The Delta (B1.617.2) variant of COVID-19 was designated a Variant of Concern (VOC) in Ireland on Monday 12th May 2021. As of 24 June 2021, 210 cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed in Ireland by Whole Genome Sequencing. As per the Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s (HPSC) latest variant report with data to week 23 2021, in terms of most likely source of transmission of Delta cases, 56 were travel-related, 108 were close contacts of cases, 2 were healthcare-setting acquired, 33 were community transmission, and 11 were under investigation. The majority of these cases (162/210, 77%) were located in Dublin. The mean age of cases identified as infected with this variant was 31 years and the median age was 30 years (range: 0-78 years).
The evidence available to date indicates that the Delta variant, which is now the dominant variant across the United Kingdom (UK), is likely to be more transmissible and less susceptible to current vaccines. All analyses have found that it has a very substantial growth advantage. Monitoring in England and Scotland indicates a reduction in vaccine effectiveness with this being more pronounced after one dose (absolute reduction of 15-20%). In the UK, increasing COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths are also being observed in the context of rising prevalence of the Delta variant. This is of immediate concern here given the high numbers of people not yet vaccinated and, particularly, the high numbers of people of older age groups awaiting their second dose. This poses a significant risk to the pandemic response in Ireland.
Enhanced control measures have been implemented for all identified cases of the Delta variant in Ireland in order to mitigate the risk of further spread. All suspected cases of this variant are managed as per enhanced public health investigation and control for Variants of Concern by public health teams in the HSE.
All passengers arriving in Ireland must complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form and provide evidence of a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a COVID-19 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test carried out no more than 72 hours before arrival into Ireland. Those travelling from or via a designated State must pre-book and pre-pay for a place in a designated facility for mandatory hotel quarantine. For all others who are not otherwise exempt, mandatory home quarantine requirements apply. Full details are set out on www.gov.ie.
The increasing prevalence of the Delta variant in certain areas of England and detection in all geographical regions of the UK, poses an additional risk of importation due to close travel connections between the UK and Ireland. Those who arrive into Ireland from non-designated countries, including Great Britain, must observe 14 days of home quarantine. This 14-day period of home quarantine can be shortened for those who receive a not-detected RT-PCR test result 5 days after arrival. Furthermore, those who travel from Great Britain, who are not fully vaccinated are now requested to remain in quarantine and seek a further test at least 10 days after arrival in Ireland, in addition to the day 5 test. Further messaging to all incoming travellers, particularly from Great Britain, has been put in place to emphasise the home quarantine requirement and to encourage uptake of the 5-day post arrival test. The Government continues to advise against all non-essential international travel, including from Great Britain.
Evidence in relation to the Delta variant and its potential implications for the pandemic response in Ireland continue to be kept under close review.
