There have been 1,586 new cases of Covid-19 reported by the Department of Health.
There are 298 people in hospital who have tested positive for the virus, down 10 since yesterday. Of these, 56 are in ICU, down three over the past 24 hours.
The number of cases of Covid-19 has “stabilised” in recent weeks, according to the Chief Medical Officer.
In a video message on Twitter, Dr Tony Holohan said that the incidence rate in children of primary school age has “fallen right back down”.
Under a change in the contact tracing system, most primary school children and those in childcare facilities who are identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of Covid-19, but have no symptoms, no longer have to restrict their movements, or get tested.
Dr Holohan said that the stabilising case rate “continues to show that the school environment, and particularly the classroom environment, is a safe and appropriate environment”.
He said the measures that have been taken in the school environment are “helping to keep children safe and to preserve and protect the ongoing provision of education”.
The Chief Medical Officer also said that it is more important people are aware of the risks as outdoor socialising becomes more difficult due to wintery weather conditions.
