1,997 new Covid-19 cases reported in Ireland as virus hospitalisations stand at 324

The CMO has said virus transmission levels in Ireland are "simply too high".

1,997 new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Ireland on Saturday. The figures released from the Department of Health did not contain information regarding deaths related to Covid-19. As of 8am on Saturday, 324 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 61 are in ICU. https://twitter.com/roinnslainte/status/1431598501436301316 In a statement on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said that NPHET continues to see levels of transmission of Covid-19 in Ireland that are "simply too high". "It is important that we continue to follow the public health advice this weekend," the CMO said. "If you haven't had the opportunity to come forward for your first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, or if you've missed your appointment for your second dose it's not too late. Come forward, get vaccinated," On Friday, Holohan said that given our 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate of more than 500 per 100,000, the country is now classified as "dark red" under European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) categorisation. https://twitter.com/CMOIreland/status/1431599802215698433 His comments come as walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centres continue this weekend for members of the public. These clinics are open to anyone in Ireland aged 12 or over who is not yet vaccinated. On top of this, there are additional dose two clinics available for people awaiting their second dose of the vaccine following the sufficient amount of time passing since their first dose. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are available at these walk-in vaccination centres and at the moment, people will be offered a second dose of the same vaccine they previously received. Details regarding the locations of the clinics and their opening times can be found on the HSE's website here. Main image via Leon Farrell / RollingNews.ie