Now is not the time for complacency.

The CEO of the Health Service Executive has warned that, despite some positive news on the transmission of Covid-19 in Ireland, the virus remains rampant in all parts of the country.

“Unfortunately, our #COVID19 hospital cases continue to rise, 1,846 this morning & 171 in ICU.” Paul Reid tweeted this morning.

“People are extremely sick with this virus. Despite some hopeful trends on transmission levels, it’s still hugely prevalent in your area. Please stick with us.”

As we head into the third weekend of January’s Level 5 lockdown, 28 deaths and 3,955 cases (456 in Cork) have been confirmed in the past 24 hours.

Unfortunately, our #COVID19 hospital cases continue to rise, 1,846 this morning & 171 in ICU. People are extremely sick with this virus. Despite some hopeful trends on transmission levels, it’s still hugely prevalent in your area. Please stick with us. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) January 15, 2021

‘Every death associated with Covid-19 is a tragedy’

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said that, of the 208 people who have been reported to have sadly died from Covid-19 so far this month, 23 cases are linked to outbreaks in hospitals and 38 are from outbreaks in nursing homes.

“The ages of those who have died range from 25 to 98 years.” Dr Holohan said.

“Every death associated with Covid-19 is a tragedy. We must cut our social contacts in order to break the chains of transmission and protect those who are most vulnerable to this disease. Stay at home and save lives.”

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said the current wave of coronavirus is different to what we saw since springtime, “and perhaps worse”.

“The penetration of the virus throughout all ages of the population is a particular cause for serious concern, as is risk of severe disease that all of these people face.” Professor Nolan said.

“Poor health outcomes, risk of serious or long-term illness and hospitalisation remain a risk for us all when it comes to Covid-19. That is why we must follow public health advice and protect not only ourselves but our hospital system and healthcare workers by staying at home.”