Covid-19: Evening Update

Here's a reminder of today's Covid headlines

COVID-19 UPDATE: 380 New Cases

The Department of Health says 38 patients are in hospital with the virus, and of these, 13 are in ICU. 

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HSE Recommending Families Rethink Communion Parties Or Other Gatherings In Light Of Delta Variant

It's considered up to 60% more transmissible than other strains.  

It now accounts for an estimated 20% of cases here, but the HSE has warned that's likely to increase. 

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Immunovirology Expert Says It's Looking Less And Less Likely That Indoor Dining Will Reopen On July 5th

NPHET will meet next week to discuss the risk posed by the delta variant before making recommendations about the reopening to Government. 

Professor of Immunovirology at UCC Liam Fanning says based on NPHET's cautious approach in the past, he's not optimistic about dining indoors next month.

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Renewed Calls For Young People To Be Given AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson Vaccines

The Taoiseach has said it may be an effective way to combat the spread of the Delta variant.