A further 1,120 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

Last night, there were 142 patients in hospital – up one on yesterday and 53 on this day last week.

There were 27 in intensive care – up six on last week.

The five-day moving average is now 1,264.

The five-day moving average. Image: Newstalk

It comes after NIAC recommended the extension of the vaccine programme to children aged between 12 and 15-years-old.

The rollout could start as early as next week after Cabinet approved the recommendation at their meeting today.

The consent of parents or guardians will be needed to vaccinate their children and they will likely have to accompany them to vaccination centres.

Meanwhile, Cabinet this afternoon approved the expansion of weddings from 50 to 100 guests, while also greenlighting the return of baptism ceremonies.

On The Hard Shoulder this evening, the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said Government did not seek public health advice on the decision.

He encouraged couples to ensure that all other public health precautions are followed on their big day.