Covid Infection Rates Soar to 2021 Lockdown Levels
New infection rates from Covid-19 have surged to levels reminiscent of the 2021 lockdown, with the latest statistics prompting significant concern among health experts. Renowned immunologist, Professor Luke O’Neill, has described the new figures as ‘disturbing’, though he reassures the public that our immune systems remain robust enough to prevent severe illness.
During Christmas three years ago, public health officials warned that the Omicron variant was causing an unprecedented spike in cases, severely straining hospitals. Now, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has revealed that the latest Covid-19 variant, dubbed FLiRT, has been detected in 29 out of 30 catchment areas across Ireland.
Recent data up to July 6, derived from wastewater testing—a method used to monitor Covid-19 circulation—indicates that 23 of the 29 affected catchment areas have seen viral load increases ranging from 10% to 50%. This means infection rates have doubled in some regions. A high-profile immunologist noted that as many as one-in-three people currently experiencing cold-like symptoms could be infected with Covid-19.
Prof. O’Neill from Trinity College highlighted the persistent presence of the virus: “There has been evidence of a surge going on over these past few months. We all know someone now who has Covid. It has been building. But it is disturbing that the new figures show that it is as big as the surge of 2021. We were in the thick of it then. It is now spreading more and more.”
He further emphasized the difficulty in tracking exact numbers due to reduced testing: “It is the FLiRT variant but people are not testing so it is very difficult to say how many people have it. The symptoms are mild. If you have a sniffle or a cold, there is a good chance that you have Covid. It could be as high as one-in-three people with colds. The virus has changed and mutated again. It doesn’t go into the lungs and cause severe disease.”
While assuring the public about the strength of our immune systems, Prof. O’Neill warned of potential future mutations: “Our immune system is strong enough to stop us developing severe illness. But the big worry is that if it becomes rampant in the community, it will keep mutating and a worse mutant will emerge. That’s not happening at the moment but it is one to watch.”
According to the HPSC, there were 851 cases of Covid-19, including one death, and 321 hospitalisations in the week ending July 13. More than half (55%) of the new cases were among those aged 65 or older. An HPSC spokesperson noted: “The viral load observed across several [areas] in recent weeks is as high as that seen during previous major peaks of Covid-19 activity, such as December and January 2021, when the Omicron variant first emerged.”
She added: “Several other surveillance systems for Covid-19 also indicate high levels of circulation during this latest wave of Covid-19. They match levels observed during the winter period [of 2021]. While there are signs that Covid-19 activity is beginning to stabilise, levels of circulation are still high.”
As the community grapples with these developments, health officials and experts continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and potential adaptations in response strategies.
