Covid infection rates are in decline across the country - CMO

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of 43 deaths newly in the past week, bringing the total to 5,155 since the start of the pandemic.

The current indications, however, are that the level of infection is falling.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said: "Overall the incidence of Covid-19 infection is declining across the country, the five day moving average is 1,407 and we see a stabilisation of ICU and hospital admissions.

"Incidence of Covid-19 in adolescents and young adults is falling significantly and we are seeing early encouraging signs that the rate of infection is plateauing in children of school going age. NPHET will continue to monitor this trend over the coming weeks.

"Vaccination continues to offer the best protection against the most severe effects of Covid-19 including hospitalisation and death.

"Anyone yet to avail of vaccination is strongly encouraged to do so. Local vaccination sites are available on HSE.ie."