announced 1,706 new cases of Covid-19 today.

There are 347 people in hospital with the virus - an increase of 23 on yesterday - while 61 of these are being treated in intensive care.

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Public transport will increase to 100 percent capacity from this week.

It's currently operating at 75 percent due to Covid-19 restrictions with the change to accommodate the return of schools and offices.

Originally full public transport capacity was targeted for earlier in the summer, however it was delayed due to the emergence of the Delta variant.

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Contact tracing has been less intense recently, according to a GP.

There have been concerns raised by teachers about the speed outbreaks can be dealt with in schools as children return to the classroom for the first time since the emergence of the Delta variant.

Over the past year, there were redeployment of HSE workers and civil servants - however they've gone back to their original roles.

Monaghan GP Illona Duffy, says her patients have noticed a change in the country's contact tracing abilities recently

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Representatives from the events industry are due to meet with the government tomorrow.

Music and entertainment workers are calling for the sector to reopen to full capacity for those who are fully vaccinated.

The Event Industry Alliance also wants government supports for workers to continue until June of next year.

40 thousand were allowed to attend the All-Ireland hurling final in Croke Park last weekend while 25 thousand were at the football semi-final yesterday.

Dan MacDonnell, Chairman of The Event Industry Alliance, says it's hard to see large crowds at sporting events while the wider events industry is closed

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The HSE says it will look to maximise the uptake of Covid-19 vaccines by using different initiatives to give those who are yet to receive a jab the opportunity to do so.

It comes as reports say the vaccine taskforce is considering rolling out pop-up vaccine centres in parts of the country where uptake is low.

Over 20 walk-in vaccine centres are continuing today, with 12-15 year olds now allowed to avail of a vaccine at the clinics.

Almost 88 percent of adults are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with 92 per cent partially vaccinated.

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A public health expert says 'we're not out of the woods yet' with the pandemic.

UCC Professor Gerry Killeen thinks any move to wind down the National Public Health Emergency Team in October would be 'premature'.

1,997 new cases of Covid-19 have been recorded, including 61 patients in intensive care.

Professor Killeen thinks the return of schools in September will pose a major problem as it's caused restrictions in other countries.


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