LATEST: Kilkenny among 269 new cases of virus, up to three households to be allowed to gather at Christmas
A further six people have died after contracting the coronavirus as 269 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.
The overall death toll as a result of the virus now stands at 2,033. There are now 71,187 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The breakdown of the latest cases is as follows: 88 are in Dublin, 42 in Cork, 25 in Limerick, 20 in Louth, 16 in Donegal, with the remaining 78 spread across 17 other counties, including five more infections in Kilkenny.
The latest cases were confirmed it emerged the Government is giving consideration allowing up to three households to gather for the Christmas period.
RTÉ today reported this is likely to form part of the guidance on Christmas gatherings that will be issued by Government.
A final decision will be taken by Cabinet when it meets at 1pm on Friday.
The 5km restrictions are set to be lifted next week, but the controls on inter-county travel will not happen until closer to Christmas, according to the national broadcaster.
The NPHET met today and the Covid-19 Cabinet sub-committee is set to meet tomorrow to discuss their recommendations and the latest data before the Cabinet makes its decision.
PHOTO: Stock image
