There have now been more than 200,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

With a further 1,318 cases confirmed in the past 24 hours and 75 further deaths from the disease, 1,284 coronavirus patients are hospitalised, of which 188 are in ICU.

Of the new cases, 428 are in Dublin, with 122 in Cork, 93 in Galway, 78 in Kildare, 77 in Limerick and the remaining 520 cases spread across all other counties.

Describing the milestone as ‘significant and unwelcome’, Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Medical Officer, Department of Health called on the public to redouble efforts to drive down the incidence of disease.

“We are noticing a clear pattern in people with symptoms delaying contacting their GP to arrange a test.” said Dr Glynn, highlighting that one in three people are taking three days or longer to come forward.

Today we have passed 200,000 cases of #COVID19 in Ireland. It has been and remains an incredibly difficult time for so many people. But the effort by the vast majority to follow public health advice has also been and remains phenomenal. #holdfirm pic.twitter.com/DPbysbTHZE

— Dr Ronan Glynn (@ronan_glynn) February 4, 2021

“It is vital that as soon as you notice that you have symptoms of Covid-19 that you isolate and contact your GP immediately. By acting quickly, we can prevent the spread of Covid-19 and protect our vulnerable loved ones.”

Advice for over 70s

Meanwhile, Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health urged people who have had their Covid-19 vaccine to continue to exercise extreme caution

“Over the coming weeks, we will see many more of our vulnerable loved ones receive their Covid-19 vaccinations,” said Dr Holohan.

“This is good news and gives all of us great hope. However, even if you have received your Covid-19 vaccine, you must continue to wash your hands, wear a face covering, maintain a social distance and keep your close contacts to a minimum.

“Until we have all been vaccinated, we must act as though none of us have been vaccinated.”