A further 5 Coronavirus-related deaths have been announced by the health authorities this evening as well as 270 new cases.
There were fewer than five new cases in Laois but the 14-day incidence rate in the county remains at 55.5 – the same as yesterday.
The current national average is 84.7 down from 87 yesterday.
The Laois 14-day rate was 54.3 this time last week and 199.2 a week earlier.
Of the cases notified today;
- 141 are men / 129 are women
- 63% are under 45 years of age
- The median age is 37 years old
- 58 in Dublin, 38 in Donegal, 28 in Wicklow, 25 in Mayo, 24 in Limerick and the remaining 97 cases are spread across 21 other counties.
As of 2pm today, 231 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 31 are in ICU. 27 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “It is important to keep up the progress that we have achieved in recent weeks. Ireland now has the lowest 14-day incidence of COVID-19 in the EU according the latest ECDC figures and we need to hold firm to this position. As the country moves into Level 3, there is no room for complacency in our response to COVID-19.
“As more services reopen for business, remember to use the basic public health advice as a guide when organising your time.
“When you are out in shops and accessing services, try to avoid high risk situations and wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible on busy streets and crowded outdoor areas.
“When you come home from shopping or being outdoors, remember that washing your hands is your first priority.”
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