Risks of Covid to "our vulnerable loved ones" have not changed" warns Glynn

The rate of transmission remains "extremely high", said one of the country's leading medics, as the authorities today reported 23 deaths related to COVID-19.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre outlined that 21 of these deaths occurred in February and two occurred in January. That brings to 3,865 the total of COVID-19 related deaths in the Republic.

Meanwhile of midnight, Thursday, February 11, the HPSC has been notified of 921 confirmed cases of COVID-19. That figure will include 22 in Cavan, and less than five in Monaghan.

With regards to the COVID-19 vaccine, as of February 9, 248,284 doses of have been administered in Ireland: 158,904 people have received their first dose; 89,380 people have received their second dose.

“We have made progress in Ireland over recent weeks, but the rate of transmission of the disease is still extremely high and the risks COVID-19 poses to our vulnerable loved ones have not changed,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health.

“Everyone is working hard to drive down COVID-19 infection in the community, and we must all continue to limit the number of daily contacts we have. The only way to limit the spread of COVID-19 is to limit our social contacts and follow the public health advice, wash our hands, maintain a social distance, wear a face covering where appropriate, work from home and stay at home.”