COVID-19: Three further deaths and 1012 cases confirmed in Ireland

A further 1012 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Ireland. This is the highest rate since April 15.

The health department has reported three new deaths related to the virus.

The total number of confirmed cases in Ireland is now 41,714. So far 1,824 deaths have been reported in the country.

The country is currently under Level 3 restrictions. The 14-day incidence rate of the virus is now 150 per 100,000.

Of the new cases, 241 are in Dublin, 112 in Cork, 80 in Cavan, 36 in Kerry, 66 in Galway and the remaining 441 cases spread across 21 other counties.

71% of today’s cases are in people under 45 years of age. 511 of the cases reported were in men and 496 were in women.

The chief medical officer, Dr. Tony Holohan said he was deeply concerned about the increase in COVID cases and how fast they are getting worse.

He said that the proportion of positive tests at midnight on Friday was 6.2% – double the figure it was two weeks ago.

Health officials has urged people to limit their contacts amid a sharp rise in cases in recent weeks.

The health department has confirmed that there are now 199 people in hospital and 31 in ICU because of COVID-19.