52 further Covid-19 related deaths and 866 additional cases have been confirmed in the Republic of Ireland today.
33 of these deaths occurred in February, 12 occurred in January, 6 in December or earlier and 1 is still under investigation.
26 of this evening's cases are in Waterford, bringing the total number of cases in the county over the past 14 days to 455.
As of 8am today, 984 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 172 are in ICU. 44 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said “high levels” of Covid restrictions will remain in place until at least Easter.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said: “Schools are the priority and construction — a phased return to construction, particularly house-building — because we have a social crisis in terms of the availability of housing for people across all strata of society.
“And, certainly, we are looking at a continuation of high levels of restrictions to the Easter period. That remains to be determined by Government; there will be further discussions.”
Mr Martin said it “makes sense” with coronavirus vaccines being rolled out that the Government remains “cautious and conservative” in its approach.
He added that the numbers of people in hospital with the virus needed to continue to reduce.
