LATEST: 1,875 new cases of virus confirmed, incidence higher than 500 per 100,000
A further 1,875 people have contracted the coronavirus, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.
That’s an increase of nine on yesterday’s total.
The number of people with the virus in hospital has been recorded at 326, a decrease of five on yesterday’s numbers.
There are 59 patients in intensive care, down two on yesterday, with Ireland’s incidence rate now running at over 500 cases per 100,000 people.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said: “Ireland’s fourteen-day incidence is currently 531 per 100,000. This means that as per ECDC categorisation, Ireland is now classified as dark red with incidence higher than 500 per 100,000.
“This demonstrates that there is presently a high level of virus transmitting in Ireland. With so much disease circulating in the community the reality is that if you are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated you are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and potentially becoming very unwell.
“Today and over this weekend, the HSE are operating walk-in COVID-19 vaccination centres right across the country for anyone aged 12 years and older.
“This increased opportunity for vaccination is a real sign of hope and I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet attended for their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to avail of these vaccination centres this weekend,” Dr Holohan concluded.
