LATEST: Holohan appeal as new Covid cases soar to over 3,700

A further 3,726  more people have contracted the coronavirus, the Department of Health annoucned this evening.

The significant jump in recorded daily cases was confirmed as the numbers being treated in hospital for the virus now stands at 493, of which are in ICU.

Commenting on the latest figures, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “Covid-19 is circulating widely in our community; but we have the tools to limit its spread.

“We know that vaccination is very successful at preventing severe illness and hospitalisation and I urge anyone who still needs to get their Covid vaccine to do so.

“We also know that, even when vaccinated, we still need to practice basic public health interventions – washing our hands, opening windows, wearing masks and most importantly, staying home when we have symptoms. These simple measures are very successful at breaking the chains of transmission of this disease.

“As we practice all elements of the public health advice, we keep ourselves, and our communities safe.”