Tallaght Hospital stated that “all visits to patients have been suspended” to protect their patients from exposure to COVID-19 and Norovirus.

A statement released this morning read: “We would like to remind you that all visits to patients have been suspended.

“This is in the interest of patient safety to protect your loved ones from exposure to COVID-19 and Norovirus.

“There is no visiting allowed, except by prior arrangement with a patient’s medical team in cases of end-of-life or critical illness.

“This includes no visiting anywhere on the Hospital campus, i.e., inside or outside the Hospital/Car Park etc.

“This is to protect you, your family, and healthcare staff.

“Visitors who attempt to visit will be turned away by security.”

A new Covid variant, nicknamed FLiRT, has arrived in Ireland and is quickly gaining ground, now accounting for around one-third of cases of the virus detected here.

Virologists are using the term FLiRT to describe a family of different variants – KP.2, KP.3, JN.1.7, JN.1.1, and KP.1.1. They are all descendants of the JN.1 variants dubbed Juno, which have been dominant in Ireland for the past few months.

Health officials are still unclear if this variant is potentially more severe, but there is currently no evidence that FLiRT is any more of a threat than previous strains.

The Centres for Disease Control in the US said there is no reason to believe it will lead to more severe disease. However, Covid remains a risk for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Today’s News in 90 Seconds – June 18th

The symptoms of the new COVID-19 variant FLiRT are similar to those of previous strains, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, and diarrhoea.

The severity and combination of symptoms can vary, so if you experience any of these, especially if you’re in a high-risk group, it’s important to get tested and follow public health guidelines.

While the new COVID-19 variant FLiRT is more transmissible and accounts for a significant portion of recent cases in Ireland, there is no current evidence that it leads to more severe disease.

Health officials emphasise that standard preventive measures, such as vaccination, mask-wearing, and social distancing, remain effective. Vulnerable groups should continue to exercise caution, but overall, informed vigilance rather than alarm is advised.

It was stated yesterday by the hospital that a patient care package service was being set up so that care packages for patients could be dropped off at the main reception from 2 pm to 4 pm over the next few days.

The hospital staff added that if those dropping off care packages couldn’t meet the hours for designated drop-off, they would need to go to the main reception and contact the ward directly.