There were no Covid-19 related deaths reported in the past 24 hours.

However, with 821 new cases confirmed across the country, experts say the number of deaths is likely to rise again today, amid concerns over outbreaks among meat plant workers and students.

Of the latest cases, 333 were in Dublin, with 91 in Galway, 53 in Limerick, 41 in Kildare, 38 in Meath and the remaining 265 cases spread across all other counties.

Speaking at last night’s press briefing, Dr Ronan Glynn said people are still making mistakes when it comes to following the public health guidelines.

“People are adhering to the guidelines and protocols in front of house, but when they go on their break, when they go to the canteen they relax, and unfortunately that’s when the disease is getting transmitted,” he said.

This week there are 29 open clusters related to meat processing and food production plants and a total of 180 workplace outbreaks nationally.

Despite the fact that most college facilities are closed, 135 cases have been linked to students in Galway.

“We have 35 suspect cases awaiting results, and a further 30, who are presenting today for testing who are symptomatic.” said Dr Lorraine Doherty, National Clinical Director Health Protection HSE.

“We have 15 clusters associated with these cases, in some cases the clusters have two cases, in some cases, they have 40.”

“And similarly in Limerick, we have 120 positive students.”