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Covid-19: Self-isolation rules to be eased for healthcare workers Those who recover from virus deemed immune for six months rather than three
Sat, Feb 27, 2021, 00:01
It is hoped the change in policy will help ease the pressure on the health service, which has faced manpower challenges. File photograph: iStock
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Healthcare and other workers who have been infected with Covid-19 are to face less stringent self-isolation requirements once they recover as part of a bid to ease pressure on the health service.
As of 2pm on Monday, 241 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 29 are in ICU.
There have been 18 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “Our current disease trends are gravely concerning. The situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent days. A total of 3,837 cases have been notified in the past 7 days. The five day rolling average has increased from 339 on 17th December to 616 on 21st December, an 82% increase. It is now as important as it was back in March to limit your contacts and protect your loved ones.”
Dr Lorraine Nolan, Chief Executive, Health Products Regulatory Authority, said: “Today we welcome a highly significant announcement from the European Medicines Agency in their recommendation to approve a first vaccine for Covid-19 in Europe.