There are 1,051 new confirmed COVID cases in Ireland, the Department of Health announced today.
There are also 319 people in hospital with the disease, of whom 60 are in ICU.
The five-day moving average has decreased to 1,284 - down from 1,374 yesterday.
As of 1st October, 87% of people in the Republic of Ireland over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated.
In Northern Ireland there were two deaths from people diagnosed with COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths in the province to 2,567.
A further 892 people tested positive for the virus, while there are 342 people hospitalised with the disease - of whom 33 are being treated in ICU.
The news comes after Belfast’s Ulster Hospital was forced to close two of its wards because of COVID outbreaks. Over the past month, 96 patients tested positive for the virus upon admission, while a further 16 tested positive following their arrival.
In a statement to the press, the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust said:
"COVID-positive patients are admitted to side rooms/bays which are designated for COVID patients.
"There are a number of designated wards for COVID-positive patients.
"On occasion, non-COVID patients are admitted to these wards due to their clinical condition and requirement for specialist treatment, such as respiratory, however, they are segregated.
"All patients are risk-assessed on admission and prior to placement and are kept under review during their stay. This includes regular testing, as per the Public Health Agency guidance.
"Infection prevention and control measures are in place in every ward."
Main image: A man is tested for COVID-19 in Dublin. Picture by: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
