five more deaths and 322 new cases in the Republic

There have been five more deaths and 322 new confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Republic tonight.

Of the cases reported today, 96 are in Dublin, 35 in Meath, 23 in Cork, 17 in Louth, 16 in Waterford and the remaining 135 cases are spread over 18 other counties.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “Due to the efforts of people across Ireland we are seeing improvements with Covid-19.

“However, we must remember that maintaining this downward trend is now the most crucial.

“The value of our progress depends on continuing the confident behavior that led us to this position. I urge everyone to continue to do so to ensure that these initial trends continue.”

Cavan, Meath and Sligo are the counties with the highest 14-day incidence rates of the virus in the country.

There were 306 people in the hospital with Covid-19 as of this afternoon, with 42 people being treated in intensive care units.

There have been six more Covid-19-related deaths in Northern Ireland and 570 new cases of the virus, the Department of Health announced.

The region has seen some 4,629 confirmed cases reported over the past seven days.

There are currently 413 Covid-19 patients being treated at the hospital, with 51 in intensive care.

Earlier today, Dr. Tony Holohan, medical director, told a government committee that travel for non-essential reasons “is not safe” and that returning home for Christmas would not be considered an essential reason.