A further 1,059 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

This morning, there were 308 coronavirus patients in Irish hospitals – up 11 on yesterday.

There were 59 in intensive care which is no change from yesterday.

The five-day moving average has fallen slightly to 1266.

The five-day moving average. Image: Newstalk

The Chief Medical Officer said vaccination remains the best means of protection as people spend more time indoors.

“As we move into the autumn/winter period and prepare for the dark evenings and cooler weather these seasons bring, many people have concerns about how we can continue to socialise safely and take part in the social and physical activities that keep us connected to our friends, families and wider communities,” he said.

“We are all familiar with the measures that will continue to keep us safe from COVID-19.

“Vaccination remains our best means of protection against COVID-19. The vaccines available in Ireland are very safe and effective against COVID-19 and limit the likelihood of a COVID-19 infection becoming so severe it may require admission to hospital or to intensive care.

“There are still some people who haven’t yet taken up the opportunity of vaccination, or who have delayed receiving a second dose for various reasons. I strongly encourage anyone who is in this position to ensure they get fully vaccinated as soon as possible in order to best protect themselves and those around them.”

He reminded people of the other steps they can take to protect themselves.

“Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate – particularly in retail settings, on public transport and in healthcare settings; keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces, avoid crowds and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others.”

It comes after retail workers were found to be the most common occupation infected with the virus during the second and third waves of COVID-19.

Figures from the CSO show during the first wave in the Spring of 2020 nurses and midwives were the most exposed to the virus.