A further 10 coronavirus-related deaths have been announced this evening, alongside 592 new cases.

Eight of the deaths happened this month with one in February and one in January.

It takes the death-toll in Ireland to 4,509 and the national case total to 225,179.

This morning, there were 359 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals with 82 people in intensive care with their symptoms.

Virus-related deaths

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn noted that today marks the anniversary of the first coronavirus-related death in Ireland.

“More than 4,500 people have lost their lives with this disease,” he said. “We remember them and their families and friends, as well as the many people who remain seriously ill or who are dealing with long-term health issues because of COVID-19.

“We now have three vaccines and a fourth authorised by the European Medicines Agency today, which offers us a way out of this pandemic.

“We must continue to protect as many people as possible from the severe effects of COVID-19 and to give people a chance to become vaccinated over the next number of weeks and months.

“Your efforts to limit contacts and follow the public health advice is not in vain, it is to protect people and it directly saves lives.”

Of the cases announced this evening, 253 were in Dublin, with 52 in Kildare, 35 in Donegal, 33 in Meath, 28 in Galway and the rest spread across all other counties.

The 14-day rate of the coronavirus in Ireland. Image: Department of Health

The 14-day incidence of the virus in Ireland now stands at 162.1 cases per 100,000 people.

Longford still has the highest rate in the country after rising to 440.4 cases per 100,000.

In all, five counties now have rates higher than 200.

Reproductive number

The Chair of the NPHET modelling group Professor Philip Nolan said we are seeing "continued, slow progress across all indicators" of the virus.

“There are some concerning trends in the data and, as the incidence remains high, our situation is precarious,” he said.

“Increases in mobility and workplace attendance could potentially increase infection in the coming weeks.

“The R-number is estimated as stable at 0.6 - 1.0 but it is essential over the next few weeks that we stay home, continue to limit our contacts and suppress transmission.”

Nursing home visits

This afternoon, NPHET endorsed new rules allowing nursing home residents to enjoy two visits per week.

HSE Professor Martin Cormican said the new rules will apply to any home that has fully vaccinated 80% of its residents and staff.

“Nursing home residents have been particularly impacted by the severity of COVID-19 restrictions,” he said.

“Thanks to vaccination we are delighted to be in a position to recommend new guidance and hopefully relieve residents and their families of some of the isolation they have endured for so long.”

Vaccine administration Ireland. Image: Department of Health

As of Monday, 536,617 vaccine doses had been administered in Ireland.

Some 382,528 people had received their first dose while 154,089 people were fully vaccinated.