New Virus Cases Continue To Rise Here, Particularly In The 18 To 44 Age Group

People are being urged to reconsider their Christmas plan if they have been socialising in the past few weeks, after 764 more cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic.

The five day average number of cases has now risen to 557, while the estimated 14-day incidence rate is now above 112 cases per 100,000.
The infection rate amongst adults between 19 and 44 has more than doubled in the past 10 days.
The National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended shutting down the hospitality sector from December 28th.
The Cabinet will meet tomorrow to decide when to close hotels, restaurants and pubs that serve food, but is likely to opt for December 30th.