“We are now at a crucial point in our response to COVID-19.”

Those were the words of Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn this evening after 85 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Ireland, bringing the total number of cases in this country to 26,027.

One further person with Covid-19 has died.

Of the new cases, which represent a significant jump in numbers, 68% are in people aged under 45. The majority (53) cases are in men and 32 are in women.

As of midnight Wednesday 29th July, @hpscireland has been notified of 85 confirmed cases of #COVID19. There is now a total of 26,027 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Ireland.

The #COVID19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information at https://t.co/RjyC3RrpgD

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) July 30, 2020

“Today’s figures demonstrate how quickly COVID-19 can remerge in our country,” said Dr Glynn.

“Over the coming days it is vital that everyone continues to avoid large crowds, physically distance, wear face coverings where appropriate and wash hands regularly.”

“We are pleading with people to act in the context of a global pandemic.”

Addressing the situation ahead of the bank holiday weekend, Dr Glynn said that while it’s possible today’s figures are ‘a blip’, it’s important that people heed the health advice.

“None of us are immune from this. We need to consider everyone we come into contact with as potentially infectious.”