The numbers are going in the right direction.

The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet again today to discuss the next steps in Ireland’s battle with Covid-19, as businesses call for clarity on whether they will be allowed to reopen in December.

A further 362 cases of coronavirus were confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours, with two deaths from the disease, one of which occurred in October. The second death remains under investigation.

Of the new cases, 24 were in Cork, with 90 in Dublin, 48 in Donegal, 34 in Limerick, 29 in Louth, 24 in Limerick and the remaining cases spread across 21 other counties.

The median age for new confirmed coronavirus cases is now 41 years old.

This week Taoiseach Micheal Martin revealed that, depending on the Covid-19 figures in the coming weeks, the Government is hoping to reopen the country under ‘Level 3’ restrictions by December 1st.

‘Continue to social distance’

Level 3 would potentially see pubs open for outdoor service, retail stores and services such as hairdressers and barbers reopen with protective measures in place. Gatherings would still be banned and the public would be advised against leaving their home county.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that, while the profile of the disease is improving, “it does not mean it is time to take a step back from our adherence to public health guidelines.”

“I urge everyone to redouble their efforts, try and have fewer close contacts this week than you did last week, continue to social distance and follow the other vitally important public health guidelines,” he said.

“I also want to thank those who have self-isolated after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result; or having been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case. Self-isolating is a vital measure in our efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and it is essential that all those asked to self-isolate continue to do so.”