Taoiseach acknowledges 'extreme demands' on health service as Covid numbers rise

The video discusses the impact of rising COVID-19 cases on hospitals, highlighting the pressure caused by isolation protocols. It emphasizes the importance of wearing masks in public spaces and large gatherings. The speaker notes the emergence of more transmissible COVID-19 variants and the potential waning of vaccine effectiveness, but reassures that vaccines still prevent serious illness effectively.

What is one of the main challenges hospitals face with COVID-19 patients?

• Lack of medical staff

• Patients being diagnosed with COVID-19 after admission for other ailments

• Shortage of medical supplies

• Increased number of ICU beds

What has the Chief Medical Officer advised regarding mask usage?

• Masks are not necessary in public transport

• Masks should be worn in retail and public transport

• Masks should be worn only in hospitals

• Masks should be worn only outdoors

Why is it more difficult to avoid COVID-19 now compared to earlier?

• Vaccines are no longer effective

• New variants are more transmissible

• There are fewer health guidelines

• The virus has become less transmissible

What is a concern regarding the COVID-19 vaccines?

• They cause serious side effects

• They are not effective at all

• They are not available to everyone

• There may be some waning immunity

Despite new variants, what is the good news about COVID-19 vaccines?

• They are ineffective against serious illness

• They are still effective in preventing serious illness

• They are not needed anymore

• They are only effective for a short period