Taoiseach Says UK Variant Of Covid Responsible For Majority Of New Cases

The Taoiseach says health officials are 'hugely concerned' as the so-called 'UK variant' which emerged in December now accounts for 90 per cent of Covid-19 cases here.

It comes as the death toll from the virus exceeded 4,000 here yesterday.
57 additional deaths were reported last night, along with 650 new cases. There are 765 patients in public hospitals with the virus, while there's 154 in ICU. Meanwhile the cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 will meet this afternoon to get advice on when parts of the economy might re-open in the coming months.

The National Public Health Emergency Team is expected to recommend a school re-opening date as early as March 1st, starting with Leaving Certs and the younger classes in primary school, with a review every two weeks.
NPHET will also advise on whether construction can fully re-open in March, something the Department of Housing's pushing for.