A further 2,855 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

This morning, there were 515 coronavirus patients in Irish hospitals – up 18 on this day last week and 15 on yesterday.

There were 91 in intensive care – down eight on last week and two on yesterday.

The five-day moving average has increased to 2588.

The COVID-19 five-day moving average. Image: Newstalk

This evening, the Minister for Health said he had authorised COVID vaccine booster shots for healthcare workers.

Around 3,500 healthcare workers are currently out sick because of COVID – which is almost double the figure reported ten days ago.

Stephen Donnelly made the announcement after getting new advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).

He said the HSE has already prepared the programme and will start rolling out the boosters this weekend.

In a statement, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) welcomed the announced – but warned that it came “later than we would have liked.”