A further 1,167 cases have been confirmed this evening while sadly another 3 deaths were announced.
The figures were announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team this evening.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer said: “The behaviour of every individual is the most effective defence we have against the spread of COVID-19.
“Everyone needs to stay at home, other than for essential reasons. Follow the public health advice and treat everyone that you come into contact with as though they are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 – keep your distance, avoid meeting others.
We are facing a big challenge, but we have faced this challenge before, and that means we know how to suppress this virus, by following the public health advice in everything we do.”
As of 2pm today, 314 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 34 are in ICU. 27 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
The figures come as the country is set to be placed in Level 5 lockdown from midnight tonight for six weeks in a bid to reduce the number of cases in Ireland.
Many businesses and households are fearful of the effects – social and economic – of another national shutdown.
But many experts say it’s the only option available as hospitals struggle to cope with rising numbers.
Meanwhile Taoiseach Micheal Martin today said discussions are ongoing about how “to have a fair distribution” of the vaccine if and when it arrives on our shores, as well as around ensuring that “the most vulnerable get priority”.
Mr Martin warned: “A vaccine on its own isn’t a panacea – there will be challenges when it arrives.”
He acknowledged that a public debate will need to take place around how best to distribute any vaccine.
Pfizer, one of the pharmaceutical companies pushing ahead with plans for a vaccine in the near future, has said it hopes to file for US authorisation for a vaccine by the end of the year.
Mr Martin said he had met officials from the Irish branch of the company, and added: “They were reasonably confident about having a vaccine by the end of the year.”
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