LATEST: Kilkenny among 484 new cases of virus, NPHET calls for easing of restrictions to be shortened
A further three people have died after contracting the coronavirus as 484 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.
It brings the overall death toll as a result of the virus to 2,143. There has now been 77,678 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 follow: 150 are in Dublin, 45 in Wexford, 40 in Cork, 32 in Donegal, 29 in Limerick with the remaining 188 cases are spread across 20 other counties, including five more infections in Kilkenny.
The latest cases were confirmed this evening as it emerged that NPHET has recommended to Government that the period of relaxed Covid-19 restrictions be shortened to the end of the year as virus cases rise.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Six One, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The anticipated period of going from tomorrow to the 6th of January would be shortened.”
He also said NPHET will be recommending restrictions to hospitality before the end of the year, added: “So concerned are they in relation the rising numbers, and also restricting household visits to one before the end of the year, that’s one household could visit another.”
The Taoiseach said the Government will take the recommendation “very seriously” and will be in a position to make a decision when it meets on Tuesday.
PHOTO: Stock image
