Covid incidence rates are currently staggering in 13 counties and now exceed 200 per 100,000

A staggering 13 counties now have an incidence rate of more than 200, while the numbers in Cavan have soared to 735.1 per 100,000.

The 14-day data for Cavan is now three times the national average.

Donegal and Monaghan, who are currently under a level four lockdown with Cavan, also saw big jumps, as did Meath, Clare, and Sligo.

Cork, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Westmeath, Kildare and Wexford are also above 200 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Meanwhile, Tipperary’s IR is the lowest in Ireland at 88.4

The national incidence rate is now 217.9 after 1,000 new cases were recorded on Friday.

The National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended that the Government place the country under a Level Five blockade for six weeks.

A decision is expected in the next day or so, and the Covid-19 Cabinet Subcommittee will meet today to discuss NPHET’s latest recommendation.

As always, the final decision rests with the Cabinet.

Speaking of at least 1,000 cases being recorded for the third day in a row, Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan said: “The number of cases continues to rise. Right now, we need everyone to reduce their social contacts to the absolute minimum.

“Every time you physically interact with another person, you are providing an opportunity for the virus to spread.”

See the incidence rate and number of cases in each county for the past 14 days in the table below:

Tragically, three more deaths were also announced on Friday.

To date, 47,427 cases have been confirmed in Ireland, with a total of 1,841 deaths.