LATEST: Kilkenny among 582 new cases of virus, NPHET calls for reintroduction of restrictions on December 28
A further six people have died after contracting the coronavirus as 582 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.
It brings the overall death toll as a result of the virus to 2,149. There has now been 78,254 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: 193 are in Dublin, 59 in Wexford, 47 in Louth, 42 in Donegal, 34 in Cork with the remaining 210 cases spread across 20 other counties, including nine 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 ended on December 28.
They are calling for the closure of all restaurants and pubs that serve food, the re-imposition of the outside county travel ban and rules around house visits.
It is understood NPHET’s recommendation will be discussed at a Cabinet meeting next Tuesday, before any decision is made.
Speaking after a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council this morning, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government are “very minded” to accept NPHET’s advice.
