Ratoath highest infection rate in Meath

As 42 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Meath last night, The Ratoath electoral area has now the highest incidence rate of the virus at 141.1per 100,000, which is above the national average.

Kells is next with an incidence rate of 120.4 while Ashbourne MD has 92.8  per 100,000.

The rate in Navan is 88.7 per 100,000 while in Trim it is 16 per 100,000 population,

The Laytown/Bettystown area has an incidence rate of less than five.

Meanwhile there has been one further death associated with the disease, bringing the death toll to 1,817.

Last night health officials confirmed another 506 cases of Covid-19 in Ireland bringing the total number to 40,086.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan warned that all key indicators of the virus’ spread have deteriorated and called on people to reduce their social contacts.

Of the cases notified last night 240 are men, 265 are women, 64 per cent are under 45 years of age, 39 per cent are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case and 59 cases have been identified as community transmission.

There were 42 cases in Meath, 91 in Dublin, 76 in Cork, 53 in Donegal and the remaining 244 cases are located across 21 counties.

There are currently 159 people hospitalised with Covid-19, including 25 in ICU.