PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS have confirmed 1,578 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

As of 8am today, 484  Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 73 are in ICU.

Yesterday, there were 1,380 new cases of Covid-19, 459 people with the virus in hospital and 74 in ICU.

Deaths are being announced weekly due to the HSE data breach in May – as of Wednesday, 5,306 people have died with Covid-19 in Ireland.

This includes 26 deaths newly notified in the past week.

NPHET is meeting today before giving its advice to Government ahead of the planned easing of restrictions on Friday. 

Almost all remaining Covid-19 restrictions are due to be lifted on 22 October but a recent rise in cases numbers and hospitalisations has thrown the plan into doubt.

Speaking to reporters in Sligo today, the Taoiseach said the Government is considering extending the use of the Covid pass, mask-wearing and social distancing beyond the 22 October. 

He also confirmed that the Government will consider the greater role antigen testing could play in the further easing of restrictions.

Martin said he is a strong believer in antigen testing, and the use of such testing will be considered over the next 24 hours, despite health experts sitting on NPHET questioning the effectiveness of such tests.

While he said he would not pre-empt tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting, Martin said “we are in a much different space to this time last year because of vaccination”.