“COVID has many twists and turns.”

An Taoiseach Michéal Martin has confirmed that we can expect some clarity on the lifting of restrictions by tomorrow, as rising case numbers cast doubt over plans to loosen the rules on October 22nd.

With 482 Covid-19 patients in hospital, 74 of which are in ICU, it’s looking like the requirement for masks and digital vaccination certificates is set to continue beyond Friday.

Referencing the 90s movie in which a series of unwelcome and tedious events appear to be recurring again and again, Mr Martin said that the situation in Ireland is “not Groundhog Day.”

“Obviously we understand people who are anticipating that they will be opening this week.” Mr Martin told reporters in Sligo.

“This isn’t an absence of clarity, it’s essentially Covid is behaving in a certain way… it’s causing an increase in the number of cases.

“It’s not Groundhog Day, I don’t accept that presentation that has been made because of the fact that the economy has rebounded very significantly and in a very fast way because of the reopening of society that has occurred over the last number of months and that has to be acknowledged.”

“But COVID has many twists and turns. We’re witnessing another now at this particular point in time, which will give us pause for reflection.”

Earlier today, HSE Chief Paul Reid appealed to the public to ‘hit the reset button’ and focus on simple hygiene measures to stop the spread of the disease.

Now 482 #covid19 patients in hospital, 74 in ICU. Time for us all to hit the reset button. 1.If unvaccinated, you’re at higher risk, resulting in a disproportionate impact. Do the right thing. 2.For the rest of us,time to do the basics well again. Both of the above work.@HSELive

— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) October 18, 2021

“If unvaccinated, you’re at higher risk, resulting in a disproportionate impact.” Mr Reid tweeted.

“Do the right thing. For the rest of us, time to do the basics well again. Both of the above work.”