313 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Ireland with 53 people in hospital.
Of these patients, 15 are in ICU - this is the fewest people in ICU with Covid since September 18.
Earlier ths morning, Dr Tony Holohan said “normal life can resume” if you’re fully vaccinated.
The CMO added that Ireland is now at “near elimination” of the virus now that 1.2million of the population are vaccinated.
Dr Holohan said: “We are now experiencing near elimination of COVID-19 in the vaccinated population.
“For the 50-65’s who are in the process of receiving protection from full vaccination, incidence is dropping.
“Incidence is also reducing in most age groups, showing commendable compliance with public health measures as the vaccination programme is rolled out to more and more people.
“If you are fully vaccinated you can safely resume normal life - meeting other fully vaccinated people from up to two households indoors without masks or social distancing, and meeting unvaccinated people from one other household indoors and without masks.
“Those of us awaiting vaccination should continue to wash/sanitize hands regularly, manage contacts, avoid crowds, wear masks where appropriate and socialise outdoors.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn echoed this upbeat assessment as he encouraged people to make sure and get their second jabs.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer said: “Recent advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) states that mixing of vaccine doses is not recommended.
“I would urge anyone due to receive their 2nd dose of AstraZeneca vaccine to do so, completing their protection against COVID-19."
In terms of Ireland's vaccination programme, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that this week will be "the biggest week yet."
Over the upcoming weekend, two-thirds of the eligible population will have received a first vaccine dose and one third will be fully vaccinated.
It's expected that 330,000 vaccines will be administered this week and that the overall target of 3.5 million vaccine doses will also be reached.
For those that are aged 35-39, the vaccine registration portal will open this Sunday.
