The Department of Health has reported 269 new cases of Covid-19 today as the country begins to re-enter Level 3 restrictions.
Health officials also reported eighteen further deaths related to the disease, 15 of which occurred in November. One death occurred in October and two are under investigation.
Sixteen of the new cases are in Galway, while 73 are in Dublin, 20 in Kilkenny, 20 in Limerick and 19 in Louth.
Dr Tony Holohan said: “The hard work and sacrifices that have been made by people over the last 6 weeks to suppress COVID-19 means we are now in a position to reopen non-essential retail and to travel within our counties.
“It’s up to every person to remain vigilant… do not have visitors to our homes, outside of necessary visitors in a support bubble, until the 18th of December.”
The 14-day incidence rate is down to 87 and the seven-day incidence rate is now 39.9.
