New record high of daily COVID-19 cases recorded
1,546 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the past 24 hours, while 9 people have died.
The national 14-day incidence rate per 100 thousand has increased to 245.6, while 411 people with the virus are in hospital, of which 34 are in ICU.
Of the cases notified today:
- 757 are men / 788 are women
- 66% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 34 years old
- 444 in Dublin, 203 in Cork, 111 in Louth, 87 in Limerick, 85 in Donegal and the remaining 616 cases are spread across all other counties.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says:
“We have reached a significant milestone in our collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, with the launch of our national vaccination programme.
"To see the first recipients of the vaccine gives us hope for better times ahead, particularly for those of us who are the most vulnerable to the virus, including those over 70 and with underlying medical conditions.
"The vaccination programme will focus on the priority groups in line with the recent decisions of Government in the first instance.
"As the vaccination programme rolls out, particularly given the increasing spread of the disease and the concerning rise in the number of hospitalisations – up to 411 today – we each need to remember to remain vigilant to the ongoing risk of the spread of COVID-19 and follow the public health advice in our everyday lives."
Health officials will meet tomorrow, along with a meeting of the Cabinet to discuss potential further restrictions.
411 patients with COVID-19 are in hospital, with 34 in ICU.
