COVID-19: Three deaths and 1167 cases confirmed in Ireland today

New 1,167 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Ireland today. Three further deaths have been reported by the health department.

The total number of cases in Ireland rose to 53,422. The death toll from COVID-19 in Ireland remains at 1,868.

Of the confirmed cases;

• 538 are men and 627 are women
• 64% are under 45 years of age
• The median age is 33 years old

The highest cases were recorded today in Dublin (263). Of the remaining cases, 142 are in Meath, 137 in Cork, 86 in Cavan and the remaining 539 cases are spread across all remaining counties.

314 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 34 are in ICU. There have been 27 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

The test positivity rate over the last seven days is 7.1%. And the overall positivity rate is 3.9%.

Level 5 restrictions will take effect in the country from midnight today.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said: “The behaviour of every individual is the most effective defence we have against the spread of COVID-19.”

“Everyone needs to stay at home, other than for essential reasons. Follow the public health advice and treat everyone that you come into contact with as though they are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 – keep your distance, avoid meeting others,” he added.