An Orthopaedic Consultant at University Hospital Waterford says there's been an increase in the number of outdoor falls in the past 24hrs.
Fiachra Rowan who is the Consultant on duty for the South East this weekend at UHW is asking people to stay at home - particularly given the current Covid-19 surge in hospitals.
Meanwhile, Met Éireann says icy stretches, sleet, and snow will remain throughout the day, and the Status Yellow snow/ice warning has been extended for the entire country until 7pm.
Mr. Rowan explains what they've seen over the weekend in the hospital.
"We're asking people to stay at home and to particularly to try and avoid going up and down step ladders at home.
"We've seen an increase in admissions in the last 24hrs with falls outside and this is adding to our Covid related surge already in the hospital."
Mr. Rowan said that the increase in admissions is similar to what they saw in the first Covid-19 lockdown.
"It's exactly like what happened back in March during the first wave we had a lot of falls at home - DIY falls, falls from roofs, falls from sheds.
"We're encouraging people to just give it a break just for now, and try and avoid injuring themselves.
"People need to consider whether they have to go outside, particularly people who are at risk of falls and therefore fractures," Rowan said.
As of 8pm last night there were 123 patients with the virus at University Hospital Waterford according to the HSE.
4 additional cases of Covid-19 were confirmed at UHW, and there are 6 six patients in ICU.
Nationwide 1,914 people are currently receiving treatment for Covid-19 this afternoon in Irish hospitals - up 21 since yesterday.
There are 214 patients in intensive care - a decrease of 1 in 24 hours.
Mr. Rowan wanted to thank all of his nursing colleagues who he said have been working 'tirelessly' in the Orthopaedic Ward at University Hospital Waterford over the weekend.
