The latest figures from the Department of Health have been released.
Eight further deaths have been confirmed, as well as 444 new Covid cases.
158 of today’s cases are in Dublin, while 48 are in Cork, 36 in Galway, 28 in Limerick and the remaining 174 cases spread across 19 other counties.
The number of people in ICU is 41, down one since yesterday.
Speaking on Wednesday, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said: “Every piece of public health advice we have given from the outset of this pandemic is designed to keep everyone protected from the impact of Covid-19.
“If you are a close contact of a confirmed case, you are asked to restrict your movements for 14 days and to attend for your two free Covid-19 tests, one on day 0 and one on day 7.
“This is because as an identified close contact, you have come into contact with the virus. It may take some time for this to become apparent, or for you to become infectious.
“By staying at home for this entire 14 day period, you are helping to stop the spread of this dangerous disease. In following this important guidance, you are helping to bring this virus right back down to where we all need it to be and playing your part in this national effort.”
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed earlier that Ireland’s R number is now down to somewhere between 0.7 and 0.9.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland reported that 679 further individuals have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.
Sadly, a further 10 deaths have also been reported up north.
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