MORE THAN 3,000 people have in Ireland have now passed away with Covid-19.
Since the pandemic began in March of last year, a total of 3,066 people have died after contracting the respiratory disease, with a further 90 deaths being announced last night.
Ireland's third wave of the pandemic has been by far the most intense, with more than a tenth of total deaths taking place in the last month; the Republic had reached 2,000 deaths just two months ago in November.
Dr Tony Holohan had warned that an explosion in cases linked to socialising and travelling over Christmas could see 1000 deaths in the month of January; with one week left, the current number is above 700.
Yesterday evening, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) announced a further 90 deaths from the virus, with 89 taking place in January and the date of one currently under investigation.
The median age of those who died is 83 years and the age range is 48-99 years.
928 new cases of the virus were also announced-- this is the first time the number has been below 1,000 in 2021.
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said:
"Today we are reporting a further 90 deaths, bringing our cumulative total of lives lost to COVID-19 to more than 3,000 in Ireland. This highly infectious disease is having a severe impact on the most vulnerable in our society and we must continue the good work we are doing to suppress it.
"The downturn in incidence has been achieved through the determination of people across the country to stay at home, to work from home and to avoid meeting and socialising with others. It is imperative that everyone continues to strictly adhere to the public health advice to protect ourselves and our loved ones from this highly infectious disease."
