A further 1,095 coronavirus cases have been announced this evening while there were 5 deaths confirmed.
The latest figures were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team this evening.
Of the cases notified today;
- 529 are men / 552 are women
- 70% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 31 years old
- 246 in Dublin, 185 in Meath,128 in Cavan, 118 in Cork, 63 in Kildare and the remaining 342 cases are spread across all remaining counties.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said; “Today, we again report a daily new confirmed case figure over 1,000. This situation is extremely concerning. Every single one of us has a role to play.
“We each need to reduce contact with other people as much as possible, so that means staying at home, working from home where possible, practicing physical distancing and stopping discretionary socialising.”
The latest figures come as harsh new restrictions were announced for Northern Ireland following an alarming spike in cases.
A record 1,217 and four deaths were reported in the North today prompting politicians to agree on new restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.
The new restrictions include the closure of restaurants, apart from deliveries and takeaways, and pubs for four weeks, and closing schools for an extra week over the half term holidays.
Meanwhile the Cabinet is meeting today to discuss Northern Ireland's move into near lockdown and the impact this will have on the Republic.
Border counties are likely to be affected by the restrictions up north, but Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan are also the three counties with the worst Covid rates in the Republic.
NPHET will meet on Thursday but this evening's Cabinet meeting could take the decision to move certain counties to Level Four if deemed necessary.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror Health Minister Stephen Donnelly signalled that it was unlikely schools would be shut in Ireland despite the continued rise in Covid cases.
He said: "I don't want to preempt anything regarding levels.
"I am in favour of keeping schools open.
"Information I'm being given is that schools are safe."
Mr Donnelly said any decision to move counties up a level would have to be dealt with "very sensitively".
He added: "Not just in the border counties, the move to Level Three comes at such a huge cost in terms of social isolation, mental health.
