LATEST: 1,456 new cases of virus but large drop in hospital numbers
A further 1,456 more people have contracted the coronavirus, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.
And the number of people now being treated for the virus in hospital now stands at 261, a significant drop of 27 on the previous day.
The number of people in intensive care units has also dropped, down seven to 66.
Speaking earlier today, Health Service Executive (HSE) CEO Paul Reid said a ‘hugely disproportionate’ number of unvaccinated patients are in intensive care with Covid-19.
Mr Reid urged people who still haven’t come forward for a vaccine yet to do so.
He said on social media: ‘Thankfully the hospitalised #COVID19 patients are now down to 261 & falling. ICU cases are rising at 71, with a hugely disproportionate number of unvaccinated patients. It’s never too late to be vaccinated & our committment [sic] stands, to never leave anyone behind. It works.’
