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Taoiseach Micheál Martin and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have discussed the latest information to emerge about the most virulent strain of Covid-19 that was first identified in the UK.
Martin has raised concerns following suggestions that the variant may be linked to higher death rates.
The discussion comes as the UK announced that those who contract the most highly communicable strain discovered in the UK are 30-40% more likely to die from the disease, which will strengthen requests to join public health measures.
The variant already accounts for 62% of Covid-19 cases in Ireland and is becoming even more dominant.
Yesterday, Mr. Martin said that there would be no relaxation of level five restrictions later this month.
It is understood that the cabinet subcommittee on Covid-19 will consider further tightening of travel restrictions at its meeting scheduled for Monday.
A full cabinet meeting on Tuesday will decide on any additional measures.
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Meanwhile, Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan has urged people to contact their GP as soon as they experience Covid-19 symptoms for the first time after data showed a gap of four. days between the onset of symptoms and the time when tests are done in one third. from the people.
Dr. Holohan said we are seeing the first signs of a lower prevalence of the disease in the population, but urged people to stay the course by washing their hands, covering their coughs, wearing face masks and staying six feet away.
More than 580 people have died from the virus so far this month. A record number of Covid-19 patients were being treated in Intensive Care at 8pm last night.
There are 215 Covid-19 patients in the ICU with no spare beds available in 12 of the 28 acute hospitals in the country.
On the other hand, HSE CEO Paul Reid warned that the situation in hospitals is moving into an extremely dangerous position.
According to the HSE Daily Operations Report released last night, there were 28 adult intensive care beds available in the remaining hospitals as of 8pm last night.
The report also showed a total of 1,846 Covid-19 patients admitted and treated at the hospital, the lowest number since January 15.
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