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DUBLIN, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) – The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ireland has exceeded 100,000 as the country reported a record 4,962 new cases on Sunday.
The country now has a total of 101,887 cases, the Irish Department of Health said in a statement. Ireland’s COVID-19 death toll, meanwhile, increased by seven in the day to reach 2,259.
As of Sunday afternoon, 685 COVID-19 patients are being treated in Irish hospitals, including 62 in intensive care units, he added, adding that 96 COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized in the past 24 hours.
“We are seeing a really significant increase in infections, resulting in a very rapid increase in hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units. This is… unsustainable for the health system, ”said Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health.
Earlier today, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said in a tweet that ‘With the number of COVID cases rapidly increasing, it is more important than ever that each of us do as we are asked . Stay at home and strictly limit social contact. “
Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told RTE national radio and television on Sunday that current restrictions should remain in place until those most at risk have been vaccinated, even if that means going in February.
He also said that additional restrictions could be applied, but that the current restrictive measures were not introduced until December 30 and must be given time to work.
The government has reset the entire country to a full Level 5, or the highest level of response to COVID-19, after easing restrictions for the Christmas and New Year holidays given the number of COVID-cases. 19 in the country had rebounded sharply back after the easing.
Level 5 restrictions will remain in effect until January 31. Under Level 5 restrictions, people are not allowed to travel more than 5 kilometers from their homes and all non-essential outlets must be closed.
Ireland started vaccinating its population with the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech at the end of 2020.
According to the World Health Organization website, as of December 29, 232 COVID-19 vaccine candidates were in development around the world, 60 of which are in clinical trials.
A few vaccines developed by pharmaceutical companies in the United States, Germany, Russia and China have so far been authorized by several countries and regions for emergency use. Enditem
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