The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital has risen again to 1,081, the highest since February last year. The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care has also gone up to 44, up from 42 yesterday. Meanwhile the positivity rate among people having PCR test is also high today at 43.95pc with 7,131 new cases. It comes as hospitals are braced a surge in hospital emergency attendances over the coming days as the country celebrates St Patrick's Day. The Mater Hospital in Dublin said today it is appealing to the public, where possible, to avoid its emergency department.

Source: Irish Independent March 16, 2022 23:42 UTC