There have been 456 confirmed COVID cases announced this evening; however, no new deaths were reported.

It means the death toll remains at 4,937 while the national case total now stands at 254,450.

This morning, there were 111 COVID-19 in patients in hospital – a 15% decrease on this day last week.

There were 36 in intensive care, a rise of two on yesterday.

The five-day moving average has risen to 435.

The Five-Day Moving Average. Image: Newstalk

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “Our key objective remains to follow the public health advice in our daily activities as we continue to chart our way through this pandemic.

“I would encourage people who have been vaccinated, to safely resume your lives, mindful of the guidelines.

“For those awaiting vaccination, the many choices we make to stick with the public health advice will keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”

The 14-daty rate of the virus in Ireland. Image: Department of Health

Of the cases announced this evening, 189 were in Dublin, with 52 in Cork, 49 in Donegal, 39 in Kildare, 17 in Galway and the rest spread across 20 counties.

The 14-day rate of the virus in Ireland stands at 129.3 cases per 100,000 people.

Kildare has the highest rate in the country for the second day in a row at 253.5.

Donegal has risen again to 248.8.

There are still eight counties with rates between 100 and 200.

HSE Director General Paul Reid launches the official Irish health service executive "Covid Tracker" contact tracing app at the Department of Health in Dublin.

This afternoon, HSE chief Paul Reid said the country had now handed out two million doses of vaccine.

As of Tuesday, 1,408,105 people had received their first dose, around 37% of the adult population.