*Photograph: Sean Curtin / True Media
Eleven new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Co Clare.
Across the country there are 922 new cases. 337 in Dublin, 73 in Cork, 70 in Limerick, 56 in Wexford, 43 in Galway and the remaining 343 cases are spread across all other counties including 11 in Clare.
Clare continues to have the second lowest 14 day incidence rate per 100k of the population. The figure of 48.0 is comfortably below the national rate of 166.0.
An additional eight deaths have been notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. Since March, 2,192 persons have died from the virus in the Republic of Ireland.
Data recorded at 8am on Thursday morning highlighted a total of 37 COVID-19 hospitalisations over the past 24 hours. There are currently 255 persons in Irish hospitals as a result of the virus, 22 of these are in ICUs.
Speaking on Thursday, Dr Tony Holohan stated that Ireland has the fastest growing incidence rate in the European Union.
“This Christmas, the best present you can give your loved ones is to strictly adhere to the public health advice. Make your Christmas safe, meaningful and memorable for the right reasons. Stay home, stay safe and stay well. Limit contact as much as you can and ensure you and your loved ones have a happy and safe Christmas,” the Chief Medical Officer commented.
