1,427 new Covid-19 cases reported as Ireland hits milestone of 300,000 total cases

“Today we have reached the milestone of 300,000 cases reported in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic," the CMO confirmed.

There have been 1,427 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland. The figures released from the Department of Health on Saturday did not contain information regarding deaths related to Covid-19. The Department of Health's statement said that the number of daily cases may also change due to future data validation. As of 8am today, 164 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 26 are in ICU.

As of midnight, Friday 30th July, we are reporting 1,427* confirmed cases of #COVID19.

26 in ICU. 164 in hospital. *Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update — Department of Health (@roinnslainte) July 31, 2021

In a statement accompanying the figures, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan confirmed Ireland has "reached the milestone" of reporting 300,000 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. “However, today we have also seen how solidarity continues to be the hallmark of our response with young people across the country lining up to get vaccinated, both to protect themselves and to play their part in protecting the community," Holohan also said. “I strongly urge anyone eligible for a vaccine to come forward and avail of the opportunity as soon as possible." Earlier on Saturday, HSE CEO Paul Reid said the walk-in Covid-19 vaccination centres that opened this weekend across Ireland are off to a "great start". 38 walk-in vaccination centres are scheduled to open throughout the country, offering mRNA Covid-19 vaccines without appointments. Anyone aged over 16 can attend the walk-in centres for a first dose. A text message will then be sent with an appointment for dose two. On Saturday, images and reports were shared on social media of large queues lining up to receive a vaccine at the Citywest Convention Centre in Dublin. In a statement on Twitter, Reid said that the Citywest walk-in vaccination centre had over 800 people vaccinated within the first hour and a half of opening. "Smaller centres equally reporting a good turnout. A great response by the Irish people," Reid added. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, meanwhile, wrote: "Great to see the walk-in Covid-19 vaccine clinics up and running - and the positive uptake already."