A top health official says Ireland will likely record higher Covid cases than previously expected during the first week of March.

NPHET yesterday reported 613 new cases of the virus as well as 35 deaths.

There were 26 new cases in Galway, 8 new cases in both Mayo and Leitrim, 5 new cases in Roscommon and less than 5 in county Sligo.

The number of people in hospital with the virus dropped to 585 last night, with 140 in ICU.

Last week, NPHET said Ireland could record between 400 and 500 cases per day by next week.

But Professor Philip Nolan, who chairs its modelling group, says the actual number will likely be higher.