A further seven coronavirus related deaths and 243 new cases have been announced.

It takes the death toll in the Republic to 2,050 and the total number of confirmed cases to 71,942.

Some 91 of the new cases are in Dublin, with 26 in Donegal, 18 in Cork, 16 in Waterford and 15 in Limerick.

The rest are spread across another 18 counties.

The national 14-day incidence of the virus is now 93.7 cases per 100,000 people.

Donegal remains the hardest-hit county with a 14-day rate at 215.5.

Louth is in second with 191.6, with Limerick in third at 170.9.

As of 2pm today there were 254 COVID-19 patients in Irish hospitals with 31 in intensive care.

It comes as doctors urge people to take personal responsibility for keeping the coronavirus in check over Christmas.

The Taoiseach yesterday confirmed that the reopening of the country would begin next Tuesday with shops, places of worship, gyms, golf courses, hairdressers, barbers, museums and cinemas all returning.

Restaurants and gastropubs will reopen for indoor dining from Friday December 4th; however, pubs that don't serve food will remain closed for the rest of the year.

Restrictions on travel within your own county will be lifted from Tuesday; however, intercounty travel will remain restricted until December 18th.

Meanwhile new recommendations for safely enjoying shopping, dining out and visiting other people’s homes over Christmas have been published.

The Government is also advising people to wear masks outdoors on busy streets and to shop at off-peak times wherever possible.