Country Prepares To Exit Level Five Restrictions

The Covid-19 vaccine taskforce meet later as the country enters the final day of Level 5 restrictions.

Health Minister, Wicklow T.D. Stephen Donnelly has said he expects jabs of new vaccines to be rolled out here in the New Year, with healthcare workers and those with vulnerable conditions expected to be treated first.
It comes amid increased calls for pop-up testing to deal with localised outbreaks of the virus.

The national 14-day incidence rate of Covid-19 now stands at 92 - while just seven counties have rate of more than 100. 299 new cases of the virus were announced by the Department of Health yesterday - as well as two additional deaths.
Last night there were 257 patients with Covid-19 in Irish hospitals, including 30 in ICU.