The Chief Medical Officer has given an uplifting update on the latest situation with Covid-19 in Ireland.
Dr Tony Holohan issued a positive message about infection rates across the country, with indicators particularly encouraging among one group.
It comes as 1,545 further cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Ireland this evening by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The Department of Health says there are now 335 people in hospital, with 56 of those in ICU.
Health officials also gave an update on the number of deaths relating to coronavirus that have been notified in Ireland so far.
There has been a total of 5,155 deaths associated with the virus to date, which includes 43 deaths newly notified in the past week since last Wednesday.
Despite this, Dr Holohan said hospitalisation and ICU admissions are beginning to stabilise.
He said: "Overall the incidence of Covid-19 infection is declining across the country, the five day moving average is 1,407 and we see a stabilisation of ICU and hospital admissions.
"Incidence of Covid-19 in adolescents and young adults is falling significantly and we are seeing early encouraging signs that the rate of infection plateauing in children of school going age. NPHET will continue to monitor this trend over the coming weeks.
"Vaccination continues to offer the best protection against the most severe effects of Covid-19 including hospitalisation and death.
"Anyone yet to avail of vaccination is strongly encouraged to do so. Local vaccination sites are available on hse.ie."
Earlier, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced updates to Ireland's vaccination programme on the foot of recommendations from NIAC and the Chief Medical Officer.
Dr Holohan endorsed the recommendations made by NIAC, which means thousands of vulnerable and elderly people will be in line to receive booster shots.
An additional dose of an mRNA vaccine will be made available for those people aged 65 and older who are living in Long Term Residential Care Facilities.
People who are 80 years of age and above and who are living in the community will also be offered the jab.
