Covid hospital numbers are at their highest levels since January.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 2,100 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19.
In addition, on Sunday 13 March, 7,271 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal.
On Saturday 12 March, the HPSC was notified of 4,400 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19. 6,853* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal the previous day.
On Sunday 13 March, the HPSC was notified of 5,475 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19. 5,791* people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal the previous day.
As of 8am today, 1,042 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 42 are in ICU.
It comes amid renewed calls for mandatory mask-wearing to be reintroduced.
A Fine Gael senator making the call as hospital figures rise.
They're at their highest levels since mid-January.
With St Patrick's Day celebrations about to kick off, Senator Jerry Buttimer feels extra caution is needed:
While a public health expert says there should be a renewed message for people to wear masks in shops and on public transport.
The number of people in hospital with Covid has increased by nearly 60 per cent in the last two weeks.
More than 950 patients are being treated compared to just over 600 at the end of February.
Infectious diseases professor Jack Lambert says although masks are optional, they still play an important role:
Westmeath Actress Ties The Knot
Laois Shop Set To Close Doors After Three Generations In Business
Laois And Offaly Under Status Yellow High Temperature Warning
Fundraiser For Offaly Family Of Tadgh Farrell Taking Place This Weekend
Occupied Territories Bill Set To Be Approved
Irish Troops Returning After UNIFIL Deployment
Laois Sustainable Future Conference Taking Place Today
FTD Brothers Take Off From Offaly
Two Arrested For Abusive Behaviour On Westmeath Bus
Planning Permission Granted for New Laois Homes Despite Public Objection
Midlands Animal Charity Criticize Viral Video Of Horse In Supermarket
Gardai Attend Scene Of Westmeath Crash
Public Meeting On Irish Neutrality In Laois Tonight
Midlands Braced For Record Breaking Temperatures
Midlands Hospital Experiencing High Admission Numbers
Founding President Of TUS To Step Down Next Year
Westmeath Father Loses Job After Using HSE Funds For Home Upgrades
Higher Education Minister Visits Offaly
Midlands Woman Pays Tribute To Sister After Manslaughter Sentence
FTD Brothers Continue 32 County Marathon Challenge Through The Midlands