A new set of restrictions has been announced this evening by Taoiseach Micheál Martin to try to tackle the latest surge of COVID-19 cases.

This evening (Tuesday) the Dept of Health announced 4,570 new cases of the virus with 614 people in hospital, down eight from yesterday. 114 are being treated in ICU.

Changes coming into place immediately

Household close contacts who are fully vaccinated and showing no symptoms should now restrict their movements until they have three negative antigen test results within five days.

From midnight Thursday (November 18)

The public are being advised to work from home unless necessary to attend the workplace in person.

COVID-19 passes (based on vaccination or recovery) for cinemas and theatres.

Closing times for all on-licensed premises (except for guests staying in hotels) will move to midnight with all customers vacated from the premises by that time.

There will be no change in current arrangements for student attendance and on-site activities in school, further and higher education institutions in line with COVID response plans for those sectors.

Vaccine booster programme

Booster vaccinations are currently being administered to those aged over 60 in the community and residents in long-term care facilities, the immunocompromised, and healthcare workers. In the coming days in line with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) advice received last night (Monday) to extend the programme to those aged 16-59 with underlying conditions and to those aged 50 to 59.