1,818 cases of Covid-19 reported with 52 people in ICU with the virus

244 people with the virus are in hospital.

There have been 1,818 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland on Thursday. The figures released from the Department of Health on Thursday did not include the number of deaths related to the virus. The Department of Health's statement said the number of daily cases may also change due to future data validation. As of 8am on Thursday, 244 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 52 are in ICU. It comes as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said on Wednesday that the number of patients with the virus in both ICU and hospitals has continued to increase over recent weeks. He added that 43% of ICU cases are now in people aged under 50. "This is a stark reminder to us all to continue to adhere to the public health guidance and to ensure to receive both Covid-19 vaccine doses as soon as it is offered. "In the main, we have seen very high vaccination figures in our population, particularly in the over 60s cohort who were offered their vaccines first. Unfortunately, incidence of the disease is increasing across all age groups. "Covid-19 vaccines are ensuring that those who are fully vaccinated are protected from the severe illness and poor outcomes related to this disease." The CMO added that every fully vaccinated confirmed case was preventing roughly four other cases.