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The medical director has renewed his call for people to limit their contacts as much as possible during Christmas.
Dr. Tony Holohan’s comments come after 922 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed yesterday, on the third day in a row the figure has passed the 900 mark.
Eight more people have died with the virus.
Dr Holohan said that none of the indicators of the virus show encouraging signs and Ireland now has the fastest growing incidence rate in the EU.
He said that the best gift people can give their loved ones this Christmas is to strictly adhere to public health advice.
Yesterday, the first of the new Level 5 restrictions went into effect with the closure of restaurants, bars and cafes, except for takeout and home delivery.
Hair salons, estheticians and barbers were among the other businesses that closed until at least January 12.
As part of the measures, religious services will move online starting today, but places of worship may remain open for private prayer.
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Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly confirmed last night that he has signed the regulation authorizing the use of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine in Ireland.
The first delivery of almost 10,000 doses is scheduled for tomorrow, and the first vaccines on December 30.
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