LATEST: 1,059 new cases of virus confirmed
A further 1,059 more people have contracted the coronavirus, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.
This is a decrease of 182 on yesterday’s figures.
The number of patients being treated in hospital for the virus now stands at 308, and increase of 11 on yesterday’s total.
Of those 308, 59 are in intensive care – the same as yesterday.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said:”As we move into the autumn/winter period and prepare for the dark evenings and cooler weather these seasons bring, many people have concerns about how we can continue to socialise safely and take part in the social and physical activities that keep us connected to our friends, families and wider communities.
“Vaccination remains our best means of protection against Covid-19. The vaccines available in Ireland are very safe and effective against Covid-19 and limit the likelihood of a Covid-19 infection becoming so severe it may require admission to hospital or to intensive care.
“There are still some people who haven’t yet taken up the opportunity of vaccination, or who have delayed receiving a second dose for various reasons. I strongly encourage anyone who is in this position to ensure they get fully vaccinated as soon as possible in order to best protect themselves and those around them,” Dr Holohan concluded.
