The national surge plan has been activated.

Health Service Executive CEO Paul Reid confirmed that hospitals are now at a new emergency level, with more than 2,000 coronavirus patients requiring hospital care across the country.

“2,023 patients are now in hospital with #COVID19.” Mr Reid tweeted.

“Over 400 are receiving high-grade ventilation and respiratory support inside and outside of ICU. Our national critical care surge plans are activated. We’re working really hard to remain in control. Your help counts.” he added.

A further 13 deaths and 2,944 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the past 24 hours.

2,023 patients are now in hospital with #COVID19. Over 400 are receiving high grade ventillation & respiratory support inside & outside of ICU. Our national critical care surge plans are activated. Were working really hard to remain in control. Your help counts. @HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) January 18, 2021

Of the new cases, 1,065 cases are in Dublin, with 306 in Cork, 181 in Galway, 180 in Kildare, 160 in Limerick and the remaining 1,052 cases spread across all other counties.

“The situation in our hospitals is stark. We are seeing people of all ages being admitted to hospital and being taken into intensive care units.” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health.

“The levels of infection are such that your chances of transmitting or getting COVID-19 are very high, and we know that a proportion of those cases will lead to serious illness and mortality. There is no group who should feel the public health advice does not apply to them.

“It is only if we act together that we can keep ourselves, our loved ones, and health and social care facilities safe.”