Another warning has been issued by health officials in Ireland after the number of new coronavirus cases flew past 1,000 today.
The Department of Health confirmed that as of 8am today, 79 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 23 are in ICU.
But there is some good news on the vaccine front for those aged between 25-29 year olds.
Here are the main Covid headlines from today so far:
Fourth wave in full flow after 1,173 new cases
The fourth wave of Covid-19 is becoming rampant in Ireland after a further 1,173 new cases were confirmed by the HSE this evening.
As of 8am on Friday morning, 79 hospital patients are suffering with the virus in the country. 23 people are in ICUs.
The grim statistics come after HSE Chief Executive Officer Paul Reid warned the public over an increase in transmission among those aged 20+ in Ireland, and the potential issues they could meet in the future as a result of ‘long Covid’.
He confirmed that consultants across the country are having to refer more and more young people to hospitals for treatment recently, while thousands of the 18+ cohort await their vaccines.
Those who register for Covid jab today will get jab within three weeks
The CEO of the HSE has said that those people aged between 25-29 who register for the vaccine today will receive the jab within the next three weeks.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Paul Reid said: "People registering today aim to have it in a three week period from the time you register to the time you get your vaccine.
"So some people will begin to get notifications next week of appointments the following week."
Mr Reid also said he hopes the 18-24 cohort will be brought forward like the 25-29 group has been.
Taoiseach warns people to "be careful" ahead of busy weekend
Micheál Martin has warned everybody to “be careful” as Covid case numbers continue to soar every day.
The Taoiseach was speaking ahead of a weekend where the country is set to bask in glorious sunshine in a mini-heatwave.
He said: “The essential point I would make is that it’s important that everybody is careful, that personal behaviour matters, social distancing, mask-wearing in places, outdoor as much as possible.
“We want to protect the progress that we’ve made in relation to the reopening of society.
“In terms of the further reopening of indoor dining and hospitality, that will be for those who are fully vaccinated, and again, it’s important that people adhere to guidelines and regulations.
