Hospital staff are bracing themselves for a surge in coronavirus patients as the number of cases escalate. Anne O’Connor, HSE chief operations officer, said they are preparing for 2,500 coronavirus patients in hospital, with up to 400 people in ICU over the coming weeks. There are currently 1,151 people in hospital with coronavirus and 101 patients in ICU. Ireland’s coronavirus reproduction number is now between 2.4 and 3, the highest level seen throughout the pandemic. It can be hard to tell the difference between symptoms of cold, flu and #COVID19. Take a look at our âKeeping well this winter' booklet to get to know the differences. https://t.co/BYSL1BsDdM#StaySafe#ProtectEachOtherpic.twitter.com/J6tYwEWwF9— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) January 8, 2021