It has been another dramatic day as Ireland fights to suppress a third wave of coronavirus infections.
46 people have died due to Covid-19 while 3,086 more cases were confirmed by the Department of Health today.
Dr Tony Holohan confirmed that "these figures are likely to continue" but there's some good news because the first batch of the Moderna vaccine has arrived in Ireland.
Here is everything you need to know:
Big jump in Covid deaths with 46 more people passing away
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of 46 additional deaths related to COVID-19.
2 of these deaths occurred in December 2020, and the remaining 44 occurred in January 2021.
There has now been a total of 2,397 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland.
The HPSC has also been notified of 3,086 new cases of Covid-19. There is now a total of 155,591 confirmed cases in Ireland.
Of the cases notified today: 1,425 are men / 1,642 are women, 54% are under 45 years of age.
In term of the geographical location, 604 cases are in Galway, 574 in Dublin, 466 in Mayo, 187 in Cork, 138 in Limerick. The remaining 1,117 cases are spread across all other counties.
As of 2pm today, 1,692 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 158 are in ICU. 128 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
"These figures are likely to continue," says Dr Holohan
Speaking about today's increase in the number of people who have passed away due to Covid, Dr Tony Holohan said: “Unfortunately this evening we are seeing the effect of the recent surge of infections reflected in the increased mortality we are reporting.
The CMO adds: "Unfortunately, due to the unsustainably high level of COVID-19 infection we have experienced as a country over the past few weeks, sadly these figures are likely to continue for the next period of time.
"What we can do today, out of respect of those who have lost their lives and those currently in hospital or ICU - and those caring for them - is to hold firm and stay home.”
Moderna vaccine is now in Ireland
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed that the first dose of the Moderna vaccine is now in Ireland.
Taking to Twitter, he said: "Great to see the first delivery of the Moderna vaccine land in Ireland. The first delivery is a small one, but every vaccine counts."
875,000 doses of the vaccine have been ordered for Ireland, which, like the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, requires two doses to be given to each recipient. However, health officials said last week only around 4,000 are expected initially.
Unlike the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna dose can be stored at lower temperatures
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the vaccine on 6 January, cementing the Moderna jab as the second against Covid-19 to receive authorisation in the EU following the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Number of patients in ICU passes peak from first wave
The number of patients with Covid-19 being treated in the ICU has passed the peak figure reached in the first wave of the pandemic, the Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive has said.
The number of people in hospitals with Covid-19 has increased to 1,700, according to Paul Reid.
158 of these are being treated in intensive care units. This is higher than the peak number of 155 in ICU last April, during the first wave of the pandemic. 13 hospitals are now listed as having no intensive care beds free.
Dr Glynn on the ages of people being admitted to hospital
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health has spoken about how this wave of infections is different to what has come before.
Glynn said: “At least one in three patients admitted to hospital or critical care in January have been under the age of 65 years. This clearly demonstrates that COVID-19 affects us all, regardless of age or underlying condition. It highlights the need for us all to protect one another by staying at home. Not only will you keep yourself and your loved ones safe, but also help avoid more preventable COVID-19 admissions to our currently struggling healthcare system.”
