Rising covid numbers causing concern across Irish society

The Department of Health has this evening reported 4,570 further cases of Covid-19.

The number of confirmed infections here has now surpassed half a million. 622 people are in hospital with the virus - an increase of 40 on yesterday. 117 people are being treated in intensive care, up 11 three of them are In Wexford General Hospital The cabinet sub-committee will consider NPHET recommendations on the wider use of covid certs and advice on working from home. Proposals for the further use of antigen tests will also be discussed - and how to make them more affordable. Taoiseach Micheal Martin says despite pressure on hospitals, the country's in a different position to last year