2,098 new Covid-19 cases reported in Ireland as virus hospitalisations rise to 251

The CMO has called today's figures "concerning".

There have been 2,098 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland. The figures released from the Department of Health on Friday 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 Friday, 251 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 52 are in ICU. At the same time on Thursday, 244 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised. https://twitter.com/roinnslainte/status/1428759497439424523 In a statement accompanying the figures, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said: "For the second time in a week, we are reporting over 2,000 cases. We haven’t seen this number of cases since late January 2021. "This is a concerning indication of the level of Covid-19 circulating in our communities." The CMO also said vaccines are "very effective" against severe illness from Covid-19 and are protecting people from needing care in hospital and ICU. "While it is possible for fully vaccinated individuals to become infected with Covid-19 and pass the virus on to others, vaccines also remain effective in significantly reducing this risk. That is why it is vital for as many people as possible to come forward for vaccination against this disease," he added. "We must all remain vigilant to the risk of contracting Covid-19. To protect everyone and to safeguard the progress we have made, please follow the public health advice to limit transmission of Covid-19. "If you display symptoms of Covid-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose - isolate and get a test immediately. "Continue to socialise safely by risk assessing, meeting outdoors where possible. Only meet up with small numbers of people and avoid crowds. Remember, it is OK to leave if you do not feel safe." Main image via Sam Boal/©RollingNews.ie