The further increase in cases today is not unexpected given the ongoing spread of Omicron and wider testing achieved from the combined use of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) and PCR.
These case numbers and hospitalisations are another reminder that vaccination is our best defence against the virus. There is growing evidence that three doses of Pfizer is protective against Omicron.
We are strongly encouraging people to get a booster dose if it has been more than three months since their second dose. There were 25,461 booster doses administered yesterday and, overall, around 68.8% of the eligible population have received a booster dose.
As always, anyone with any cold or flu symptoms that could be COVID-19 is asked to get a test and isolate at home until a negative result is returned and they are feeling well.