A further 1,271 Covid-19 cases recorded on Thursday

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has on Thursday been notified of 1,271 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

As of 8am on Thursday, 297 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, of which 59 were in ICU.

On Wednesday, a further 1,453 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the State.

As of 8am on Wednesday, 300 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised, of which 60 were in ICU.

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There has been a total of 5,249 deaths related to Covid-19 notified in the Republic. This includes 40 deaths newly notified in the week since last Wednesday.

Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer at the Department of Health, said on Wednesdaythe response to Ireland’s vaccination programme had been heartening, and now just under 91 per cent of the population aged 16 years and older were fully protected through vaccination.

“Our collective efforts have protected thousands of people from experiencing the worst outcomes from Covid-19,” he said.

“As more of the activities we enjoy become available to us this week, it is important that we continue this national effort to break the chains of transmission of Covid-19.”