BREAKING: Kilkenny cases continue to fall, huge spike in deaths nationally

There have been 46 Covid-19 related deaths recorded this evening, the highest number since the pandemic began last spring.

There were also 3,086 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed this evening.

It brings the overall death toll as a result of the virus to 2,397. There has now been 155,351 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

158 people are receiving intensive care treatment out of a total of 1,692 in hospital due to Covid-19. This is more in ICU than ant any point during the pandemic.

The huge spike in deaths, Dr Tony Holohan said reflects the recent surge in cases.

“”Unfortunately this evening we are seeing the effect of the recent surge of infections reflected in the increased mortality we are reporting,” Dr Holohan said.

“Unfortunately, due to the unsustainably high level of COVID-19 infection we have experienced as a country over the past few weeks, sadly these figures are likely to continue for the next period of time.

“What we can do today, out of respect of those who have lost their lives and those currently in hospital or ICU – and those caring for them – is to hold firm and stay home,” Dr Holohan concluded.

The breakdown of the latest cases is as follows: 604 in Galway, 574 in Dublin, 466 in Mayo, 187 in Cork, 138 in Limerick and the remaining 1,117 cases are spread across all other counties, including 20 further infections in Kilkenny.

Only Longford, Sligo and Leitrim recorded lower case figures in the latest statement.