NPHET: There Will Be A "Significant" Number Of Deaths Linked To Covid-19 In Days And Weeks Ahead

A further 28 deaths were confirmed last night, bringing the total this month to 208.

Some of those who've died have been as young as 25.

Health officials also reported 3,955 new cases - and nearly as many people have tested positive in the last 2 weeks as in all of 2020.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn says everyone following the public health advice can stop more people becoming seriously ill:

"There are going to be difficult days and weeks ahead as we report these numbers. We have seen at best a plateauing of incidents in our 65 to 84 year old cohort, increasing incidence in those aged 85 and older. Obviously we're seeing very significant numbers in hospital, very significant numbers in critical care. All of that is unquestionably going to translate into significant levels of mortality, and the days and weeks to come."