IRELAND'S Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has said that the country has hit a “milestone” of 300,000 reported Coronavirus cases.
The news comes as Ireland is to add Georgia and Malaysia to its list of designated States for Mandatory Hotel Quarantine.
Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health revealed there has been eight Covid-related deaths in the past 24 hours.
'Solidarity'
Latest Government figures show a total of 300,976 Coronavirus cases and 5,035 deaths, with 1,427 cases recorded in the last 24 hours alone.
There are currently 164 people in hospital with Coronavirus, 26 of whom are in intensive care.
However with over 2.5m second doses of the vaccine now administered, Dr Holohan praised young people for doing their bit.
“Today we have reached the milestone of 300,000 cases reported in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Today we have also seen how solidarity continues to be the hallmark of our response with young people across the country lining up to get vaccinated both to protect themselves and to play their part in protecting the community.
“I strongly urge anyone eligible for a vaccine to come forward and avail of the opportunity as soon as possible.”
Also today, the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly revealed Georgia and Malaysia are to be included on the booking system for Mandatory Hotel Quarantine from next week.
Stephen Donnelly (Image: RollingNews.ie)From 4am on Wednesday, August 4, any passengers arriving from, or having transited through, these States in the previous 14 days who are not fully vaccinated will be required to enter quarantine for up to 14 days.
The Minister also revealed that Kuwait has now been removed from the list of designated States.
Vaccine centre closures
Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, there were eight Coronavirus deaths recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the Department of Health.
The latest figures come on the same day the North’s vaccine centres will close to those wishing to have the first dose.
After today, the seven regional centres will only administer second doses of the vaccine, allowing staff to be redeployed into the health service.
“Our vaccination centres have done a fantastic job in rolling-out the vaccination programme and will continue to administer second doses throughout August,” said Health Minister Robin Swann.
Robin Swann (Image: RollingNews.ie)“However people will not be able to get a first dose jab at a vaccination centre after Saturday 31 July.”
He added: “Our health service is now experiencing the outworking of the latest surge in COVID-19 cases with a marked increase in hospital admissions and an increase in demand for critical care.
“Placing this level of demand on our health service is not sustainable.
“It’s vital that people protect themselves by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Those not yet vaccinated will still be able to get the first vaccine through a pharmacy or mobile clinic.
