New Covid Cases Drop Slightly But Consultant Warns Hospital Admissions Could Still Rise

A consultant in infectious diseases says the number of Covid patients in hospital could continue to rise, despite falling case numbers.

Yesterday, the Department of Health confirmed 1,144 further cases of the virus, down 36 on the day before.
There are 384 Covid patients in hospital - an increase of 18 in 24 hours - of whom 59 are in intensive care.
Yesterday, some pandemic restrictions were eased as children and students return to classrooms.
Dr Eoghan deBarra, Consultant in Infectious Diseases in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, says hospital figures could continue to rise in the coming weeks