A further 777 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported this evening.

There have been seven further deaths from the disease in the past 24 hours. Of the deaths reported today, all occurred in October, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Ireland to 1,878.

Of the new cases, 182 are in Dublin, with 81 in Galway, 44 in Wexford, 42 in Meath, 41 in Cork and the remaining 387 cases spread across 21 remaining counties

As Ireland begins an October bank holiday weekend like no other, the public has been warned to stay at home and avoid meeting other people wherever possible.

Disease risk now ‘100 times greater’ than it was in June 

The likelihood of becoming infected with Covid-19 is now 100 times higher than it was back in June.

During the summer, the 14-day incidence rate of the virus was three cases per 100,000 people. Now, four months later, that number has risen to 300 cases per 100,000 people, meaning the risk of catching coronavirus is 100 times greater.

“The reproduction number is 1.3 – 1.4 nationally,” explained NPHET’s Professor Philip Nolan.

“Our collective goal now is to suppress transmission of the virus and bring our case numbers to manageable levels. If we work hard together to get the reproduction number to 0.5, we should succeed in reducing cases to below 100 a day in six weeks’ time.”

Urging the public to adhere to the ‘Level 5’ guidelines, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said the disease is posing a significant risk to public health.

“I appeal to everyone to behave as though you are a close contact.” he said.

“Stay at home, other than for essential reasons. Now is the time to use our reserves of energy and dig deep in our efforts to follow the public health advice – keep your distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering. Play your part to break the chains of transmission across families, neighbours and communities.”

“If you live with someone who has COVID-19 or you have been told that you are a close contact, you must restrict your movements for a full 14 days. Stay at home – don’t go to work, don’t go to school.”

If you have #COVID19, if you’re waiting for a Covid test or a result of a Covid test, you MUST SELF ISOLATE for 10 days and those you live with MUST restrict their movements for 14 days. Here’s how. More advice at https://t.co/MVuVtoV62k Please retweet @HSELive @roinnslainte https://t.co/lkP0TyHqZp

— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) October 22, 2020