'We cannot underestimate the highly infectious nature of this disease' - Holohan

The authorities have been notified of 61 additional deaths related to COVID-19 today. Of the deaths reported today, 58 occurred in January.

As of midnight, Tuesday, January 19, the HPSC has been notified of 2,488 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic. Of those cases 55 were in Cavan, and 91 were in Monaghan.

Looking nationally at those 2,488 cases: 1,090 are men / 1,383 are women 51% are under 45 years of age. The median age is 44 years old.

As of 2pm today, 1,923 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 210 were in ICU at 11am. 85 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: “The number of cases and deaths that we are reporting today and the persisting high incidence rate of COVID-19 across the country shows that we cannot underestimate the highly infectious nature of this disease and the impact that it can have on families and communities.

“The virus spreads through close contacts, through the congregation of people. We need everyone to stay at home as much as possible, and to work from home, where possible. You should not meet up with friends or loved ones, unless you are caring for them. If you go out for exercise, you need to stay within 5km from your home, wear a face covering where appropriate and wash your hands when you return home to protect yourself from infection.

“If you are COVID positive you should self-isolate and stay at home, in your room, avoiding contact with other people. This is to protect the other people that you live with.”