LATEST: Almost 3,000 new cases of virus confirmed

A further 2,855 more people have contracted Covid-19, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.

And there are now 515 patients in hospital with Covid-19, an increase of 15 from yesterday.

Of these, 91 are in ICU, a drop of two.

Earlier, Health Service Executive (HSE) chief executive Paul Reid said there is a “steady number of people” coming forward for Covid-19 vaccination.

He said on Twitter: “Over the past six days almost 15,000 people have come to a vaccination centre via an appointment or walk in. Almost 7,000 via walk in. Avg 1,800 registering per day. Its never too late.”