The Department of Health has reported 1,546 new cases of Covid-19 today, and nine further deaths related to the disease.
Forty-three of the cases are in Galway, while 444 are in Dublin, 203 in Cork, 111 in Louth, 87 in Limerick and 85 in Donegal.
757 are men and 788 are women and 66% are under 45 years of age.
“We have reached a significant milestone in our collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, with the launch of our national vaccination programme,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan this evening.
“To see the first recipients of the vaccine gives us hope for better times ahead, particularly for those of us who are the most vulnerable to the virus, including those over 70 and with underlying medical conditions.
“The vaccination programme will focus on the priority groups in line with the recent decisions of Government in the first instance.”
He said that as the vaccination programme rolls out, we each need to remember to remain vigilant to the ongoing risk of the spread of COVID-19 and follow the public health advice in our everyday lives.
“Following the public health advice is our only means to suppress the spread of the virus in the community,” added Dr Tony Holohan.
“You are protecting yourself and your family from this highly infectious virus every time you wash your hands, wear a face covering, keep a 2m distance, reduce your social contacts and stay at home if you feel unwell.”
