A further 270 coronavirus cases have been confirmed this evening.
Meanwhile sadly another one further deaths has been announced.
The latest figures were announced by The National Public Health Emergency Team this evening.
Of the cases notified today;
- 143 are men / 127 are women
- 69% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 34 years old
- 103 in Dublin, 34 in Limerick, 20 in Donegal, 12 in Cork, 9 in Kerry, 9 in Kilkenny and the remaining 83 cases are spread across 20 other counties.
They come as there was a major boost today as a Covid-19 vaccine being developed by two leading pharmaceutical companies has been 90% effective at trials.
Pfizer and BioNTech, who are working on the project together, say that, in most cases, preventing infection was achieved seven days on from taking two doses, and 28 days after taking the first.
In a statement, Pfizer boss Albert Bourla said: "The first set of results from our Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine trial provides the initial evidence of our vaccine's ability to prevent Covid-19.
"We are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis.
"We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development programme at a time when the world needs it most."
Should the vaccine be approved, the companies hope to supply 50 million doses by the end of the year, and 1.3 billion globally in 2021.
The drug, which is currently under Phase 3 of the trial process, has been given to thousands of volunteers, in order to test efficacy and safety.
If it is allowed to move forward, Phase 4 will see it undergo further studies.
