Covid-19 infection rates ‘still extremely high’ as 921 cases and 23 deaths confirmed

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn has urged people to continue to limit social contacts to help drive down infection in the community. Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

Covid-19 infection rates are “still extremely high” a leading health official warned on Friday as 921 new cases and 23 further deaths were confirmed.

The total number of deaths due to Covid-19 now stands at 3,865 and the number of confirmed cases at 207,720.

The highest number of new cases were detected in Dublin (414), Cork (87), Kildare (51), Limerick (48), and Meath (47) with the remaining 274 cases spread across all other counties.

The national infection rate has fallen to 292.8 cases per 100,000 population but infection rates remain high in Monaghan, Carlow, Waterford, Dublin and Louth among other counties.

Kerry had the lowest infection rate at 129.3 cases per 100,000 population.

On Friday, 959 people were receiving hospital treatment for Covid-19, with 173 in intensive care.

Over 248,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered to date.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health Dr Ronan Glynn urged the public to limit social contacts as infection rates remained "extremely high".

“We have made progress in Ireland over recent weeks, but the rate of transmission of the disease is still extremely high and the risks Covid-19 poses to our vulnerable loved ones have not changed,” Dr Glynn said.

“Everyone is working hard to drive down Covid-19 infection in the community, and we must all continue to limit the number of daily contacts we have. 

"The only way to limit the spread of Covid-19 is to limit our social contacts and follow the public health advice, wash our hands, maintain a social distance, wear a face covering where appropriate, work from home and stay at home,” he added.

The national 14-day incidence rate of the virus in Ireland is now 292.8 per 100,000 population. The seven-day incidence rate now stands at 126.6

The five-day moving average is 835.

As of 8 am Friday, 959 people with Covid-19 were hospitalised - 173 of whom were in Intensive Care Units.

53 additional hospitalisations have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Vaccines

Meanwhile, one in 20 people in Ireland have now received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, according to the latest figures. 

More than 248,000 Covid-19 vaccines had been administered in Ireland up to Tuesday, February 9.

A total of 158,904 people received their first dose, while 89,380 people received their second dose.

Speaking this afternoon, HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said that 1.7 people in 100 have received both doses of the vaccine. 

Community vaccinations for those over the age of 85 are set to begin next week.