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Ireland has seen a slight increase in Covid-19 infections after 613 new cases were confirmed.
Tragically, 35 more people have lost their lives after fighting the deadly virus.
The latest figures were released during a press conference by the National Public Health Emergency Team on Thursday.
It brings the total number of confirmed cases in Ireland to 217,478, while the death toll is now 4,271.
There are currently 591 hospitalized patients battling the disease, 138 of whom are in intensive care units.
Assistant Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn said: “We are making good progress and we can see that many of the key indicators of disease levels in our communities continue to decline. This progress is why we can reopen our schools in in a cautious and staggered manner.
“However, we must remember that Covid-19 is still circulating at a high level and we continue to see positivity rates of around 15% in the community.
“As we see more children return to school next week, it is important that we follow all public health guidelines, including during school.”
The news comes just hours after it was revealed that the group of health experts issued a stern warning to the government about a “fourth wave” of the deadly virus.
NPHET told the government that its approach over the next several months should be “extreme caution” and cautioned that “‘normal’ life is probably still a bit far off.”
(Image: Collins)
Earlier, Taoiseach Micheál Martin again indicated that the 5km rule could be relaxed on April 5 if Covid numbers are significantly suppressed.
Martin told Spin South West that he said: “I understand that 5 km is very restrictive for people.
“I think if we can keep the numbers low … that will give us good options in April.
“I have to be very careful what I am saying after April 5, we will meet the week before April 5 to discuss the problem of 5 km, to see the outdoors, sports and see what we can do . “
The Health Department released the advice NPHET gave the government before Taoiseach Micheál Martin made the decision to extend Level Five restrictions for at least another six weeks.
NPHET has said that “the epidemiological position remains very fragile” and “it is too early to advise on how and when other restrictions should be eased.”
He said vaccines will play a key role in protecting the public, but “it is not possible to know at this stage what level of protection the vaccine will give.”
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