There have been no new deaths reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre today.
This means that the total number of people who passed away due to Covid in Ireland still stands at 4,534.
As of midnight, Saturday 13th March, the HPSC has been notified of 384 new cases of the virus. There is now a total of 226,741 confirmed cases of the virus in Ireland.
Of the cases notified today:
- 195 are men / 187 are women
- 73% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 31 years old
In terms of location, 145 of the cases were reported in Dublin, 41 in Kildare, 37 in Offaly, 29 in Galway, 24 in Cork and the remaining 108 cases are spread across 17 other counties.
As of 8am today, 349 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 86 are in ICU. 17 additional hospitalisations occurred in the past 24 hours.
As of March 11, 589,512 doses of the 19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland: 426,819 people have received their first dose, while 162,693 people have received their second dose
Earlier today, the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine was suspended in Ireland after reports of blood clotting.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended the suspension of the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine and the decision was made after reports in Norway of four serious blood clotting events in adults after receiving the vaccine - although it is not clear if it is linked.
Dr Ronan Glynn said in a statement: "Following new information received from the Norwegian Medicines Agency on Saturday evening 13 th March and following discussions with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that the administration of Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca be temporarily deferred from this morning, Sunday 14 th March.
"This recommendation has been made following a report from the Norwegian Medicines Agency of four new reports of serious blood clotting events in adults after vaccination with Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.
"It has not been concluded that there is any link between the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® and these cases. However, acting on the precautionary principle, and pending receipt of further information, the NIAC has recommended the temporary deferral of the Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca vaccination programme in Ireland.
"The NIAC is due to meet again this morning. A further statement will follow thereafter."
