A further 6,329 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

Another 4,810 people registered positive antigen results on the HSE portal yesterday.

There were 1,006 patients with COVID in hospital this morning – up 11 on yesterday but down 57 on this day last week.

There were 97 in intensive care – up nine on yesterday and eight on last week.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said there is evidence to show that people who receive their booster shot are “less susceptible to infection and, if infected, are less infectious to others”.

“According to our Amárach research, 68% of those aged under 35 years, who have received a full, primary course of COVID-19 vaccination but are not yet boosted, said that they would receive a booster dose if they were offered it next week,” he said.

“It is important to remember that you don’t need to wait for the HSE to contact you about your booster appointment. You can book an appointment online on hse.ie, drop into your local pharmacy or contact your GP.”

He said more than 46,00 children aged five to 11 have now been vaccinated in Ireland.

“Vaccines are a very safe and effective way to protect children from the risk posed by COVID-19 infection,” he said.

Dr Holohan said the most important of all the recent public health updates relate to mask-wearing.

It is now recommended that medical grade or FFP2 masks are used by:

• anyone 13 years and older who is a confirmed case, a close contact or who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19
• over 60s and vulnerable people of all ages in indoor or crowded outdoor places
• anyone visiting a healthcare setting or when visiting those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 in any setting

“Masks can play a key role in reducing transmission of COVID-19 if made correctly, well fitted and worn properly – that is they cover the nose, mouth and chin.”

He urged people to “continue to layer up on the basic public health measures” to protect yourself and you loved ones from infection.