Public health chiefs have confirmed another 1,078 cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, as well as 66 more deaths.
The latest figures, announced this evening by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), bring to 208,796 the total number of cases in Ireland since the start of the pandemic.
Tragically, some 3,931 people have now lost their lives as a result of the deadly virus.
Announcing the figures, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer urged people to contact their doctor if they're "in any doubt" about whether they have Covid-19.
Ronan Glynn said this evening: "If you have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, such as cough, fever, shortness of breath or a change in your sense of smell or taste, self-isolate (stay in your room) immediately and phone your GP without delay.
"If you are in any doubt about any symptoms you have, you should always contact your GP.
"Your test and GP assessment will be free of charge. This includes GP out of hours services, contact details for which are on the HSE website www.hse.ie.
"If you don’t have a GP, any GP can arrange a test for you.
"The best way to protect ourselves and our vulnerable loved ones from serious illness as a result of COVID-19 infection is to continue taking the actions we know can effectively supress this virus.
"Keep physical distance from others, wash hands regularly, avoid crowds and wear face coverings that are fitted correctly."
Today's announcement comes after an emotional Taoiseach this morning promised that there is "hope of better times to come", a year to the day after the first case case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Ireland.
In an emotional video posted on social media, Mr Martin said that hope was on the horizon, with cases dropping and the arrival of life-saving Covid jabs.
But he urged the public not to "drop the guard" over the next few months, to protect progress the country has made in curbing the spread of the virus.
Addressing the nation, he said: "It was a year ago this month that the first case of the virus was confirmed in Ireland, changing our lives utterly.
"Since then, a large number of you have lost loved ones. Many others have faced fears over their futures and wondered when they’d see friends and family again."
The Taoiseach made his lockdown plea after Gardai yesterday urged the public to continue their
