Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team - Tuesday 12 January

On Tuesday, 3086 additional cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the Republic of Ireland, meaning that 155,591 people in total have tested positive for the virus in the country since the pandemic began.

The Department of Health has confirmed 4,929 new cases of Covid-19.

Of today's new cases, 574 are in Dublin, 466 in Mayo, 187 in Cork and 138 in Limerick.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said: "Unfortunately this evening we are seeing the effect of the recent surge of infections reflected in the increased mortality we are reporting".

Letterkenny University Hospital has apologised after some patients had to wait outside in ambulances on Sunday due to pressures from Covid-19.

There were a total of 1,692 people with the virus in hospital this afternoon, with 128 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

As of 2pm today, 1,582 Covid patients are hospitalised, of which 146 are in ICU.

Prof Staines said that Ireland's growth is, similar to that of the United Kingdom, due to increased socialising during the Christmas period as well as new strains of the virus. "That means we are unfortunately set for a period of time where the situation in our hospitals gets worse before it gets better", he added.

"1,700 patients now in hospital and 143 in ICU would swap with any of us".

Officials said the number in hospital with the virus will peak at 2,200 to 2,500 people over the next two weeks, with an estimated 200 to 400 people in ICU. The potential long-term impacts on these patients' health is stark and significant. They are our very last line of defence against COVID-19. This afternoon, Paul Reid of the HSE tweeted to say that the situation in hospitals is 'now beyond strain.' He told the public that 'to avoid getting sick, protect your family & healthcare workers please, please stay at home'.

Most cases of today's cases were identified in Galway, where there is 604 new cases.

The new United Kingdom variant of the disease, and ten of thousands of Irish people returning home from overseas for Christmas, are also highly likely to have contributed to the explosion in cases. Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for vigilance in our individual response to the disease, which is spread through close proximity to others.

Dr Glynn said that Covid-19 affects everyone, regardless of age or underlying condition.