A further 1,936 COVID cases have been announced this afternoon.

Meanwhile, 2,259 people registered a positive antigen test results through the HSE portal yesterday.

This morning, there were 904 COVID patients in hospital – down 29 on yesterday and 347 on this day, last week.

There were 57 in intensive care, which is one fewer than yesterday and one more than last week.

The five-day moving average. Image: Newstalk

Since PCR testing was restricted for the under-40s in mid-January, the National Public health Emergency Team (NPHET) has reported positive antigen test results uploaded to the HSE portal alongside PCR-confirmed results.

When both are included, the five-day moving average is now 4,545.

Easter

With the Easter Bank Holiday approaching, the Department of Health is urging people all over the country to protect the vulnerable by continuing to follow public health advice.

Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved.

Anyone with symptoms is asked not to attend any social events, work, school or college if they have symptoms.

Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should self-isolate for seven days from the day their symptoms started or if they have no symptoms, from the day they first tested positive.

Guidelines

People are still advised to wear masks on public transport and in healthcare settings.

Meanwhile, people should continue to practise good hand and respiratory hygiene by sanitising hands regularly and coughing/sneezing into their elbow.

People are still encouraged to maintain physical distancing where possible.

The government is also reminding the public that many people who tested positive over Easter are now eligible for their booster.

Anyone over the age of 12, can book a booster here.