Leo Varadkar thanks the public as hospital numbers fall for first time since October

As of this morning, there are 487 confirmed cases of Covid among hospital patients in Ireland, with 64 people discharged within the last 24 hours. There are 114 people in ICU, up four since the same time yesterday. On this day last week, there were 536 people in hospital with the virus.

Taking to social media the Tánaiste shared his gratitude to the public.

“The numbers of people in hospital has fallen below 500 for the first time since October.”

“The Plan is working - 3rd doses, masks, test & isolate, physical distancing,” he said.

“Thank you for what you are doing. Please don’t lose heart. Let’s all have a safe Christmas,” he wrote, adding “#protectourprogress.”

It comes as the qualified doctor took to social media this week to demonstrate how to use anm antigen test.

In the video, titled ‘Antigen tests are easy to use but it’s important to use them right’, Leo offers an explainer on how to use the tests alongside the hashtags #whentoantigen and #protectourprogress.

Yesterday, the Cabinet accepted NPHET’s recommendations on new restrictions in the lead up to Christmas.

New rules see a limit on households mixing, with hosts allowed to extend a welcome to people from up to three other households.

After reopening in October for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, all nightclubs must once again close their doors until at least January 9th. All other indoor venues will have to impose a 50% capacity for events. Tables at bars and restaurants should seat no more than six people, with multiple table bookings to be scrapped in a bid to prevent mingling between groups.

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be reopened to people who lose their jobs due to these restrictions.

Yesterday were a further 5,419 cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland, the Department of Health has said.