Concerns Increase Ahead Of Schools And Colleges Returning, as Covid Case Numbers Continue To Climb

The Chief Medical Officer says a rapid rise in cases shows that Covid-19 is circulating widely. 12 thousand infections have been detected in the last week.

237 covid patients were in hospital last night, including 52 in ICU.
The figures have been described as worrying, ahead of unvaccinated children returning to school:

Meanwhile the Irish Federation of University Teachers wants health and safety measures strengthened when college returns in September.
It's concerned there's no requirement for social distancing in classrooms and lecture halls.
It says clarity's needed on how social distancing will be run, to avoid different policies in different colleges.