The pressure on the acute hospital system from Covid-19 continues to increase, with 160 patients now in intensive care. The hospitals most affected by cases are Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Limerick and St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin.
Almost 1,700 patients with Covid-19 are being treated in hospitals around the country. The National Director of Acute Operations with the Health Service Executive said the intensive care figure could increase to 300 by early next week.
Liam Woods said the demand on ICUs will exceed supply, but it depends on the trajectory of the virus. He said there are plans to expand capacity, new ICU beds have been opened, and private hospitals are already being used for patients.