The situation is deteriorating rapidly.

A further 1,718 new cases and 13 deaths have been confirmed this evening as swabbing centres nationwide struggle to cope with a 41% increase in demand for Covid-19 testing.

Of the new cases, 358 are in Dublin, with 164 in Cork, 155 in Louth, 150 in Donegal and 112 in Galway. The remaining 779 cases are spread across all other counties.

“Ireland is no longer in a containment phase and is once again in a mitigation phase,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health.

“Given the current levels of transmission in the community, every individual should consider themselves potentially infectious.

“It is essential that we all limit our contacts to our own household now, restrict our movements and do not give COVID-19 any further opportunities to spread. Everyone needs to stay at home other than for essential work or care. This is not the time to be visiting other houses.”

With An Taoiseach Micheál Martin expected to announce a return to full Level 5 coronavirus restrictions at around 6pm, the National Public Health Emergency Team’s latest recommendations were discussed at an emergency meeting of the Cabinet this afternoon.

Tightened restrictions are expected to include a 5km travel limit, extended school holidays until January 11th, 2021 and the closure of all non-essential retail.

More to follow…