Coronavirus Ireland: 24 deaths and 371 new Covid-19 cases as concern grows over lifting restrictions

As of 8am today, there are 357 people in hospital with the illness, 76 of whom are in ICU.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly

Edel Hughes

March 23 2021 05:34 PM

A further 24 people have died and 371 new Covid-19 cases have been announced today.

12 deaths occurred in March, 10 in February and two people died in January.

The median age of those who died was 82 years old and the ages of the deceased ranged from 49 - 100 years.

The latest figures bring the death toll to 4,610* while the total number of confirmed cases now stands at 231,484.*

Two deaths and six previously confirmed cases have been denotified, this is reflected in the total figures.

As of 8am today, there are 357 people in hospital with the illness, 76 of whom are in ICU.

Of the cases notified today:

183 are men / 187 are women
75% are under 45 years of age
The median age is 30 years old
151 are in Dublin, 31 in Offaly, 27 in Donegal, 25 in Galway, 21 in Meath and the remaining 116 cases are spread across 16 other counties

As of March 20^th 2021, 675,946 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland:

492,106 people have received their first dose
183,840 people have received their second dose

Earlier today it was revealed that a surge in Covid-19 cases could threaten any significant easing of restrictions next month.

There is increasing concern across the three coalition parties ahead of meetings on lifting coronavirus restrictions.

Senior Government sources raised concerns about allowing the construction industry to fully reopen next month and also cast doubt over the remaining years of secondary school students returning to classes if the numbers of new cases continue to rise.

There is an acceptance within the three Government parties that the 5km travel ban will be eased but non-essential inter-county journeys will still be prohibited.

More outdoor activities are expected to be permitted from April 5, but Government sources suggested people will not be allowed to gather in gardens to socialise.

It is more likely that small groups of people will be allowed to exercise or socialise outdoors in parks.

Allowing sports such as golf and tennis is still being considered as are plans to allow children to take part in non-contact sports training in small groups.