Restrictions in three counties as 98 new Covid cases are reported

RESTRICTIONS have been imposed on three midlands counties this evening in an effort to control a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases in the region.

Residents of Kildare, Laois and Offaly will have restricted movement for two weeks, and cafes, restaurants and pubs will open for deliveries only or limited outdoors dining.

Also among the range of measures announced, those living in the three affected counties will only be able to travel within their own county, unless it is for work or medical appointments, or for family reasons.

The move was announced as the Health Protection Surveillance Centre confirmed that as of midnight Thursday, it has been notified of 98 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Four more patients diagnosed with the virus in Ireland have died.

Of the new cases, 35 cases are located in Kildare, 26 in Offaly, 6 in Wexford, 5 in Laois, 5 in Dublin, and 21 are spread across ten other counties (Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath and Wicklow)

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.