LATEST: Minister says more restrictions ‘likely’ as over 4,000 new cases confirmed

A further 4,141 people have contracted Covid-19, the Department of Health confirmed this evening.

And the number of patients now being treated in hospital for the virus now stands at 443, a drop of 276. Of these, 108 are being treated in intensive care, up three since yesterday.

The latest figures come as Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe admitted it is likely there will be some changes around Covid-19 restrictions as Christmas approaches.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), which met today, is widely expected to make recommendations to the Government around reducing social mixing, as well as advising that all close contacts of those with Covid restrict their movements.

Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One programme, Minister Donohoe said if changes will be made to measures currently in place the Government would communicate this to the public quickly.