'It appears to be slowing down at much too high a level of infection' - Holohan

The authorities were today notified of 10 additional deaths related to COVID-19, while the latest cases were just over 1,000.

All 10 deaths occurred in January. The median age of those who died is 79 years and the age range is 45-101 years.

As of midnight, Sunday, January 31, the HPSC has been notified of 1,062 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and of those 50 were in Monaghan and six were in Cavan. Monaghan continues to have the highest 14 day incidence per 100,000 in the Republic of 990.5, roughly double the national average of 478.7. In Cavan the figure stands at 430.6 per 100,000.

Looking nationally at the cases notified today: 506 are men / 546 are women; 57% are under 45 years of age; the median age is 41 years old.

As of 2pm today, 1,436 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 207 are in ICU. 38 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “While we have experienced very significant improvement in incidence over recent weeks, I am concerned that it appears to be slowing down at much too high a level of infection. “People need to take real care in any setting in which they come into contact with others.

“In particular, workplaces and retail settings need to review their existing protocols and ensure that their staff and customers are protected as much as possible.

“Given the prevalence of the B117 variant and how infectious it is, it is extremely important that people take all preventative measures possible, including staying home.”