26,122 new cases confirmed, although hospitalisations drop slightly
A new all-time record level of Covid-19 infection has been set in the Republic of Ireland.
Figures released this afternoon show 26,122 new cases of the virus, confirmed with PCR tests.
The record breaking case count is widely expected to be an under-estimate of the exact number of positive cases in the community.
The HSE has still to confirm a system which would allow positive antigen tests to be uploaded to give a more complete picture of the actual virus numbers in the country.
Demand for PCR testing and availablity of antigen tests have been under severe pressure this week.
Meanwhile the HSE has confirmed that the number of people being treated for Covid 19 in Irish hospitals has fallen for the second day in a row.
As of 8:30 this morning 917 patients are being treated for the virus - a drop of 19 on yesterday.
The number of people being treated for Covid 19 in the country's ICU's now stands at 83 a drop of one since yesterday.
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Professor Anthony Staines of DCU says the new levels of infection won't result in herd immunity.
He says Ireland wasn't doing enough to control the Delta strain -- and simply wasn't ready for Omicron
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