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Public health chiefs have confirmed another 763 cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, as well as 28 more deaths.
Tonight’s figures, announced by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), bring the total number of registered coronavirus cases in Ireland to 213,400.
Tragically, some 4,109 people have lost their lives as a result of Covid-19 since the pandemic hit our shores last spring.
In announcing tonight’s numbers, the deputy chief medical officer delivered a message of hope and told the country that “better days are in the offing.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn said: “The past year has been very difficult for people and we still have a long way to go.
“The incidence is still very high and we cannot lower our guard,” he added.
“But better days are looming. People continue to respond to public health advice and act in solidarity with one another. We have a dedicated and committed health workforce and we are learning more about this disease all the time.”
The latest data from NPHET comes amid ongoing fallout after the Taoiseach confirmed that Ireland is in another nine weeks of “severe” lockdown.
The news, revealed by the Irish Mirror last night, has caused frustration among opposition politicians, with some criticizing Micheal Martin for the way in which he broke the news to the country.
In the interview, conducted in government buildings on Thursday, Mr. Martin indicated that pubs and restaurants, and personal services such as hair salons, can remain closed long past this date.
He said there won’t be a full return to the construction sector by March 5, despite suggestions from Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien that that building could be restarted early next month.
Children returning to school in stages, starting with third- and fourth-year babies and Leaving Cert students, is the priority, the Taoiseach added.
But he insisted that there is light ahead for the people, and monthly vaccine doses of 1.2 million are expected.
He said: “It is going to be a challenge for people, it has already been a prolonged lockdown and I would tell people: it is worth it.”
Martin said that when the government unveils its revised Living with Covid plan next week, very few surprises will emerge.
He said: “What will happen next will be modest, I would not exaggerate it in the sense of announcements, etc.
“We are seeing a continuation of the severe restrictions certainly through April.”
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