Health officials have announced a further 1,914 COVID cases this afternoon.
This morning, there were 413 coronavirus patients in Irish hospitals – down two on yesterday but up 16.5% on this day last week.
There were 73 in intensive case, which is up three on yesterday but the same figure as last week.
The five-day moving average has increased to 1,686.
The recent rise in cases have led to concerns next week’s reopening will not go ahead as planned – with some calls for vaccine passports to remain in use.
The Taoiseach has said the government will be looking at rules around vaccine certs when making a decision on easing Covid restrictions next week.
Some ministers would like to see an extension of the Digital Covid Certs for dining indoors beyond October 22nd.
It comes amid increasing numbers of new Covid cases and hospitalisations.
Speaking to Cork's 96FM and C103 News, Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the Government will make a decision early next week:
"There's not a whole lot left to reopen, I think behaviour is a factor, but I think we will be looking at vaccine certs."
