There are 1,586 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland today, the Department of Health has confirmed.
There are also 298 people hospitalised with the virus, of whom 56 are in ICU.
The five-day moving average has increased to 1,374 - up from 1,266.
The news comes as the incidence of COVID-19 amongst primary school children has dropped to levels seen earlier on in the pandemic.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan told Newstalk that the decrease was a positive sign:
“It [the decrease] continues to show that the classroom environment is a safe and appropriate environment. That the measures that have been taken in that environment are helping to keep children safe.
“And is helping to preserve and protect the ongoing provision of education, which is really encouraging.”
With winter approaching - a time where socialisation increasingly takes place inside - Dr Holohan urged people to stick to public health guidelines. People should continue to wear masks inside shops or on public transport and stay at home if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
“Unfortunately, we’re heading into that time of the year when being out and about all the time is that bit more difficult.
“The weather isn’t going to be as good and it’s important that we’re really mindful of the kinds of risks that are important for us to try to avoid.
“So as we meet up indoors, we need to be conscious of the extra measures we can take to protect ourselves.”
As of 1st October, 87% of people in Ireland over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated.
Main image: A swab sample is taken from a man for a COVID-19 test. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie
