The National Public Health Emergency Team has said that although the incidence of Covid-19 is exceptionally high, at about 20 times the levels seen in early December, it is starting to fall.
It warned however, that deaths due to the virus are increasing. Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has urged people to reduce their social contacts to break the chains of transmission and protect the most vulnerable.
As of 8pm last night there were 1,785 people being treated in hospital for Covid-19, including 171 patients in intensive care units.
The average number of close contacts for those testing positive is falling rapidly and is now down to just one close contact outside of a person's household.