The Department of Health has reported 18,904 further cases of COVID-19 today.
As of 8am today, 1,011 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised across the State, with 92 of those cases in intensive care units.
Dr Tony Holohan said that it is important to note that the latest public health advice around self-isolation and restriction of movement places an increased emphasis on the use by cases and close contacts of higher-grade face masks, as opposed to cloth masks.
“Other protective measures including strict limiting of social contacts are also advised for the full 10 days following a confirmed COVID-19 infection or close contact,” he said.
“These combined measures are intended to offset any increase in risk of transmission that may result from the reduction and or removal of the requirement to self-isolate or restrict movements.”