2,074 new Covid-19 cases reported in Ireland as 229 hospitalised with virus

It is the highest daily case number reported since 22 January.

There have been 2,074 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 on Saturday, 229 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 43 are in ICU.

As of midnight, Friday 13 August, we are reporting 2,074* confirmed cases of #COVID19.

As of 8am today, 229 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 43 are in ICU. *Daily case numbers may change due to future data validation. — Department of Health (@roinnslainte) August 14, 2021

In a statement on Friday evening, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Ronan Glynn said that Covid-19 incidence was "very high" in particular across Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan and Roscommon. However, he also stated that incidence of the virus is rising "across all 26 counties" and "across all age groups". Glynn added that while vaccination has "very positively impacted on the proportion of positive cases who end up in hospital or critical care", the current high and increasing incidence will result in a significant number getting "very sick" with Covid-19. "Vaccines work, but they must also be supported by all of us continuing to follow the public health advice to keep each other safe and break the chains of transmission of Covid-19," he added. "If you plan to socialise this weekend, risk assess your plans. Try to meet up in small groups, meet outdoors and avoid crowds if possible. "Wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts and maintain your social distance. If you are in an environment that feels unsafe then leave. "Remember that if you have any cold or flu like symptoms at all, self-isolate - do not meet up with others or go to work - and arrange a test." Meanwhile, 75,000 12-15 year-olds have been registered through the HSE's online portal to receive Covid-19 vaccines in the first 48 hours since it opened, HSE CEO Paul Reid has said. The figure comes as the vaccine rollout to the age cohort will continue this weekend after commencing on Friday.