LATEST: Holohan says virus figures ‘simply too high’ as almost 2,000 more infected

A further 1,997 people have contracted the coronavirus, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.

There are now 324 being treated for Covid-19 in hospital, a drop of two on the previous day. Of these, 61 people being treated in ICU, and increase of two on Friday’s figures.

In Northern Ireland, 1,430 positive cases and six deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Commenting on the latest figures, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the current levels of transmission are ‘simply too high’.

Dr Holohan tweeted: ‘We continue to see levels of transmission of Covid-19 that are simply too high and would be categorised as a dark red country according to the ECDC. It is important that we continue to follow the public health advice this weekend.’