A further 765 new Covid cases have been reported by the Department of Health today.
There has also been one further coronavirus-related death.
The number of people who have died with Covid-19 in Ireland is 2,205 while the cumulative total of confirmed cases is 86,894.
But Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan warned that this figure is expected to rise sharply in the coming days.
He warned “The data we are reporting today are lower than days up to 26 December. This, however, results from factors related to the time of the year, such as the lower rates of attendance and referrals and presentation for testing for several days over Christmas.
The number of patients with the disease in ICU is 30, an increase of four since yesterday.
There were 41 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours and the total number of patients with Covid-19 is now 359.
Dr Holohan added “We look at many metrics when monitoring the disease severity of Covid-19. Today we are reporting that we have now exceeded the cumulative number of people hospitalised in this third wave than in the second.
“Hospitalisations have increased sharply in the last two days. This is a concerning trend which reflects the sharp increase incidence we saw in the last 10 days.”
The CMO warned: “We are also seeing a steep rise in the positivity rates in community testing with a seven day average of over 9.2% up from 5.2% on 18 December. This indicates that the virus is increasing its foothold out in our communities.
“This is just one more reason why we are strongly advising everyone to stay safely at home to avoid transmitting or catching this virus, as it continues to circulate widely.”
Dr Holohan urged people to “please come forward for testing if you feel unwell. Know the symptoms of Covid-19, and do not delay in phoning your GP for advice.
“Self-isolate in your room if you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath or change in sense of taste/smell. If you are a household contact of a confirmed case, restrict your movements until your household member receives a negative test result.”
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