Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said people will be able to record their positive antigen test and their close contacts on the HSE website from Friday.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Minister Donnelly said there are “still quite a lot of people to come forward to get their booster.”
He pleaded with the public to come forward to receive their third shot.
He also gave a positive indication that restrictions can begin to be lifted soon.
Minister Donnelly confirmed from Friday, people will be able to “directly upload their antigen test and close contacts,” on the HSE website.
Minister Donnelly said Professor Philip Nolan who sits on NPHET made the point that there are a lot more cases out there than recorded.
And for this reason, we may have passed the peak of the virus due to the spread of cases in the community but it is not yet known.
Minister Donnelly also told the Irish Mirror the measures that NPHET and the Government have to consider when lifting restrictions are now “very encouraging.”
He said “we’re keeping it under very close review” and said health experts and the Government look at critical care.
He said the numbers in critical care have been stable now for a few weeks adding, “I think that is very encouraging.”
He said “nobody wants restrictions in place” as they place a “huge burden” on society.
He added: “What I would say, in the measures we look at to get a sense, they're very encouraging,” when asked about lifting restrictions.
He added: “The reason they’re very encouraging is because so many people have stepped up and got the booster.”
From midnight tonight, Thursday, boostered people who do not have any symptoms will not have to isolate despite being a close contact of a confirmed case.
But they will be advised to wear a medical or higher grade mask and to take regular antigen tests.
Close contacts who have not received a booster vaccine will have to restrict their movements for seven days.
Anyone who has Covid-19 will now have to isolate for seven rather than ten days.
And there will no longer be a requirement to confirm an antigen test result with a PCR test for people aged four to 39 years.
