LATEST: No further deaths but 53 new cases, Government to introduce random testing at airports

There has been no further coronavirus deaths but 53 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed this evening.

It means the overall death toll as a result of the virus remains at 1,763. There are now 26,162 confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country, according to the latest daily briefing from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

No new infections were recorded in Kilkenny, which remains at 357 cases or around one per cent of the overall total.

The latest cases were confirmed as it emerged the Government is set to introduce random testing at airports.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said the measure is being taken because the “international situation is becoming more volatile”.

The minister told RTÉ’s The Week programme: “We’re introducing random testing at the airports and an increased public health presence and we’re examining other options as well for further restrictions on non-essential travel because … the international situation is becoming more volatile.”

PHOTO: Passengers undergo Covid-19 testing at an airport in Greece